GeoLodges Uganda

Nile Safari Lodge
Murchison Falls National Park

Jacana Safari Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Pioneers in the safari industry in Uganda, GeoLodges Uganda (formerly Inns of Uganda)
encompasses the very best that the ‘Pearl of Africa’ has to offer.
Operating two exclusive lodges tucked within Uganda’s unspoiled wilderness,
Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

GeoLodges Uganda brings to you a place beyond your imagination of what Africa truly is.

P.O. Box 2288, Kampala, Uganda, Tel: +256 41 425 8273, +256 31 226 0758, Fax: + 256 41 423 3992
Email: info@geolodgesafrica.com Website: www.geolodgesafrica.com

This page is still under construction and will be updated shortly with more information. Please scroll down to read more details.

An Adventure on the Nile
Nile Safari Lodge
Murchison Falls National Park

Nestled peacefully amongst the rich papyrus forest on the southern banks of the River Nile, the Lodge offers some of the most luxurious accommodation in Uganda’s largest national park, declared in 2005, the seventh wildest place in Africa (Getaway Magazine). Nile Safari Lodge has a choice of wooden chalets and luxury tents cleverly positioned to maximize stunning views and to give a true feeling of wild Africa.

From your own private balcony suspended over the mighty River Nile a massive expanse unfolds. Hundreds of weaver nests occupy overhanging trees, while the silent ripple of water whispers untold secrets. Giant Nile crocodiles bask on sand banks, hippos snort with contentment from their watery home, whilst elephant herds wade through the papyrus islands in search of food – and all this from deck of your own room.

What puts Nile Safari Lodge in a class of its own is its uniqueness in bringing you closer to nature without destroying the environment and the symbiosis with its natural inhabitants. There is no air-conditioning or artificially-created temperatures, you simply experience this ultimate bush adventure in is most natural state.

An explorer in his own right and a man with a vision, Managing Director Mr. Zahid Alam in the early 1990’s, followed the steps of early explorers of past days, such as Baker and Burton. When Nile Safari Lodge opened in 1993, he knew that this spectacular spot had exceeded his goal to build a low-key, yet supremely comfortable place to enjoy all the beauties of Uganda.

Accommodation:

The Lodge currently has ten rooms, which include 5 wooden chalets and 5 luxury tents, all fitted with en-suite washrooms, comfortable and airy rooms perfectly designed to maximize the experience. The balcony of each room allows you to enjoy a chilled sundowner or early morning tea and coffee served by your personal waiter.

Facilities:

Accompanying facilities include a restaurant, an ambient bar/lounge and a superb extended deck underneath the protection of a giant cluster fig tree expands this magical wilderness. No lodge facility would be complete without an open fire, strategically positioned for stargazing, birdwatching, and dancing. The crystal clear swimming pool offers the best reprieve from the hot equatorial sun after a day of activities in the national park and surrounding areas.

The team of staff at Nile Safari Lodge takes great pride in sharing their love and individual interests in their homeland. They will install such a love and enthusiasm for this exceptionally beautiful area will stay with you forever!

Activities Include:

The Boat Launch Trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls:

A boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls is a must activity when visiting the national park. It is a leisurely three-hour adventure to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, a variety of antelopes, as well as the rich bird-life inhabiting the river’s papyrus-lined banks. Set aside half a day for this experience, and remember to bring your bird book, binoculars and cameras. The spirited British explorer, Samuel Baker did not have much time to enjoy the view during his explorations in the 1860’s when he discovered it. A shy hippopotamus charged his boat, flipping him and his wife Florence into the water precariously close to the crocodiles. Fortunately, the hippos are now accustomed to visitors! The Lodge can supply drinks and packed lunches upon request.

A Drive to Top of Murchison Falls:

This is also a must-do activity. Every drop of water in the River Nile plunges and explodes through a narrow ravine, creating the most powerful single concentration of water in the world. Invigorating spray christens its jagged mouth, crowned by an almost permanent rainbow that has become a trademark of this extraordinary natural wonder. For the more adventurous, there is a steep pathway leading down to the froth and roar below.

Game Drives:

Game drives take place on the northern banks of the Nile in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. With the return of stability and security of the area, wildlife is increasing with leaps and bounds! Wildlife viewing will include sightings of giraffe, buffalo, elephant, warthogs, leopard, lion and antelope. Stunning views take in the winding path of the Nile, which is laced with the adventures of history’s most ardent explorers. The experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger/guides are a necessary asset to ensure the best game viewing and maximize the experience. The Lodge can supply drinks and packed lunches upon request.

Walking Trails:

Uganda boasts 11% of the world’s known bird species, making it an ornithologists’ haven for identifying one of the largest concentrations of bird-life, and Murchison Falls National Park is no exception. Enjoy the experience of exploring the banks of the Nile with our certified resident bird expert, who to date can identify over 200 bird species by sight and sound, and he is looking to identify the rest!

Sport Fishing:

Kick back and relax on the River Nile and do a little fishing in one of the world’s best places to do sport fishing. The keen fisherman can try to catch one of the record-breaking Nile Perch that this area has to offer. Nile Perch are good fighters and considered a prime catch to make the experience absolutely unforgettable! Fishing permits, equipment and boat hire are organized through the Uganda Wildlife Authority can be arranged at the Lodge or in advance. Few realize just how big Nile Perch are, records weigh in at over 70 kilograms! It is the perfect location, with the thundering backdrop of Murchison Falls, and under the watchful eyes and supervision of the inhabitants of ‘Crocodile Alley’ to experience fishing on the Nile.

Village Walks:

No adventure to Murchison Falls National Park would be complete without learning about the region’s history, culture and its people. A visit to Mubaku village, one and a half kilometers away, will give you a unique insight into the way of life of the local area. Have a cup of tea with the ladies of Mubaku, experience a simulated traditional hunt with the men of Mubaku, or till and/or harvest the fields (depending on the season) in traditional subsistence agriculture. These activities are coordinated through The Earthworks Foundation and facilitate additional income-generating activities for the village so they benefit directly from you visiting Nile Safari Lodge.

African Bush Dining:

Nile Safari Lodge has several prime locations that have been chosen for their exclusivity and remoteness. The Lodge staff will arrange the perfect setting for dining and special menus prepared by our restaurant, including traditional Ugandan cuisine. These can be arranged with the Lodge Manager or in advance with your tour operator, when your booking is made.

Weddings and Honeymoons:

It may be your dream to get married in an exotic destination, and Nile Safari Lodge is renowned for its exoticness and a popular, exclusive location for the wedding of your dreams! Seeped in history, adventure, beauty and mystery Nile Safari Lodge boasts unique romanticism. Due to the professionalism and highest standard of services, makes Nile Safari Lodge one of the most exotic and capturing wedding locations in the world. The tranquility and exclusivity of Nile Safari Lodge also makes it the perfect honeymoon destination to celebrate your marriage.

The Essence of Uganda
Jacana Safari Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Set on the edge of Uganda’s largest crater lake, this tree house lodge grew out of the forest, peacefully at one with nature. The delicate use of rock, poles, wood, rope, organic furniture and rich textures blend perfectly with the smells, sights and sounds of this tropical hardwood forest. A cracking fireplace combined with a magical atmosphere creates an unforgettable experience. Much effort and imagination went into the creation of Jacana Safari Lodge, which comes as no surprise when you consider its prime location within the national park and the distinctive and unique design by its creator, Managing Director, Mr. Zahid Alam. Opened in 1998, the winning combination of the beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park rich in biodiversity with the Jacana Safari Lodge’s delicate style and attention to comfort provides one of the best accommodation facilities in the area.

Accommodation:

With seven independent luxury chalets, and a family cottage that has two rooms that are joined together, each is curtained by the embrace of the dense foliage of Maramagambo Forest. All the chalets assure its guests of a peaceful and restorative stay with a unique theme of their own. The rooms are spacious and designed to please the eye and provide maximum comfort. They rooms have en-suite washrooms with continuous hot water for showers (heated by gas), tastefully furnished and have superb, an enclosed veranda with large panoramic windows offer picture-perfect views of Lake Nyamusingire allows you to enjoy a chilled sundowner or early morning tea and coffee served by your personal waiter.

Facilities:

The Virunga Lounge is a comfortable area for after-dinner adventure stories about Africa and tales of the day’s viewing. The focal point is a large stone fireplace with large lounging sofas, handmade Persian carpets and a mixture of soft pastel shades, rope lashing and rock shapes all merge to form a soothing, open-plan cozy atmosphere. Close by to this meeting area is a warm-style dining room and bar.

The lower deck together with the Sundowner Bar hangs over Lake Nyamusingire’s edge and leads to the jetty nestled on the water’s edge and the Captain’s Table, a floating pontoon for meals and exploration of the Lake.

The swimming pool area is located next to the Lake, perfect for viewing fabulous sunsets. Also in this part of the Lodge is a sauna and massage area that provides a soothing holistic experience that perfectly completes the day’s adventures.

ACTIVITIES:

The Captain’s Table:

Queen Elizabeth National Park and the surrounding areas are dotted with many crater lakes. Lake Nyamusingire, on which Jacana Safari Lodge is located, is five breached craters to form Uganda’s largest crater lake. The Captain’s Table, a one-of-a-kind floating pontoon, is the best way to maximize your experience of being on the lake and for dining. It can be hired and booked for any meal of the day or for sundowner’s and for exploration.

Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel:

This boating bonanza allows you to view wildlife from the water whilst floating down the Kazinga Channel which joins Lake Edward and Lake George. Teeming with bloats of hippos, tribes of crocodiles and abundant birdlife, its banks also host herds of elephants and hordes of other wildlife. These boat trips are available twice a day from the Park Headquarters. The Lodge can supply drinks and packed lunches upon request.

Game Drives

Game drives take place on the Mweya peninsula, in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wildlife viewing will include sightings of buffalo, elephant, warthogs, leopard, lion and antelope. In the Ishasha sector of the southern part of the park, the famous tree-climbing lions comfortably relax in the branches of their favourite tree to escape from the hot African sun. The experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger/guides are a necessary asset to ensure the best game viewing and maximize the experience. The Lodge can supply drinks and packed lunches upon request.

Forest Walks:

One of the best way to explore the surrounds of Jacana Safari Lodge is by foot! The superb bird and butterfly viewing opportunities for photographs and learning about the flora and fauna is extensive. As well, walks can include exploring the nooks and crannies, riverines, valleys and hills that perfectly expose this biodiverse part of the Albertine Rift Valley.

GeoLodges Uganda
A Company Profile

GeoLodges Uganda (formerly known as Inns of Uganda) was incorporated in Uganda in 1991 as a limited liability company with a vision to develop tourism facilities in Uganda.

The Company has successfully been promoting tourism in Uganda since 1993, operating two safari lodges, that is, Nile Safari Lodge near Murchison Falls National Park and Jacana Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Both Nile Safari Lodge and Jacana Safari Lodge are renowned for their uniqueness, interior décor, landscaping, design, and service standards. They have successfully caught the attention of both international tour operators and the intrepid traveller. This can be attested to by comments written in the lodges’ visitor books, comment cards, feedback from visitors and the increased number of visitors in 2004 and 2005.

Nile Safari Lodge is located on the banks of the Nile River in the newly formed Bullisa District. The lodge can currently accommodate 20 people per night, with five ensuite cabins and five ensuite tents. It can also accommodate large numbers of campers within its facility, providing a beautiful view overlooking the Nile River, security, a campfire, shower and toilet. The lodge has a swimming pool, a bar lounge, a restaurant, nature walks, birdwatching, and access to game drives and a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls within the park.

Jacana Safari Lodge is located in Maramagambo Forest in Bushenyi District. The lodge can accommodate 18 people per night, with 7 cabins and 1 family cottage (2 rooms). It is situated on Nyamusingire Crater Lake. Jacana Safari Lodge has a swimming pool, a sauna, two bars, a restaurant, the Captain’s Table (a pontoon that serves as a floating restaurant for meals), fireplace, nature walks, bat caves, birdwatching trails, game drives, boat trips, and it is located on the butterfly migration route.

GeoLodges Uganda, with its experience and having provided service to over 40,000 clients, have successfully fulfilled the above criteria, and exceeded even, its own expectations.

As of the 1st of January 2006, Inns of Uganda changed its name to GeoLodges Uganda. The Company functions in the same legal capacities as Inns of Uganda. The Company is completing a metamorphosis to shifting its image and vision to include conservation and community development, while providing high quality accommodation services in remote areas for the clients who choose to stay at its currently operating lodges in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

GeoLodges Uganda is in the business of designing, constructing and managing safari lodges in Uganda. We are a Ugandan company, and are a strong supporter of using tourism projects, such as this one, towards the eradication of global poverty and the conservation of Uganda’s pristine environment, for generations to come.

With 14 years experience in the design, construction and management of eco-tourism lodges, GeoLodges Uganda has carved a respectable and recognized name in the tourism sector and provides its clientele with superior lodge accommodation and services. The architecture of these eco-tourism facilities reflects a style that compliments each of the respective environments. The unified and extensive use of natural materials (wood, stone, rope, etc.) combines to create low-impact buildings and accommodation units.

The new slogan for the Company is ‘elements of nature…retreat…romance…respect’. This has been taken into consideration when designing the new logo for GeoLodges Uganda, while continuing the theme of the old logo to continue market recognition from Inns of Uganda. Under the ‘Elements of Nature’ campaign, Nile Safari Lodge is represented in the logo by water in the “E” of GEO and has its décor newly renovated and is themed on the mighty River Nile and the historical explorers of the area. Jacana Safari Lodge is represented in the logo by earth in the “O” of GEO and has its décor themed on earth and feeling grounded, encircled by a young forest in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Future projects will be represented by fire and air.

Accommodation Rates for 2007
(Effective from 1st January 2007)

Rates are subject to change without notice.

GeoLodges Uganda can tailor make a safari of a lifetime of any type throughout Uganda.
Contact the email address below for more information.

GeoLodges Uganda
elements of nature…retreat…romance…respect

P.O. Box 2288, Kampala, Uganda, Tel: +256 41 425 8273, +256 31 226 0758, Fax: + 256 41 423 3992
Email: info@geolodgesafrica.com Website: www.geolodgesafrica.com