The western part of Uganda is a wide, green region set between two lakes: the great Lake Victoria to the east and little Lake Edouard, which marks the border with Congo. The region is divided in two districts, Mbarara and Kanungu and they both are beautiful places to visit. Tourists love discovering this part of Uganda, less famous than the wild north-east or the shores of Lake Victoria, because of two wonderful national parks: Lake Mburo and Bwindi. It is really worth a trip, here. And not only a safari, but also because towns are very interesting.
District of Mbarara
The district of Mbarara is a land of farms and forests surrounding a beautiful natural reserve, Lake Mburo National Park. The park is a very small one, but includes a large variety of wild animals and particular plants. Lake Mburo is a small lake which is part of a set of other ponds set 300 km west of great Lake Victoria. The landscape here is stunning, and the capital city – Mbarara – is the main reference for trade and tourism in inner Uganda. It is also the seat of important schools and colleges. Mbarara Airport is the main air connection for the national parks of Mbarara and Kanungu.
If you stay at Mbarara …
If you decide to stay at Mbarara in order to enjoy a safari at Lake Mburo National Park, or along River Rwizi’s shores, you shall book your stay at Acacia Hotel – if you prefer to stay in town – or at Emburara Farm Lodge, if you love the countryside most.
Acacia Hotel Mbarara is in the very heart of the town, a lovely brick building in western style. All rooms are comfortable, elegant, with services (private bathroom, cable tv, air conditioner, telephone and private terrace). The hotel has its own restaurant and delivery service with all kinds of menu you may ask for. In order to book your room at Acacia Hotel, please check the offical web site here or email at: info@acaciahotelmbarara.com .
Emburara Farm Lodge is a beautiful old farm, now restored according to ecological rules into a luxury resort. It rises a few kilometers off Mbarara city center and keeps the typical shape and architecture of the African huts, but … much larger! It offers large elegant rooms, mini apartments, spa, restaurants and all conforts a tourist may need. A beautiful park surrounds the lodge and you also have the possibility to dine outside. Contact them at: https://www.emburarafarmlodge.com/contact-us/ .
District of Kanungu
The district of Kanungu, the westernmost part of Uganda, is characterized by Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This forest is protected and precious, not only because of the many wild animals who live there but also for its peculiarity of being so dense and mysterious. Lake Edouard, one of the most beautiful of Uganda, is also part of the districts and marks the border line with Congo. The district’s capital city is also named Kanungu, a lively place where tourists usually come to admire: the market place, Town Council building, and the great Power Station.
If you stay at Kanungu …
If you decide to stay at Kanungu, you better look for your lodge or hotel in the town. Your choice may be Kanungu Resort Hotel, a small set of lodges surrounded by a garden. The rooms have the typical African architecture though the services for tourists are much more similar to the western ones. You can only contact Kanungu Resort Hotel via their facebook page (email: Kanunguresort@gmail.com ), or by calling at 256/781489300.
(photo above the title courtesy of: kanungu.go.ug)
