For the ultimate off-the-beaten path safari, consider some of these extraordinary lodges in Uganda. From remote savanna landscapes to riverside views, they offer luxury in the midst of the wilderness. Travelers can track gorillas through the mountainside forests of an inactive volcano, visit with members of the local tribe, raft the rapids of the Nile, or watch elephants meander down the riverbanks.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that reconnects you with the world. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite off-the-beaten path lodges in Uganda’s remarkable safari destinations.
#1. Apoka Lodge
Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most remote park, and Apoka Lodge is its crown jewel. Jagged rocky outcrops, golden grass plains, and gorgeous sunsets are hallmarks of the region, and the abundant wildlife doesn’t disappoint, either. Lions, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, zebra, and Cape Buffalo are just a few of the species found in the park.
With ten spacious cottages, this intimate lodge offers endless views of the savanna and classic African style.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ten exclusive cottages with soaring thatched ceilings, handcrafted furniture, and private terrace (pictured at top)
- Open-air main lodge with plush furniture and communal dining
- Inviting swimming pool carved out of rock overlooks the savanna and nearby wildlife
- Activities include game drives, village visits & cultural performances with the local Karamojong, sundowners and bush breakfasts, and walking safaris.
IDEAL FOR:
Game viewing and cultural experiences in the remote wilderness
#2. Semliki Safari Lodge
Perched in the secluded Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Semliki Lodge is a throwback to the iconic luxury tented lodges of Africa.
The luxurious tented rooms mean comfort and style in the wilderness. Guests wake to coffee or tea served at their door, and an open-air main lodge offers communal dining and plush furniture for relaxing after a game drive.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Eight tented rooms with hardwood floors, thatched canopies overhead, and Persian rugs underfoot
- Main lodge features communal dining, areas for lounging, and views of the riverine forest. Outdoor amenities include a campfire, pool area, and patio bar.
- Activities include birdwatching, game drives, bush walks, boat trips on Lake Albert, and day trips to Semliki National Park
IDEAL FOR:
Luxury and wilderness-focused adventures
“One evening we spotted three adult and two baby elephants through the trees. We tried to keep pace in the Landcruiser, but suddenly they vanished. Ten tons of elephant had simply melted into thin air! What I felt was not disappointment, but thrill…Semliki is for the animals and they will reveal themselves only at their convenience. There's something to be said for being in a place where the animals can hide themselves. Instead of trying to complete some absurd checklist, I allowed my other senses leeway."
#3. Wildwaters Lodge
Located on Kalagala Island in the midst of the River Nile, Wildwaters Lodge is a luxurious and intimate retreat. Each suite is linked by raised wooden walkways and have free-standing open air bathtubs on the secluded private balconies, overlooking the surrounding Nile rapids.
The lodge is only reached by boat, making it an exciting and exclusive getaway. Adventures in the area include kayaking, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, fishing, and horseback riding.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ten spacious and modern suites featuring private balconies, daybeds, and locally crafted furniture
- The lodge features a restaurant, bar, library, main gathering area, and pool perched along the river’s edge
- Romantic getaway in Eastern Uganda
- Excellent base for adventures in Jinja and the surrounding area
IDEAL FOR:
Unique safari adventures and leisure in a gorgeous setting
#4. Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Found in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park—famous for its tree-climbing lions—Ishasha Wilderness camp features ten tented rooms on the banks of Ntungwe River. Each tented room offers stylish comfort and a private verandah overlooking the river, and the lodge puts eco-friendly practices to work to reduce its environmental footprint.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ten luxury tented rooms with private verandah and en-suite bathroom
- Also features a main lodge with bar & restaurant, campfire, and the option of outdoor dining along the river
- Popular activities include game drives on the Ishasha Plains, wildlife and birdwatching walks, cultural visits, bush breakfasts, and sundowners on the ridge to savor the view
- Makes an excellent stopping point when heading south out of Queen Elizabeth National Park towards Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations
IDEAL FOR:
Wildlife lovers looking for an escape in nature
#5. Mt. Gahinga Lodge
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mount Gahinga Lodge offers tranquil, exclusive cottages, just moments from the region’s gorilla trekking trailhead. Each circular banda is crafted from natural materials and decorated with traditional artisanal designed, creating an understated yet luxurious base for travelers looking to visit the region’s famed mountain gorillas.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Luxury stone bandas with thatched roof, private verandah, and fireplace
- Complimentary half-hour massage and personal butler service for all guests
- Cultural experiences in the Gahinga Batwa Village; Lodge-supported community projects include a vocational center and permanent settlement for the displaced Batwa tribe
- Excellent base for gorilla trekking, hiking the nearby volcanoes, village walks, and golden monkey trekking, with a private footpath to access gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park
IDEAL FOR:
Gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey trekking
Want more? Check out these luxury primate trekking lodges in Uganda or browse itinerary ideas. Every Hornbill safari is customized to meet your travel needs, so contact us to create your own private tour.
