Staying in The Most Charming Lodge in Entebbe

I don’t recall the exact moment I discovered Entebbe Forest Lodge. I suspect I had been scouring the internet for the best place to stay for an upcoming trip to Uganda. My first planned stop was Kampala, so accommodation there was my main focus. My vision was a peaceful, serene environment – preferably somewhere surrounded by nature. Could such a thing exist in Kampala? I wasn’t sure.

Almost every post about Uganda I’d seen featured travellers arriving in Entebbe and driving straight to Kampala or another destination to begin their journey. But when I discovered that, unlike Kampala, Entebbe had a closer shoreline on Lake Victoria, I started exploring accommodation options by the lake. That’s when I found Entebbe Forest Lodge.

Booking a Stay at Entebbe Forest Lodge

Nestled within a lush forest on the shores of Lake Victoria, the lodge offered exactly what I’d been searching for – a tranquil escape that didn’t sacrifice convenience. Located within 30 minutes of Entebbe International Airport, yet worlds away from the usual chaos of city living, Entebbe Forest Lodge promised the perfect introduction to Uganda. I reached out and booked my stay immediately.

If there’s one thing this trip to Uganda taught me, it’s that some accommodations are better booked directly with the property. In the past, I’ve always used Booking.com and have had consistently great service through the platform.

However, I couldn’t find Entebbe Forest Lodge listed there. What I did find was their nightly rate on their website. After reaching out via email, I secured a substantial discount – and my stay was already off to a great start!

Getting to Entebbe Forest Lodge

Since the lodge was fairly new and I was concerned about finding it on my own, I arranged for a pickup through the property. When I arrived at 9 am, the lodge’s driver was already waiting at the airport with my name on a sign. We travelled about 30 minutes along paved and dirt roads to reach the gate.

The difference was striking as we pulled onto the premises. Lush forest trees immediately replaced the open sky, providing instant shade and a noticeably cooler temperature.

First Impressions of Entebbe Forest Lodge

I was greeted with the warmest welcome and a refreshing welcome drink. Despite the early hour, the staff promptly checked me in and gave me a brief tour of the lodge before showing me to my cabin – one of only eight on the property. I’m happy to report it was even more stunning in person, so much so that I immediately started planning a return trip with Mark.

The cabins are spaced generously apart, making each one feel private and secluded. And oh, the details! I loved everything – the large glass windows, the charming bathroom, the views from the bed, the daybed area—it was all simply stunning!

After settling in and relaxing for a while, I needed to make a quick run to Kampala to pick something up. I was initially worried about the traffic situation, as I’d heard it could get quite bad, but I was lucky to experience traffic-free roads both ways.

By the time I returned, it was lunchtime at the lodge. I had initially booked a half-board stay, but given the lodge’s remote location and the fact that once I arrived, I didn’t want to leave, I decided to have all my meals on-site.

Lunch at Entebbe Forest Lodge

Lunch at the lodge was truly enjoyable. It was a proper four-course meal that left me completely stuffed in the best way possible. We started with a stuffed aubergine, which I’ll admit I was a bit sceptical about when I first saw it on the menu, but it turned out to be delicious.

Then came a comforting bowl of vegetable soup, followed by a rice and beef dish that hit the spot, and finally, a vibrant fruit kebab to finish things off.

Each course was delicious and hearty, the kind of meal that makes you want to find a hammock and drift straight into a food coma. Luckily, Entebbe Forest Lodge has just the spot for that!

After my meal, I decided to go kayaking, one of the activities available to guests at the lodge. However, the waves were too choppy, so I chose to save it for the next morning when the water would be calmer.

An Unexpected Encounter

I headed back to my room, looking forward to a relaxing bath. Everything was going perfectly until something unexpected happened.

While soaking in the tub, I heard a sudden thud against the glass window. Curious, I stepped out to take a look and was surprised to find a green snake sprawled just outside my cabin. It seemed to have fallen from the tree above or from the roof.

If I needed any reminder that I was truly in the middle of a forest, this was it! My heart skipped a beat as I watched it slither near the cabin. The thought that I had just been outside taking photos moments earlier, completely oblivious to my soon-to-be visitor, was quite unsettling.

Several staff members tried to reassure me with the classic line, “They’re more scared of you than you are of them.” The words offered little comfort in the moment, but I appreciated the effort nonetheless.

For a few moments, I was genuinely worried it might decide to wiggle into my room. I was so uneasy that I called reception. Thankfully, the snake never made its way inside, but I was really grateful for how quickly the lodge responded, sending someone to check on both the snake and my peace of mind.

Winding Down…

Once my pulse returned to normal, I treated myself to a refreshing swim as the day began to wind down. The water was absolutely perfect – cool and inviting after the day’s excitement.

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel

eSIM: Get your travel eSIM here

I then found myself a prime spot in the sundowner area, and settled in to watch what turned out to be one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever witnessed over Lake Victoria. It was one of those moments where you just stop and think, “Yes, this is why I travel.”

Dinner was another fantastic four-course meal, though if I’m being completely honest, I’d rate it just a touch below lunch – perhaps my expectations had been set impossibly high, or maybe I was still full from earlier! That said, it was still absolutely delicious, and I appreciated that drinks were included with all meals.

The Morning After…

The next morning, I forced myself out of bed early – no easy feat – to catch the sunrise over the lake. And wow, was it worth dragging myself from those cosy sheets! The early morning light was magical, but the real highlight was the wildlife.

I was absolutely delighted to spot a group of otters playing along the shore, darting in and out of the water. For some reason, I never expected to find otters here, so seeing them was a genuine thrill. I also spotted a huge monitor lizard basking in the first rays of sunshine.

Now, I’ll be honest, I’m not too keen on being in close proximity to monitor lizards, but from a safe distance, the sighting was still pretty exciting. Otters, though? They get a full pass. Cuteness definitely wins every time!

With the lake now calm and welcoming, I finally got my chance to kayak. I went with a staff member, and it was incredibly relaxing, gliding across the smooth water with nothing but the sound of our paddles breaking the surface and the occasional bird call. The peacefulness of it all was exactly what I’d been hoping for the day before.

After working up an appetite on the water, I headed to breakfast, which was, predictably, another delicious spread. Shortly after finishing my meal, the rain began to fall. I moved indoors to wait it out.

Fortunately, it stopped long enough for me to join one of the staff members for a nature walk around the property. The walk was the perfect way to end my stay. We wandered through the grounds, learning about the local flora and fauna, before concluding our journey at the lodge’s farm.

There, I watched Ankole cows graze peacefully in the lush grass. It was a grounding moment that reminded me of the simple beauty of this place. And just like that, my short stay in Entebbe came to an end.

Between the stunning sunsets, early morning wildlife encounters, and peaceful moments on the lake, Entebbe Forest Lodge gave me exactly what I needed. The abundance of wildlife made every moment feel like a gentle adventure. But what really stood out was the genuine kindness of the staff, who made sure I felt looked after at every turn.

As I packed my bags and prepared to transfer to my colleague’s home in Kampala, I found myself already thinking about when I might return. Some places just stay with you like that, and this lodge is definitely one of them.