Accommodation in Uganda: Best hotels, lodges, campsites

Uganda, the pearl of Africa, is a country that has a growing hospitality industry that caters to all types of customers such as the high end international travelers, the local tourists, and even the backpackers. The hospitality industry is governed by the law of tourism, which is the Tourism Act and the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute Act, which ensures that the accommodation facilities are licensed and controlled in accordance with this law. This law and regulation provides some degree of safety and cleanliness and service to the guests.

A safari lodge in the national park Murchison Falls in Uganda

Major cities with accommodation options

Kampala

The capital of Uganda, Kampala, is the seat of political, economic and cultural activities of the country. Most international visitors stop by and it is close to business centers, markets, nightlife and historical sites like the Kasubi Tombs and Uganda Museum.

Luxury hotels in Kampala

• Serena Kampala Hotel
• Pearl of Africa Hotel
• Sheraton Kampala Hotel

Affordable hotels in Kampala

• Fairway Hotel
• Speke Hotel
• Golf Course Hotel

Cheap hotels in Kampala

• Red Chilli Hideaway
• Bushpig Backpackers
• Fat Cat Backpackers

Entebbe

Entebbe is the main entry point of Uganda through its international airport. It is renowned for its peaceful lakeside location, botanical gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Lake Victoria. It attracts both transit and leisure travelers

Luxury hotels in Entebbe

• Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
• Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
• Imperial Resort Beach Hotel

Affordable hotels in Entebbe

• Airport View Hotel
• Hotel Horizon
• Victoria Royal Hotel

Cheap hotels in Entebbe

• Mowicribs Hotel and Spa
• La Feve Bed and Breakfast
• Gorilla African Guest House

Botanical view apartments in Entebbe, Uganda

Jinja

Jinja is the adventure capital of Uganda, which is situated at the source of the Nile. It is also famous because of white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping and boat cruises. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and its location along rivers makes it a favorite destination to the thrill-seekers and weekend tourists.

Luxury hotels in Jinja

High-end lodges and boutique resorts in Jinja – Jinja Nile Resort, Living Waters Resort, and The Haven Eco River Lodge, which offer upscale services though not officially rated as five-star.

Affordable hotels in Jinja

• 2 Friends Guest House
• Source of the Smile Guest House
• Brisk Hotel Triangle

Cheap hotels in Jinja

• Nile River Camp
• Basecamp Jinja
• Nile Porch Lodge (budget cabins)

Mbarara

Mbarara is a gateway to Western Uganda, and the park is close to Lake Mburo National Park and transit to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi. It is also a business hub, and hence a convenient stopover to business and safari tourists.

Luxury hotels in Mbarara

• Acacia Hotel
• Lake View Resort Hotel
• Oxford Royal Hotel

Affordable hotels in Mbarara

• Hotel Triangle Mbarara
• Agip Motel Mbarara
• Emin Pasha Hotel

Cheap hotels in Mbarara

• City Top View Hotel
• Pelikan Hotel
• Sunset Hotel

View of mount Sabyinyo and mount Gahinga in the Volcanoes National Park

Fort Portal

Fort portal is situated in the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains and close to the Kibale forest national park and it is the most ideal spot to do primate tracking, crater lakes hikes, and eco-tourism. It has a temperate climate and panoramic beauty, thus it draws foreign tourists and local holiday makers.

Luxury hotels in Fort Portal

• Kyaninga Lodge
• Mountains of the Moon Hotel
• Ndali Lodge

Affordable hotels in Fort Portal

• Rwenzori View Guesthouse
• Tooro Resort
• Dutchess Hotel and Restaurant

Cheap hotels in Fort Portal

• Kabahango Inn
• Budget Eco-Lodges
• YES Hostel Fort Portal

Mbale

The base of Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls are located in Mbale - an area known to have waterfalls, caves and Arabica coffee. This hilly area in eastern Uganda attracts eco-tourists, photographers and cultural explorers.

Luxury hotels in Mbale

• Mbale Resort Hotel
• Wash and Wills Hotel
• Lucia Villas Mbale

Affordable hotels in Mbale

• Kayegi Hotel
• Mount Elgon Hotel
• Palm Hotel Mbale

Cheap hotels in Mbale

• Elgon Inn
• Backpacker Lodges
• Student Hostels (e.g., Elgon View Hostel)

View of Bunyonyi lake from Arcadia Lodges resort, Uganda

Kabale

Kabale is the closest town to Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where tourists trek gorillas. It is an idyllic retreat with its hilly terrain and cool climatic conditions that provide a soothing experience and cultural exposure in the southwestern part of Uganda.

Luxury hotels in Kabale

Notable upscale accommodation in Kabale includes Cephas Inn Kabale, Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi, and White Horse Inn, which provide comfort and scenic views though not officially classified as five-star.

Affordable hotels in Kabale

• Bunyonyi Safaris Resort
• Heras Country Resort
• Kings Hotel Kabale

Cheap hotels in Kabale

• Overland Resort (Budget Cabins)
• Village Guest Houses
• Basic Backpacker Lodges

Categories of accommodation in Uganda

Five-star hotels in Uganda

Uganda currently has three officially certified five-star hotels under the East African Community (EAC) classification system, namely Kampala Serena Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, and Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, all located in the Kampala–Entebbe area. These hotels are in compliance with international legal requirements in terms of safety, staff qualifications and infrastructure.

Mid-range lodges and guesthouses

These facilities are registered lodges, motels and guesthouses with modest but comfortable services. They are usually run under municipal licenses and they are required to adhere to accommodation codes with regard to health, building and service delivery related to hospitality.

Budget accommodation and hostels

This type consists of locally registered hostels, backpacker inns and short-stay guest rooms. Though affordable, the accommodations still come under the Uganda Tourism Board and must undergo health and tax inspection.

Bird Nest resort at Bunyonyi lake, Uganda

Unique accommodation experiences

Safari lodges and eco-resorts

These are located mostly around national parks and conservation areas. They are built to match the surrounding nature, using local materials and providing such activities as game drives and nature walks.

Key locations:

• Murchison Falls National Park – Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge.
• Kidepo Valley National Park – Apoka Safari Lodge.

Community-based homestays

These are hosted in local homes, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in Ugandan rural life. Often organized by NGOs, community groups or parish tourism associations, they promote cultural exchange and grassroots economic growth.

Regions with active programs:

• Kabale (Lake Bunyonyi region) – Batwa community visits and traditional housing.
• Mbale/Sipi Falls – Hosted by Bugisu families with cultural immersion in coffee farming.
• Fort Portal – Tooro Kingdom villages offer home-cooked meals and cultural stories.

Campsites and tented camps in Uganda

Tented camps and campsites are relatively cheap, low-impact accommodations, especially in the national parks and other rural areas, and are popular with overlanders, budget travellers and ecotourists. These facilities are normally situated next to wild life reserves and nature parks.

Bathroom in a luxury lodge, Murchison Falls, Uganda

Common locations:

• Murchison Falls National Park – Red Chilli Rest Camp, UWA Campsites.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Campsite, Simba Safari Camp (camping area).
• Lake Bunyonyi – Byoona Amagara Island Campsite.
• Mount Elgon and Sipi Falls – Lacam Lodge Campground, Crow’s Nest Campsite.
• Bwindi and Mgahinga – Ruhija Community Campsites, Virunga Camps.

Target Visitors:

• Backpackers and students
• Overland safari tourists
• Budget group tours
• Birdwatchers and hikers

How to book hotels in Uganda

Booking a hotel in Uganda can be done through:

• Official hotel websites (which often provide the most legally enforceable contracts)
• International booking platforms like Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia
• Local travel agencies registered with the Uganda Tourism Board

It is advisable to retain booking confirmations and review cancellation policies to ensure protection under Uganda’s consumer protection laws.

FAQs

1. Are hotels in Uganda safe for international travelers?

Yes, most hotels in Uganda—especially those in major cities like Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja—comply with safety and legal requirements set by the Uganda Tourism Board and other government authorities.

2. What is the legal requirement for hotels to operate in Uganda?

All accommodation establishments must obtain licenses from the Uganda Tourism Board and comply with health, safety, zoning and tax regulations under the Tourism Act and local government laws.

3. How can I verify if a hotel is legally registered in Uganda?

You can visit the Uganda Tourism Board’s official website or contact their offices to verify a hotel’s registration and license status.

4. Is it better to book directly with the hotel or through third-party sites?

Direct bookings often provide clearer legal protections and cancellation terms, but third-party platforms can offer better deals. Regardless, ensure the provider is officially registered.

5. Are there 5-star hotels in Uganda and what standards must they meet?

Yes, Uganda has several 5-star hotels certified under East African Community classification. These hotels meet strict standards in service, safety and infrastructure.

Ecolodge near lake Kifuruka, Uganda

Conclusion

The tourism accommodation business in Uganda is quite unique and legally structured in a manner that ensures the safety, satisfaction and accessibility of the traveller. Accommodation in Uganda could be a problem, depending on how much you have to spend and what you like. But the law is with you as a consumer and there is always an accommodation facility that fits you. To be on the safe side, it is always advised to check legal credentials, use regulated service providers and have an awesome experience with the beauty and hospitality Uganda has to offer without worry or care.