Uganda's iconic resort announces reopening after extensive renovation as Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Lemala Authentic Camps and Lodges announce the reopening of Uganda’s premier private island resort as Lemala Wildwaters Lodge after an extensive refurbishment in May 2021. Nestled on Kalangala Island in a rainforest reserve on 16 protected acres, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge is 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 naturally covers the island with the main lodge located on a solid rock peninsula. Located close to the adventure hub of Jinja and 1.5 hours from Kampala, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge is the perfect extension to a gorilla trekking safari.
Major renovations at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge include bright and modern updated suites that feature glass-fronted windows, locally handmade furniture, stylish bathrooms with rain showers, and secluded wooden decks with daybeds and elegant freestanding baths that add a level of sophistication and adventure for guests. To elevate the public spaces of the property, a new pool was added and lounge areas re-imagined. The menu was also updated to reflect Lemala’s healthier and lighter fares that highlight local produce and dishes across their properties. James Haigh, Head of Sales and Marketing for Lemala Wildwaters Lodge shares, “Our goal was to create a seamless experience for guests traveling between our eight Lemala properties. Wildwaters allows us to combine adventure with a modern luxury experience in a magnificently restored property that allows guests to connect with nature and enjoy the breathtaking views of this unique private island location.”
The lodge is at the heart of the newly formed Wildwaters Reserve, a group of mid-stream islands in the Nile, widely recognized for its legendary 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 this pristine riverine environment for future generations, in part by ensuring that the local communities benefit directly from the visitors to the lodge and the protection of these beautiful, heavily forested islands in the Nile.
After a day of adventure, guests can dip in the natural formed swimming pool, relax in comfort in this private oasis, enjoy a massage at the spa or sip a cocktail on the deck listening to the thunder of the Nile rapids or the sounds of the many species of bird who call the island home. Elevated wooden walkways gracefully link the rooms to the restaurant and bar area and offer an unforgettable walk through the heart of the forest. 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. 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.
