Luxury Travel to Kibale Forest National Park made for you

Set against a stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the Mountains of the Moon beyond, Kyaninga Lodge is the spectacular result of Englishman Steve Williams’ vision, six years of unwavering commitment and over a thousand hand carved logs. Eight cottages perch on platforms strung out along the crater’s rim, connected by a snaking wooden walkway. Each is spacious with twin or double beds, an indoor seating area leading out onto a private balcony, luxurious en suite bathrooms and incredible views all round. The main lodge has an open fireplace and welcoming lounge area, decking areas and a spectacularly set swimming pool. It also houses the restaurant which serves classical European cuisine, tweaked to make use of local ingredients, most of which are hand-picked from Kyaninga Lodge’s own kitchen garden. The lodge is perfectly placed for chimpanzee tracking and hikes inside Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park is two hours away and there are some wonderful community projects to visit nearby.

Papaya Lake Lodge sits one of Uganda’s most scenic regions, on the edge of Lake Lyantonde with the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains to the west and surrounded by countless vanilla, banana, coffee and tea plantations. With a vibe of traditional East African and eco-luxury style, and embracing local artisan craftsmanship, nine bright and spacious cottages are situated on the slope of an extinct volcano, each hidden for the others by greenery. Eight of the cottages feature two beds (one king-size and one single), local stone-decorated bathrooms with shower and verandas equipped with deckchairs. The ninth cottage is a two-floor villa boasting three bedrooms, a fireplace-lit living room, a spacious bathroom and a large terrace. Cuisine is a unique fusion influences from all over the world with fresh local ingredients and produce from the garden, to be enjoyed in the communal dining area lit at night by kerosene lamps. This is also the setting for a bar that serves fine Ugandan coffee and cocktails, and the panoramic swimming pool. Guests can track chimpanzees in neighbouring Kibale Forest National Park, head out on hikes, go on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park or even take an unforgettable hot air balloon flight.

Set on the banks of the pristine Munyanga River and facing the Impenetrable Forest, Mahogany Springs is a beautiful lodge with a real emphasis on service. A huge terrace wraps around the main building, from where guests can enjoy views of the forest and relax to the sound of the river flowing gently by. Sink into a chair in front of the fireplace in the living room with a book, or enjoy a drink from the bar before sitting down to dinner in the restaurant or out on the terrace. Most of the produce used is grown on-site to ensure everything is as fresh as it is delicious. Each suite bears the name of English royals, both past and present, and feature large double doors and windows and en-suite bathrooms with open terracotta showers. They also have private balconies with panoramic views over the grounds, river and the surrounding forest. For the ultimate private getaway, the presidential suite features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a spacious living room and a large private terrace. There is plenty to keep you occupied during your stay at Mahogany Springs, including gorilla tracking, birdwatching, tree planting, and nature walks. And once you’re done exploring, it is the perfect place to simply relax, unwind and take in the beautiful environment.