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Wildwaters Lodge
Wildwaters Lodge lies on a unique private island, nestled in luxuriant rainforest, mid-stream within the mighty River Nile in Uganda. Its supreme location on Kalagala Island can only be reached by boat, which makes it a very adventurous place to stay. It is uniquely perched on granite rocks with noisy and exciting foamy rapids roaring all around.
The accommodation is made up of ten stand-alone, elevated timber-floor, luxury suites with amazing river views. Of the suites, nine are deluxe suites and 1 is a family suite. Some suites have a unique view of the Nile rapids that are both breathtaking and spectacular, while other rooms offer views of a tranquil Nile. All suites are private and exclusive and can be made into a double, triple or twin configuration. A day bed is standard in all suites.
The suites enjoy glass-fronted windows, locally handmade furniture, stylish bathrooms with rain showers and secluded wooden decks with daybeds and romantic free-standing open-air bathtubs. Additionally, a room safe, mosquito nets and complimentary toiletries are available.
Elevated wooden walkways gracefully link the rooms to the restaurant and bar area, and offer an unforgettable walk through the heart of the forest. The main lodge is located on a solid rock peninsula amidst the rapids of the River Nile.
There is a lovely swimming pool carved out of natural pink granite rocks in the main communal lodge area. When it comes to dining, Wildwaters Lodge has delicious and far above-standard sunrise breakfasts and their dinners consist of a candle-lit five course á la carte menu. Meals are taken in the main area by the pool-side with magnificent views of the River Nile, but on request, private dinners can be catered for in your room or at the pool-side.
Why we like it here
As the lodge is situated in the middle of The River Nile and on a private island surrounded by beautiful forests, the views from the lodge are magnificent.
Adventure lovers will be delighted to know of the lodge’s close proximity to the adventure-hub of Jinja (30 minutes) where activities like heart-pounding white-water rafting, bungee jumping and jet boating are on offer. There is also horse-riding and fishing activities as a gentler option.
Uganda is famous for its more than 1 000 bird species and Wildwaters is a perfect platform for viewing all sorts, from touracos and cuckoos to hawks and eagles.
Families are welcome here as there is plenty to keep everyone entertained in the area.
Enjoy a wonderful cruise while watching the sun set over the shores of Lake Victoria and The River Nile.
Things to be aware of
The roar of the racing white-water rapids creates noise that might disturb a night’s sleep. For some, earplugs might come in handy, while for others, however, the noise might be quite hypnotic and calming.
It’s worth noting that during certain periods of the year, the surrounding forests attract tsetse flies, and care should be taken to avoid being bitten by them. Precautionary measures include covering over exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats. Wear clothing fabric that has at least a medium weight. Wear neutral-coloured clothing as the tsetse fly is attracted to bright colours, very dark colours, metallic fabric, and the colour blue. Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed. Should you get bitten, apply antihistamine on the bites to remove the need to itch as broken skin is more inclined to become infected.
Parents need to keep an eye on their children as Wildwaters Lodge is situated on an island surrounded by grade 5 plus rapids.
The lodge welcomes day visitors at a cost, from 11:00 until the last boat off the island at 17:00. Should they choose to use the swimming pool and its facilities, they are charged additionally.
The mighty Nile River is Africa’s longest river (about 6,650 km/4,130 mi) in the northeastern part of the continent and flows northwards on its passage to the Mediterranean. It is an international river with its drainage basin covering eleven countries. Of its two major tributaries, the White Nile, which is the headwaters and primary stream of the Nile itself, rises in the Great Lakes region of central Africa. A visit to the Source of the Nile in Uganda is a wonderful thing to witness when you consider that it is the same river that flows past the ancient Egyptian temples of Luxor some 6 000 km downstream. The area’s crowning glory, however, is Murchison Falls (also referred to as the Kabarega Falls), where this powerful river funnels through a narrow fissure in the Rift Escarpment to erupt out of the other side in a crashing 43 metre plume of white water. Enjoy superb white water rafting, game fishing or just watching the banks which are thronged with hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and buffalo.