Choosing the right Uganda safari lodges can make or break your trip. A good lodge puts you close to the gorillas before dawn, gives you a hot shower after a muddy trek, and serves dinner with a view you will remember for years.
This guide brings together our favorite lodges, camps and hotels in every park and town on a typical Uganda safari, from simple community rest camps to luxury forest lodges. Every lodge here is one we book for our own guests, so the advice comes from real stays, not brochures.
How We Choose Our Uganda Safari Lodges
Our team visits the lodges we recommend and listens closely to what guests tell us after each trip. When we pick Uganda safari lodges for an itinerary, we look at five things:
- Location: how close the lodge is to your activity, especially your gorilla trekking sector
- Service: friendly staff, good food and help with early starts and packed lunches
- Comfort: clean en suite rooms, hot water, good beds and reliable power
- Setting: the view, the wildlife around camp and the feel of the place
- Value: whether the price matches what you actually get
We also favor Uganda safari lodges that employ local staff and support nearby communities. Our guide to ecolodges in Uganda covers the most sustainable options in more detail.
Uganda Safari Lodges by Budget: What to Expect
We group Uganda safari lodges into four levels. Prices below are a rough guide per person per night, sharing a room on full board, and vary by season and room type.
| Level | What You Get | Typical Price Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Simple rooms, bandas or tents, sometimes shared bathrooms, basic meals | US$60 to US$150 |
| Mid-range | Comfortable en suite rooms or tents in good locations, hearty meals | US$150 to US$300 |
| Upmarket | Spacious rooms, better food and service, often a pool and great views | US$300 to US$500 |
| Luxury | Exclusive lodges, fine dining, spa treatments and personal service | US$500 to US$1,500 or more |
Most of our guests choose mid-range Uganda safari lodges, which give the best balance of comfort and price. For a lower-cost trip, see our budget Uganda safaris. For the finest stays, see our Uganda luxury safaris and our guide to luxury accommodation in Uganda.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Short on time? Here are our favorite Uganda safari lodges at each level in the most visited parks.
| Park | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bwindi (Buhoma) | Buhoma Community Rest Camp | Engagi Lodge | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp |
| Bwindi (Rushaga) | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Gorilla Valley Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge |
| Bwindi (Nkuringo) | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge |
| Queen Elizabeth | Simba Safari Camp | Enganzi Lodge | Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
| Kibale | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Primate Lodge Kibale | Kyaninga Lodge |
| Murchison Falls | Red Chilli Rest Camp | Pakuba Safari Lodge | Baker's Lodge |
| Lake Mburo | Eagle's Nest | Rwakobo Rock | Mihingo Lodge |
| Kidepo Valley | Apoka Rest Camp | Kidepo Savannah Lodge | Apoka Safari Lodge |
Uganda Safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi has four gorilla trekking sectors, and the most important rule is simple: stay in the same sector as your gorilla permit. Treks start at around 8 AM, and driving between sectors can take two to four hours on mountain roads. Our guide to the Bwindi gorilla sectors explains how they compare.
Buhoma Sector (North)
Buhoma has the widest choice of lodges in Bwindi, many within walking distance of the park office. It is also the closest sector to Kihihi airstrip for fly-in safaris.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp | Luxury | Tents tucked into the forest edge, with gorillas sometimes passing through camp |
| Bwindi Lodge (Volcanoes Safaris) | Luxury | Stylish bandas facing the forest canopy and a strong community program |
| Buhoma Lodge | Luxury | Hillside cottages with forest views, a short walk from the trailhead |
| Mahogany Springs | Upmarket | Riverside suites, a spa and excellent food |
| Silverback Lodge | Mid-range | Hilltop setting with sweeping views over the forest |
| Engagi Lodge | Mid-range | Cozy cottages set in gardens near the park gate |
| Buhoma Community Rest Camp | Budget | Simple rooms right by the park, with profits supporting the local community |
Ruhija Sector (East)
Ruhija sits high on a ridge at about 2,300 meters, so nights are cold and misty. It is also the best base for birding in Bwindi.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Agandi Eco Lodge | Mid-range | Cottages with huge views over the forest and warm hospitality |
| Gorilla Mist Camp | Mid-range | Comfortable tents and cottages close to the trailhead |
| Bakiga Lodge | Budget | Community-run lodge with honest prices and friendly staff |
| Trekkers Tavern Cottages | Budget | Simple, warm cottages with a fireplace for chilly evenings |
Rushaga Sector (South)
Rushaga has the most habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, so permits are often easier to find here. Many travelers coming from Kigali choose this sector.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Chameleon Hill Lodge | Upmarket | Colorful cottages above Lake Mutanda with views of the Virunga volcanoes |
| Gorilla Valley Lodge | Mid-range | Valley views and good value, a short drive from the park office |
| Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge | Mid-range | Comfortable cottages close to the Rushaga trailhead |
| Gorilla Safari Lodge | Mid-range | Garden setting right next to the park |
| Mutanda Lake Resort | Mid-range | Lakeside cottages on Lake Mutanda, ideal for canoeing |
| Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Budget | Simple, clean rooms within walking distance of the park |
Nkuringo Sector (Southwest)
Nkuringo has the most dramatic scenery in Bwindi but the toughest treks, as you hike down into the valley and back up again.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Luxury | Stone cottages high on the Nteko ridge, among the most spectacular views in Uganda |
| Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Mid-range | Relaxed lodge on the ridge with valley and volcano views |
Want to know more about staying close to the gorillas? Read our guide to the best gorilla forest lodges.
Uganda Safari Lodges in Mgahinga and Kisoro
For gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, stay near the park gate or in Kisoro town, about 30 to 40 minutes away.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Gahinga Lodge | Luxury | Volcanic stone cottages right at the park gate |
| Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge | Mid-range | Peaceful lakeside setting between Kisoro and the park |
| Travellers Rest Hotel | Budget | A historic Kisoro hotel once frequented by Dian Fossey |
Uganda Safari Lodges at Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi, about two hours from Bwindi, is the perfect place to rest after your trek. Spend a day canoeing, swimming or island hopping. See our list of the best Lake Bunyonyi activities.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| BirdNest@Bunyonyi Resort | Upmarket | Lakeside rooms, a pool and some of the best food on the lake |
| Arcadia Cottages | Mid-range | Hilltop cottages with panoramic views over the islands |
| Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort | Budget | Island setting with simple cottages |
| Bushara Island Camp | Budget | Tents and cottages on a quiet, car-free island |
| Crater Bay Cottages | Budget | Good value cottages right on the shore |
Not sure which lodge suits you?
Tell us your budget, travel dates and gorilla sector. We will match you with the right Uganda safari lodges and send you a free quote.
Uganda Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park has two main lodge areas. The north, around Mweya and Kasenyi, is best for game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The south, in Ishasha, is home to the tree-climbing lions, and the Uganda safari lodges there are quieter and wilder. Our full guide to lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park has more choices.
Mweya, Kasenyi and the North
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Luxury | Restored coffee store overlooking the chimp-filled Kyambura Gorge |
| Mweya Safari Lodge | Upmarket | Classic lodge on the Mweya peninsula above the Kazinga Channel |
| Elephant Plains Lodge | Upmarket | Infinity pool with views across the plains |
| Katara Lodge | Upmarket | Open-fronted cottages on the rift valley escarpment |
| Enganzi Lodge | Mid-range | Great views and good value near the Kasenyi plains |
| Ihamba Safari Lodge | Mid-range | Cottages on the shore of Lake George |
| Simba Safari Camp | Budget | Simple, well-placed base close to the Kasenyi game drive tracks |
| Pumba Safari Cottages | Budget | Friendly budget cottages near the park |
Ishasha Sector (South)
Spend a night in Ishasha to search for the tree-climbing lions on your way to or from Bwindi.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Luxury | Tents along the Ntungwe River, with wildlife wandering past |
| Enjojo Lodge | Mid-range | Peaceful lodge just outside the park, with budget tents available too |
Uganda Safari Lodges in Kibale Forest and Fort Portal
Stay near Kanyanchu for an early chimp trek in Kibale Forest National Park, or choose Uganda safari lodges among the crater lakes near Fort Portal for the views. Our guide to Kibale National Park lodges covers every option.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Kyaninga Lodge | Luxury | Log cottages above a crater lake with Rwenzori Mountains views |
| Ndali Lodge | Luxury | Family-run lodge on a crater rim, with a pool and fine food |
| Papaya Lake Lodge | Luxury | Intimate lodge on a crater lake, close to Kibale |
| Crater Safari Lodge | Upmarket | Cottages with hammocks overlooking a crater lake |
| Primate Lodge Kibale | Mid-range to upmarket | Inside the forest at Kanyanchu, next to the chimp trek start |
| Turaco Treetops | Mid-range | Modern lodge on the forest edge near Kanyanchu |
| Kibale Forest Camp | Mid-range | Tented camp in the forest near Bigodi |
| Isunga Lodge | Mid-range | Quiet cottages a short drive from the park |
| Mountains of the Moon Hotel | Mid-range | Historic hotel in Fort Portal town |
| Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Budget to mid-range | Cottages on a tea estate right on the park edge |
Planning more time in the area? Our Fort Portal travel guide covers the crater lakes, tea estates and waterfalls.
Uganda Safari Lodges in Murchison Falls National Park
Most Murchison Falls lodges sit along the River Nile. Uganda safari lodges on the north bank put you closest to the best game drives, while the south bank is quieter and closer to Budongo Forest. See our full guide to lodges in Murchison Falls National Park.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Baker's Lodge | Luxury | Stylish riverside cottages on the south bank of the Nile |
| Nile Safari Lodge | Luxury | Elegant lodge with sweeping Nile views and a pool |
| Paraa Safari Lodge | Upmarket | Historic lodge on the north bank, with a pool overlooking the river |
| Chobe Safari Lodge | Upmarket | Riverside lodge beside the Karuma rapids in the park's east |
| Kabalega Wilderness Lodge | Upmarket | Peaceful cottages close to the Paraa ferry |
| Pakuba Safari Lodge | Mid-range | North bank lodge close to the Albert Nile game drive tracks |
| Murchison River Lodge | Mid-range | Riverside cottages and tents, with a budget camping option |
| Fort Murchison | Budget to mid-range | Fort-style lodge on the Nile, with rooms and safari tents |
| Red Chilli Rest Camp | Budget | Popular budget camp at Paraa, close to the ferry |
Uganda Safari Lodges in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a perfect stop between Kampala and Bwindi, with zebras, walking safaris and horseback rides. Read more in our guide to walking safaris in Lake Mburo.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Mihingo Lodge | Luxury | Rock-top lodge with a stunning pool, horseback safaris and a waterhole |
| Mburo Safari Lodge | Upmarket | Comfortable cottages near the park's eastern edge |
| Rwakobo Rock | Mid-range | Cottages on a rock outcrop near Nshara Gate, great for sunsets |
| Eagle's Nest | Budget | Hilltop tents with wide views over the park |
For a cultural stay, try a farm stay near Lake Mburo with a Bahima cattle-keeping family.
Uganda Safari Lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park
Remote Kidepo Valley National Park has only a handful of Uganda safari lodges, so book early, especially for Apoka Safari Lodge.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Apoka Safari Lodge | Luxury | The park's top lodge, with a pool carved into the rock and wildlife at the door |
| Kidepo Savannah Lodge | Mid-range | Tents and cottages on the park boundary with wide valley views |
| Adere Safari Lodge | Mid-range | Comfortable cottages on a hillside near the park |
| Apoka Rest Camp | Budget | Simple park-run bandas inside the park |
Hotels in Entebbe and Kampala
Most Uganda safaris start and end in Entebbe, home to the country's only international airport. Entebbe is calm and green, with lake views, and is ideal after a long flight. See our list of the best things to do in Entebbe.
Entebbe
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa | Luxury | Lakeside resort with a golf course and spa, between Entebbe and Kampala |
| Protea Hotel Entebbe by Marriott | Upmarket | Modern hotel on the shores of Lake Victoria |
| The Boma Hotel | Upmarket | Colonial-style boutique hotel in leafy gardens |
| Hotel No. 5 | Upmarket | Small boutique hotel with stylish rooms |
| 2 Friends Beach Hotel | Mid-range | Relaxed beachfront hotel on Lake Victoria |
| Airport Guesthouse | Mid-range | Garden guesthouse, ideal before an early flight |
| Karibu Guesthouse | Budget | Friendly, good value guesthouse close to town |
| Nkima Forest Lodge | Mid-range | Forest lodge near Mabamba Swamp, perfect for shoebill trips |
Kampala
Spend a night in the capital to explore its markets, history and nightlife. Our guide on where to stay in Kampala has more hotels, and our list of things to do in Kampala helps you plan your time.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Kampala Serena Hotel | Luxury | The city's classic five-star hotel in landscaped gardens |
| Latitude 0 Degrees | Luxury | Contemporary hotel in Makindye with city views |
| Sheraton Kampala Hotel | Upmarket | Central hotel set in large gardens |
| Speke Resort Munyonyo | Upmarket | Lakeside resort with a marina, pools and horse riding |
| Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala | Upmarket | Business-style hotel in quiet Kololo |
| Emin Pasha Hotel | Upmarket | Boutique hotel in a historic Kololo house |
| Le Petit Village | Mid-range | Boutique village-style hotel in Ggaba |
| Cassia Lodge | Mid-range | Hilltop lodge in Buziga with lake views |
Uganda Safari Lodges in Jinja, Eastern Uganda and the Ssese Islands
Jinja and the Source of the Nile
Jinja, about two hours east of Kampala, is Uganda's adventure capital, famous for white water rafting and the source of the Nile. See our full list of where to stay in Jinja.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Lemala Wildwaters Lodge | Luxury | Private island lodge surrounded by Nile rapids |
| Jinja Nile Resort | Upmarket | Large resort with Nile views and pools |
| The Haven Eco River Lodge | Mid-range to upmarket | Eco lodge overlooking a stretch of rapids |
| The Nile Porch | Mid-range | Tents and cottages on the cliff above the Nile |
| 2 Friends Jinja | Mid-range | Boutique guesthouse with a pool in Jinja town |
| Explorers River Camp | Budget | Lively riverside camp popular with rafters |
Sipi Falls, Mbale and Mount Elgon
Eastern Uganda is cooler and greener, with waterfalls, coffee farms and hikes on Mount Elgon. Our guides to Sipi Falls and where to stay in eastern Uganda have more ideas.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Sipi River Lodge | Upmarket | Garden cottages beside one of the Sipi waterfalls |
| Mount Elgon Hotel and Spa | Mid-range | Comfortable hotel in Mbale with a spa |
| Lacam Lodge | Budget | Simple lodge with views of the main Sipi waterfall |
Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria
The Ssese Islands make a relaxing beach break at the end of a safari. Read more about where to stay in the Ssese Islands.
| Lodge | Style | Why We Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Brovad Sands Lodge | Mid-range | Beachfront lodge with a pool on Bugala Island |
| Victoria Forest Resort | Mid-range | Forest and beach setting on Bugala Island |
| Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel | Mid-range | Quiet beach hotel with lake views |
Tips for Booking Uganda Safari Lodges
- Book early for peak season. From June to September and December to February, the best Uganda safari lodges fill up months ahead, just like gorilla permits.
- Match your lodge to your permit. In Bwindi, always stay in the sector where you will trek.
- Choose full board. Most lodges are remote, so full board (all meals) is normal and simplest.
- Pack layers. Bwindi and the crater lakes get cold at night, even near the equator.
- Expect limited power and Wi-Fi. Many lodges use solar power and generators. See our tips on staying connected on a safari.
- Ask about family rooms. Many lodges have family cottages. See our family safaris in Uganda.
When you book with us, we choose Uganda safari lodges that fit your route, budget and travel style, and we can mix levels, for example a luxury lodge for gorilla trekking and mid-range lodges elsewhere.
Uganda Safari Packages With Hand-Picked Lodges
Every safari below includes lodges we have chosen and tested, a private 4x4 vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, and park fees. We can upgrade or adjust any lodge to fit your budget.
Continue Planning Your Trip
The right lodge turns a good safari into a great one. Tell us where you want to go and how you like to travel, and we will build your trip around the Uganda safari lodges that suit you best.
Let us choose your safari lodges
Share your dates, group size and budget. We will check lodge availability, secure your permits and send you a free, tailor-made quote.
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