Page 15 - July - Sept 2023 Edition

7 Days West 3) Nataaha Hotel:

A place so nice, we stayed here twice! Four very tastefully-appointed 3-bed, 3-bath suites
(which can be rented as whole units, or as individual en-suite bedrooms). Quality linens and
little restaurant and bar offering a variety of items including pizzas with generous toppings!
(and a couple of minutes north and south) mattresses. Extremely quiet location, yet not-at-all far from the main highway. Also a pleasant
Delicious breakfasts included, made-to-order. Staff are excellent communicators, and are
by Dr. Nathaniel Dunigan, @nathaniel.dunigan (f) clearly eager to please. This setting would also be perfect for small retreats or other group-stays.
Photos by Nsereko Tom & Definitely my new go-to in Mbarara. www.nataahahotels.com, +256 705 111133,
@nataahahotels (f) (SEE AD PAGE 60)
Photo of Little Elephant Camp by LEC
4) Equator Picnic:
Two friends and I recently set off on a western tour. Our goals were to explore one of As you travel north into Kibale National Park, you’ll again cross the equator. The marker here is
Uganda’s newly “urban” settings, and then to search for lesser-known offerings of history, art subtle, surrounded by a stand of eucalyptus trees. We enjoyed an impromptu cheese and
and culture - combine them with stays in very-private accommodations in TWO NATIONAL crackers picnic while listening to the whisper of the wind in the trees on this very quiet stretch of
PARKS, along with picnics and scrummy lunches out - as well as the more traditional road. Bring a mat or blanket. 90 km north of Mbarara.
components of a great safari; all in just seven days.
(Follow the map-bullets below. An extended version and more photos are at theeye.ug) 5) Turaco Treetops:
A flawless experience awaits you at this superb lodge, with more than competitive prices. The
cottages and rooms are very private perches, just at the boundary of the national park
Fort Portal
(meaning no UWA fees to stay here). ‘Tasteful,’ ‘comfortable’ and ‘thoughtful’ are words which
5 come to mind at every turn. Not to mention the word ‘delicious!’ The menu changes daily. For
6 us, choices included a very tender bacon wrapped beef fillet, veggie wrapped zucchini with a
KAMPALA
yoghurt sauce, salads with treats unexpected upcountry: things like capers, pickles, and olives.
Kasese
Kasese
8 7 7 Kasese 4 EQ Dinner’s dessert was a parfait with a chocolate-dipped banana, which might sound pedestrian,
yet it was anything but! We all agree it was the most wonderfully decadent dessert we have had
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in ages. (All dietary restrictions can be accommodated with notice.) But the real star of the show
10 of course, is the forest in whose treetops you have nested. Do the forest, swamp and primate
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walks, have a swim, and ride the mountain bikes - then drift off for a nap on any of the super
3 3 soft sofas on various decks and hideouts or in your own luxurious bed, as you listen to the
1 2 3 3 13 welcoming chatter of the many critters and birds who call the forest home. +256 757 152323,
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Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara turacotreetops.com, @turacotreetops (i) @turacotreetopslodge (f) (SEE AD PAGE 51)
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara
6) Rwenzori Founders Art Centre:
1) Ankole Palace Site: This vast campus is essentially a small botanical garden, their hiking trail into the Rwenzori
Originally opened in 1954, this was the residence of the Ankole Royals until 1966, when foothills is accessible and worthwhile, the bronze foundry and the sculpture gallery do not
then-Prime-Minister Obote introduced to the public a pigeonhole constitution which would disappoint. Coffee and cookies, too! Free admission to gardens and gallery. Foundry Tour $10.
lead to his presidency, abolish all kingdoms, send the kings into exile, and this home into (SEE AD PAGE 53)
ruin. Now being restored by the Ministry of Tourism, many of the palace’s original artifacts
are also set to be returned from their current location at the Uganda Museum, completing 7) Little Elephant Camp:
this site as a museum in its own right. At time of print, visitors are welcome to tour the 12 MAGICAL! Comfortable and safe in the bush—this is glamping and self-catering made
acre campus for free. Buildings are not yet open and no guides are on site, but I still found delightful in every way. Each tent is privately positioned and appointed—with comfy beds,
quality linens, solar lights, charging stations, and en-suite bathroom with hot, outdoor shower.
a short visit worthwhile. GPS pin not accurate. Find it adjacent to the main gate of M.U.B.S.’ Your very own mess tent makes cooking a joy and a breeze. (They are also happy to deliver
Mbarara campus.
DELICIOUS ready-to-cook meals). Thoughtful staff members quietly appear on cue to light your
campfire, lanterns, and grill, and to tend to housekeeping; otherwise it’s just you and the truly
GREAT Rift Valley. +256 787 722355, littleelephantcamp.com, @LittleElephantCamp (f i)
2) Cafe Havana: (SEE AD PAGE 55)
ORDER THE LASAGNA. It’s huge! One of the best I have had in the region. Add a salad and
parmesan garlic bread, and you easily have a meal for 3 or 4 people - all for only 70k TOTAL 8) Elephant Plains Lodge:
(not each). The pork ribs also nice. Vast menu with many options. Allow prep time, or order in As you proceed south, why not treat yourself to lunch on this quiet rise in a newly-styled space!
advance. WhatsApp: +256 779 494447 Above Golf Supermarket, Mbarara.
The décor offers a subtle, modern, almost monochrome take on classic safari design. The fish is
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