Uganda’s Lemala Wildwaters Lodge Reopens After Renovation

Located on a private island within the Nile River in Uganda, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge has reopened after an extensive refurbishment that began in May 2021. Set on Kalangala Island in a rainforest reserve on 16 protected acres, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge is touted as an adventure seeker’s paradise. Accessible only by boat and helicopter, the nine suites and one family suite offer private views of the Nile River and the dense riverine forest that covers the island with the main lodge located on a solid rock peninsula. Located close to the adventure hub of Jinja and one and a half hours from Kampala, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge is well-suited extension to a gorilla trekking safari.

Major renovations at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge include updated suites that have locally handmade furniture, stylish bathrooms with rain showers and secluded wooden decks with daybeds and freestanding baths. To elevate the public spaces of the property, a new pool was added; lounge areas were also updated.

Good to know: The menu now serves healthier and lighter fares that highlight local produce and dishes across their properties. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room of the main lodge or outside on the verandah overlooking the pool or privately on your villa terrace.

Lemala Wildwaters Lodge

The lodge is at the heart of the newly formed Wildwaters Reserve, a group of mid-stream islands in the Nile, recognized for its whitewater rafting. Visitors 12 and over can enjoy activities including whitewater rafting, horseback safaris, quad biking, kayaking, guided fishing, river surfing, bungee jumping, banana boat cruises, mountain biking, birding and Nile walks. The Wildwaters Reserve is also home to river otters, giant monitor lizards and hundreds of species of birds.

The lodge is the centerpiece for a conservation initiative aimed at protecting the riverine environment, in part by ensuring that the local communities benefit directly from the visitors to the lodge and the protection of these heavily forested islands. For instance, local fishermen (bavubi) catch fresh tilapia (Ngenge) daily and are compensated directly by the lodge, while exotic produce is sourced from a seed bank in the local community. 

Visit www.lemalacamps.com.

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