{“type”:”block”,”srcClientIds”:[“98941b17-ed9a-4e87-96f7-4ed0e4e0e80b”],”srcRootClientId”:””}A challenge faced by many couples is deciding where to go on their honeymoon. Most of the well-known destinations, such as Cape Town, Dubai or Seychelles, are not only very expensive but require a lot of advance planning in acquiring travel visas and booking accommodation. Planning for a honeymoon does not need to be stressful or cost you a lot of money. We have scouted the entire country and selected 11 honeymoon destinations that could very well be Uganda’s best kept secret.
Note: Rates given are subject to revision by the proprietor. Please get in touch with your preferred destination before you arrange for your honeymoon.
1. WILDWATERS LODGE: JINJA
Where: Nestled in a private and luxuriant rain forest on its own private island on the Mighty Nile, Wildwaters Lodge offers the honeymooners an unforgettable stay. The expansive canvas covered traditionally thatched rooms each have private decks with bath tubs and wash sinks. Because of its location amidst the rapids of you will enjoy an unbelievable stay, cooled by the constant breeze from the racing rapids.
How Much: Residents: USD150, Non-residents: USD230
Honeymoon Package: Half price for the bride.
The Rooms: 10 double rooms with a day bed
What to Enjoy: river wildlife, bird watching, bungee jumping, white water rafting
Contacts: +256772237400, +256392776669, www.wildwaterslodge.com, info@wild-uganda.com
2. KYANINGA LODGE: FORT PORTAL
Where: With the majestic Rwenzori mountain range as a backdrop and the calm waters of the lake below, the lodge offers a stunning and peaceful haven for its guests. Set only 12km north of Fort Portal town the lodge is beautifully situated at the rim of the small crater lake, Lake Kyaninga and only 1 hour from the Kibale National park, home to over 1000 chimpanzees and other wildlife.
How Much: USD340 per couple per night
The Rooms: 8 en-suite cottages with private verandahs.
What to Enjoy: Swimming, fishing, sundowners, nature trails in Kibale National Park, spa, lakeside walks, tennis
Contacts: +256772999750, +256794304211, www.kyaningalodge.com,info@kyaningalodge.com
3. NDALI LODGE: FORT PORTAL
Where: 26km (or 1 hour’s drive) south of Fort Portal town on the shores of the crater lake, Lake Nyinambuga, Ndali Lodge was established in the 1992 on a former tea estate. Its position within easy reach of the Kibale Forest National Park and the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary in the great lakes region provides its guests with lots of activities that include bird and monkey watching, guided walks around the property and to the nearby Muhoma Falls.
How Much: USD360 per night
The Rooms: 8 self-contained cottages with private verandah
What to Enjoy: Bird watching, monkey watching, swimming, nature trails
Contacts: +256772221309, www.ndalilodge.com, info@ndalilodge.com
4. RAIN FOREST LODGE: LUGAZI
Where: Built using locally sourced materials, the lodge is stunningly beautiful and offers visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the Mabira Forest Reserve. The Rain Forest Lodge exhibits the peace and calm one can expect in an equatorial hardwood rainforest.
How Much: USD330 per night
The Rooms: 7 double and 5 twin en-suite rooms with 180-degree views of the forest
What to Enjoy: Nature trails, swimming, bird and butterfly watching, yoga studio, mountain biking
Contacts: +256414258273, +256312260758(Geo Lodges), www.geolodgesafr
ica.com, reservations@geolodgesafrica.com
5. PINEAPPLE BAY: BULAGO ISLAND
Where: Set only 45 minutes from the capital on the breathtakingly beautiful Bulago Island in Lake Victoria, Pineapple, one of the Wildplaces lodges, is truly a honeymooner’s dream destination. White sandy beaches, fresh fruits, wide views over the lake are some of the many things you will enjoy when you visit. With acres of beautiful grounds to explore and minutes away from the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary your stay will not only be relaxing but memorable too.
How Much: from USD185 per night (excludes boat transfers)
The Rooms: Both lake and garden cottages
What to Enjoy: relaxing walks, bird watching, line fishing, dazzling sunsets
Contacts: +256414251182,+256772489497,www.wildplacesafrica.com, info@wildplacesafrica.com
6. CRATER BAY COTTAGES: KABALE
Where: On the shores of Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale sit the picturesque Crater Bay Cottages. Set on well manicured lawn terraces, Crater Bay Cottages gives a welcoming, relaxing and refreshing view of the crater lake.
How Much: from USD50 per night
The Rooms: 12 cottages, 8 rooms, camping grounds,
What to Enjoy: lake canoeing, relaxing walks, bird watching,
Contacts: +256486426255, +256392825467, +256772643996, www.craterbaycottageslakebunyonyi.com, craterbay@yahoo.com
7. NGAMBA CHIMPAZEE SANCTUARY: NGAMBA ISLAND
Where: Surrounded by the peaceful waters of Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to 49 orphaned chimps rescued from throughout Uganda. Island facilities offer day trips and overnight trips which provide exceptional opportunity to closely observe and interact with these fascinating great apes in this unique setting.
How Much: USD 1294 per couple for 3 days ( includes activities, airport transfers, entrance fees, accomodation and meals)
The Rooms: 4 twin-bed en-suite tents
What to Enjoy: kayaking, swimming on the equator, bird-watching, nature trails, fishing sunset cruises, visits to the chimp sanctuary
Contacts: +256414320662, www.ngambaisland.org, info@ngambaisland.org
8. THE HAVEN: JINJA
Where: Overlooking the river, The Haven offers tranquility and a breathtaking view of the first rapids of the majestic Nile. Located approximately 20km northwest of Jinja town, it is only a 2 hours drive from Kampala City. With various facilities available that include camping grounds, family sized and luxury cottages you will be spoiled for choice.
How Much: USD290 per night for honeymooners
The Rooms: Camping grounds, 9 bungalows/ bandas, secluded honeymoon bungalow
What to Enjoy: Fishing, bird watching, river canoeing, mountain biking, swimming
Contacts: +256702905959, www.thehaven-uganda.com, thehavenuganda@yahoo.com
9. APOKA SAFARI LODGE: KARAMOJA
Where: With golden grass plains and jagged hills surrounding it, Apoka Safari Lodge is set in Kidepo National Game Park, the country’s remotest game park from the capital. Abundant wildlife will keep you transfixed as you gaze upon lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and herds of buffalo.
Top Things to do in Apoka Safari Lodge:
- Game drives at Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley drive
- Cultural activities & Visit to the Karamojong Village (Manyatta’s)
- star gazing
- Hiking and nature walks
- Listen to the animals roar at night while relaxing
- Mountain biking
- Visit the Batwa pigmies and interact with the villagers
- Enjoy the beautiful and scenic evening sunsets
- And discover the islands
Click here Visit Apoka Safari Lodges Website
10. SERENADA ECO RESORT: MUKONO
Where: Take a 20 minutes boat ride from Ggaba on Lake Victoria and you will arrive at the tranquil Serenada Eco Resort. Nestled within a natural forest on the shores of the lake, the resort offers you a relaxing stay that is a world away from the bustling Kampala city just across the water. Abundant wildlife, bird species, colourful floral and fauna and secluded gardens will hold you captive for longer than your stay.
How Much: USD230 per couple per night (excludes boat transfers)
The Rooms: Honeymoon en-suite cottage, twin-bed tents, camping grounds
What to Enjoy: bird watching, nature trails, mountain climbing, camping, papyrus canoeing
Contacts: +256701493033, +256787704346,www.serenadaecoresort.com, serenadakyaggwe@gmail.com
11. LAKE BUNYONYI- A LAKE OF LITTLE BIRDS
Where: Lake Bunyonyi and its 29 islands also known as a lake of little birds is located in south-western Uganda between the towns of Kisoro and Kabale, caters for everything any honeymooner can dream of. Visitors can expect Calm, boat rides, enyoying the beautiful sunet in the evenings and taking a swim. Staying at the lake is quite affordable since camping is available and luxury lodging is available.
Top Things to do in Lake Bunyonyi:
- Relax while listening to different bird sounds
- A dugout canoe Safari
- Swimming, as the lake is free of crocodiles and hippos
- Bird Watching ( Bunyunyi means a place of little birds and the lake is home to over 200 bird species)
- Nature walks and hikes
- Mountain biking
- Visit the Batwa pigmies and interact with the villagers
- Enjoy the beautiful and scenic evening sunsets
- And discover the islands
Click here Visit Lonely Planets for deals around Lake Bunyonyi
12. HERITAGE SAFARI LODGE-PAKWACH FOR AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE
Where: Sitting on the banks of the White Nile in Murchison National Park, Heritage Safari Lodge invites you to relax in its serene environment. Immerse yourself in the majesty of nature at the nearby hot springs and Karuma Falls, or the wealth of the local Acholi culture with the delicious local cuisine and cultural performances at the lodge.
Top Things to do in Heritage Safari Lodge-Pakwach:
- Game drives & Experience exciting wildlife spectacles
- Enjoy the Acholi cultural tradition and dances
- River cruises
- Biking
- Hiking
- Nature trails
- Fishing
- Evening bonfire’s
- And watch the stunning landscapes
