What are your plans for Easter?

The Easter holiday is a great time to leave the city for a few days. Uganda has countless destinations where you can spend the long weekend. Charlotte Beauvoisin, expat author of Diary of a Muzungu, shares some suggestions on how to spend the holidays.

In 2022, Easter will be celebrated between 14th and 18th April.

 In this article, I recommend some expat favourites, as well as a few new places. Some destinations quote in shillings, others in dollars. Every effort has been made to check prices, but you should always check terms before making your booking. Prices quoted here are for expats and Ugandan residents.

Most suggestions focus on out-of-town trips but if you have kids and can’t travel far, how about trying a chocolate workshop?

moonbean chocolate, based together with Dancing Cup in Bugolobi, Kampala, are offering ‘Build-a-Bunny’ and ‘Choc-Chick’ making workshops from early April 2022, and an egg-hunt and other holiday activities over the Easter weekend. Follow them on social media to get more details.

www.facebook.com/moonbeanchocolate

www.instagram.com/moonbeanchocolate

m.me/moonbeanchocolate

+256 701 805182

If you don’t want to travel to far but fancy an island adventure, Brovad Sands Lodge on Bugala Island has an Easter offer of $220 per night per couple sharing. Add $50 for kids of 4 – 10 years when sharing with their parents. This package includes breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner, tea party, swimming pool, steam & sauna, guided forest walk, bouncing castle, boat ride, live band entertainment and evening campfire.

Call +256 4144 237477 www.brovadsandslodge.com

Rainforest Lodge in Mabira Forest

Mabira Forest is midway between Kampala and Jinja. This popular lodge has a swimming pool and sauna, badminton, volleyball, dartboard and board games. For 1.6 million Uganda shillings, a couple can stay two nights. This Easter rate is for full board and includes one complimentary bottle of wine.

Call +256 782 574271 / +256 701 563437 reservations@geolodgesafrica.com

 

Jinja 

Jinja is a favourite getaway for Kampala residents; it has something for everyone.

Bungee

Uganda’s only bungee jump has a great location overlooking the Nile. Not up for the thrill? Enjoy watching other people terrify themselves from the safety of the Bungee Bar. The Bungee Restaurant has an extensive a la carte menu and amazing views of the sunset. They also have a campsite. Expect the Easter weekend to be busy. Call Rob on 750707825 to book.

www.bungeeuganda.com

www.atadventuresjinja.com

Pony Rides with Nile Horseback Safaris  

If the kids fancy something new this holiday, how about a horse ride? Nile Horseback Safaris offer 30-minute pony rides for kids aged 4 to 12 years old. Children – and adults – can do longer rides of up to 2 hours if they are experienced horse riders. Please call in advance to confirm ponies are available.

+256 774 101 196  nilehorsebacksafaris@gmail.com

Tour of Karamoja

 Lockdown created a new generation of cyclists in Uganda. Combine this with the Dutch expat community’s love of cycling and we have the Tour of Karamoja, arguably the most demanding way that you can spend your Easter holiday!

The Tour of Karamoja takes riders on a 7-day tour of “untamed, rugged savannah of northeastern Uganda and northwestern Kenya” and ends in Kidepo Valley National Park. Expect rich cultural encounters, dramatic scenery and Uganda’s finest wildlife, not forgetting 500km of pedaling and 5000 metres in altitude!

Camping package: €995 per person with budget / standard hotel package upgrades available.  This includes €100 donation to Ride 4 Girl Child, 6 days mountain biking, 1 day cycling wildlife safari, 8 nights camping and vehicle transfers to and from Kampala. The tour has a long list of upgrade options so visit www.tourofkaramoja.org where you can pre-register for one of the limited slots. Note that participants are expected to have an above average fitness level to cope with the daily distances, environment, terrain and climbs!

This not-for-profit event is organised under the Kara-Tunga Foundation www.kara-tunga.com/foundation so there are no discounts for east African residents.

Key dates for the 2022 Tour of Karamoja

18 March is the deadline for registration and 1 April is the payment deadline. The ride starts 16 April and ends 23 April in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Gorillas and the SW

If you’ve ever thought of tracking the gorillas, Easter could be a good time as you need at least two nights in Bwindi or Mgahinga. COVID-19 SOPs require that you wear a mask when you in the great ape national parks.

Clouds Mt. Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo, southern Bwindi

For a rate of $230 / person / night sharing, enjoy full board accommodation at one of Uganda’s top lodges. Get a 10% discount if you stay for Easter weekend. This offer applies to a minimum two-night stay.

+256 414 251 182 / 0772 489 497 reservations@wildplacesafrica.com

Chameleon Hill

Book three nights at Chameleon Hill during April 2022 and you have a choice of offers: either pay 3 nights and stay 4 nights; alternatively, pay for 3+ nights and receive a complimentary massage plus a boat excursion. Resident rates are $125 / person sharing in a double/ twin chalet and $175 single occupancy, both on full board basis.

+256 (0) 772 72 1818  welcome@chameleonhill.com

Lake Bunyonyi with Gorilla Highlands

Spend your Easter weekend with a family hike on Lake Bunyonyi, culminating in an Easter egg hunt on Habukomi Island. You can choose between the 3-day Mother of All Treks programme, 2-day Mama Bena’s Bonus or 1-day Islands of Miracles. Each trek combines dugout canoeing and hiking with the Easter Sunday island picnic and egg fun as a complimentary bonus. Don’t feel like walking? Gorilla Highlands can also take you to Habukomi by motorboat!

https://gorillahighlands.com/egghunt/

Book two nights at Gahiza Island Retreat and enjoy a three-hour boat tour (worth 150k ugx) on Lake Mutanda for free or stay a third night for free! The retreat offers various options. For example, bed and breakfast is 150k per double room per night.

0775235579 reservationgahizaisland@gmail.com

Uganda Exclusive Camps’ Easter Special for East African citizens and residents is valid for April and May 2022.

Stay a minimum of 3 nights at Buhoma Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp and pay $155/person for full board (including soft drinks). The rate for kids under 13 is $75. No single supplement. This offer only applies to new bookings.

$5/person/night goes to Uganda Exclusive Camps’ Future Generations Trust that contributes to communities and wildlife sustainability and preservation.

+256 772 721 155 reservations@ugandaexclusivecamps.com

AidChild Equator Shop

Driving west for the long Easter weekend? Don’t forget to stop at the AidChild Equator Shop on Masaka Road for a coffee or tea and receive a free Equator Chocolate! Their artwork (all done by Ugandan artists) is currently 50% off. As always, all proceeds go to scholarships for students living with HIV! More info at https://aidchild.org/equator

Safari destinations

If you love camping – but prefer glamping – head to Little Elephant Camp, rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Here families, couples or small groups have their own private, secure camp with a view of Queen Elizabeth National Park just outside the park’s northern boundary.

Facilities include en-suite hot water outdoor “stargazer” shower, private campfire, well-equipped mess/kitchen with refrigeration and purified water, Wi-Fi, and much more. Shop and cook for yourself or pre-order marinated barbecue, fresh ingredients and everything you need for your safari, all delivered ready for your arrival.

Easter 2022 promotion price is $80 per person (accommodation only) based on 2 people sharing. Minimum 2-night stay.

​+256 759 537220 / 787 722355 info@littleelephantcamp.com

If your kids insist on chocolate at Easter, then Marasa’s lodges (Mweya in Queen, Paraa and Chobe in Murchison Falls, Silverback in Bwindi) have you covered: Equator Chocolate are supplying unique chocolate gifts for visitors who book using special Easter rates for stays of three nights or more. [See advert].

0312 260260 www.marasa.net

The upmarket Apoka Lodge is the perfect base for a safari in Kidepo Valley. Their Easter 2022 rate is $180 / person / night sharing based on a minimum two-night stay. The rate includes full board meals and one game drive per day. Terms and conditions apply.

+256 414 251 182 / 0772 489 497 reservations@wildplacesafrica.com

Kikonko Eco Lodge is your first address on Lake Albert. Scenic views and a serene atmosphere characterise this small boutique lodge with swimming pool. Here guests can enjoy excellent service from friendly staff and get a peaceful night’s sleep in spacious self-contained cottages with private verandas.

Easter Special: book 2 nights in a double room on a bed & breakfast basis for $120 per night and get a third night and breakfast for free. A family room sleeps up to 4 people (2 adults and 2 children). The Easter rate is $170 for bed and breakfast. An Easter egg hunt is included in the price. Other lodge activities cost between $5 to $20.

+256 784 432 508 info@kikonko.com 

Upgraded and refurbished during the pandemic in classic safari style, Semliki Safari Lodge offers full board and one game drive per day for $160 / person / night over the Easter period. This is based on two sharing for a minimum of two nights. Booking is dependent on availability and is only extended to Ugandan citizens and Ugandan residents with proof of residence.

+256 414 251 182 / 0772 489 497 reservations@wildplacesafrica.com

Fort Portal and Kibale Forest

The gorgeous crater lakes surrounding Fort Portal, Uganda’s first tourism city have been welcoming visitors for decades. Lodges that are popular with expats include the one and only Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Isunga Lodge, and Papaya Lake Lodge.

Turaco Treetops, on the edge of Kibale National Park, offers a true jungle experience where comfort meets nature! Standard rooms have the option of sharing balconies, ideal for families and groups of friends; luxury cottages are in secluded locations. Families love the kids’ playroom, outdoor playground and shallow end of the swimming pool: fun is guaranteed! Lodge activities including a guided nature walk and mountain bike tour (6 new adult and 2 children ‘Giant’ bikes available to hire).

+256 (0) 75 715 2323 www.turacotreetops.com

The Sunbird Hill Experience, Kibale Forest (3km from Bigodi)

Take a guided forest-edge walk with former-poacher cum ranger guide Silver at this private site. Learn about Kibale’s birds and 250+ butterfly species at Butterfly Village. $30 fee includes expert site guides, refreshments, half day access to Birders’ Lounge. All activities support conservation education and In the Shadow of Chimpanzees NGO.

Strictly by prior appointment. WhatsApp +256 (0)701 577784 julia@sunbirdhill.com

Lodge Bella Vista overlooks Nyamiteza crater lake and is a great base for exploring Toro region’s walking, biking and community tourism attractions. This Italian-themed lodge was built and is managed by a retired Italian diplomat and has a pool and a pizzeria.

This Easter, book 2 nights to get 50% off your 3rd night. Bella Vista is also offering an early booking discount of 15% off all rooms. Terms and conditions apply.

+256 773204264 / 759214947 booking@lodgebellavista.com

Rweteera Safari Park is within walking distance of Kibale National Park.

Don’t miss their Easter offer for overnight guests: free canoeing experience and a magical guided night walk around the shores of crater Lake Nyabikere in search of nocturnal animals such as bushbaby, nightjar, cricket, tree hyrax with its chilling shriek. Bed and breakfast rates are single $50, double $70.

WhatsApp 0776862153 rweteerasafaripark@gmail.com

Before we go…

Whatever you do this Easter, get out there and explore Uganda.

At the time of going to press, there were few details about live Easter events, but we’re in Uganda – there will be plenty going on! To find more Easter ideas, keep following blogs and social media channels like Diary of a Muzungu, www.diaryofamuzungu.com and @diaryofamuzungu on Facebook.

One last word, in support of Uganda’s tourism industry

The pandemic has devastated travel in particular and there’s been a big shake-up in tourism businesses up and down the country. It’s sad when you hear negative feedback about a favourite lodge that was on top of its game two years ago, but the reality is it will take time before things get back to normal. Many businesses are still in recovery mode.

You and I might be traveling again but let’s not push too hard for discounts. Remember the more we spend, the more we’re investing in the future of tourism in Uganda.

Have a fantastic Easter!

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