Lemala Camps and Lodges’ Uganda property, Wildwaters Lodge, has unveiled a major refurbishment of its suites and common areas. Located on its own private island in the middle of the Nile River, the recent upgrade was certainly no mean feat.
Perched on granite rocks with rapids roaring around, the ten standalone super-spacious luxury suites are nestled in the rainforest with amazing views of the Nile. New decking has been installed throughout, along with a new jetty where guests arrive by private boat – the only way to access the island.
Suites have been revitalised using soft neutral tones and locally handmade furniture and feature secluded wooden decks with daybeds and romantic free-standing open-air bathtubs.
“We are so excited to see the completion of this project and the upgrade of Wildwaters Lodges to bring it in line with Lemala’s other camps and lodges in Tanzania,” CEO of Lemala Camps and Lodges, Leanne Haigh, said.
Spread across six hectares on Kalagala Island, Wildwaters Lodge lies some 25 kilometres downstream from Jinja in eastern Uganda. Activities on the river for guests in the nearby adventure hub of Jinja area include white-water rafting or bungee jumping and jet boating. More subdued activities include horse riding and fishing.
Wildwaters is also a great platform for viewing some of the more than 1,000 bird species that Uganda is famous for – from turacos and cuckoos to hawks and eagles. Giant otters and monitor lizards also frequent the water.
“Wildwaters offers a relaxing post safari option for visitors to East Africa. With a daily scheduled flight from the Serengeti, Tanzania to Entebbe, Uganda – it works in perfect combination with Lemala’s other properties on the Tanzanian circuit,” Haigh said.
Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp
Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp, in the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and near the border of the Southern Serengeti, is an area of classic savannah and characterised by flat grassy plains. Lemala’s camp is in one of the best locations in Ndutu to see the migration between December and March.
Ndutu retains its premium location on the water course and now has all new soft furnishings throughout, along with a complete refurbishment of the lounge tent and the dining tent.
Tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle usually arrive in December to graze on the newly watered short-grass plains and by February, the main calving season takes place. Predators – in particular big cats – are highly concentrated in the Ndutu area over these months.
With eight standard tents and two two-bedroom tents, Lemala Ndutu is perched on the edge of a permanent marsh, and acts as the ultimate amphitheatre to capture the boundless drama that accompanies the migration.
The camp offers an authentic bush experience. The spacious tents each have two queen-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, hot safari showers and flushing toilets. Meals are freshly prepared, and the camp arranges picnic breakfasts and lunches for those who want to go on extended full-day game drives.
“We also completed a refurbishment of Ngorongoro tented camp last year and these latest upgrades will offer our guests not only the best locations but also beautiful, modern yet authentic tented camp lodgings,” Haigh said.
Lemala Ewanjan
While Ndutu is a seasonal tented camp, Lemala Ewanjan is open year round. The camp is located in a secluded part of the game-rich Seronera Valley in Central Serengeti – a wildlife transition zone between the southern grasslands and the northern woodlands. It is renowned for its year-round game viewing due to its abundance of water in the many rivers, as well as for its large populations of resident big cats.
Between April and June, and again between November and January, the region is crossed by the annual wildebeest migration meaning guests can watch the thrilling wildlife drama unfold.
“Lemala Ewanjan has been carefully positioned right at the end of a blind valley, so other vehicles will not interrupt guests’ view across the plains and impact sightings during the day. In the evening, they can enjoy uninterrupted sunsets with no electric lights in sight,” Haigh said.
The 12 ensuite tents are spacious and have an outside deck offering beautiful views over the area. Each tent is fitted with two queen-size beds, a flushing toilet, large safari-style shower, plentiful running water, wooden storage cabinets and flooring, 24-hour solar lighting and outside loungers from which to enjoy early morning teas and coffees, as well as the quintessential G&T sundowners.
See lemalacamp.com
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