Easter away from the city

Ngamba Island

If you are craving the lakeside and also happen to love chimpanzees then then Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria should work for you. The island has a chimpanzee sanctuary, and boasts of having the biggest population of chimpanzees in East Africa.
There is an option of taking a full day trip to the island, for the sole purpose of looking at the chimpanzees. This option includes transport to and from the island and lunch.
The other option is spending a night at the island, which includes full board accommodation, transport, a walk in the forest and viewing chimpanzees of course.

Price range: Middle

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Still in western Uganda, there are the infamous mountain gorillas which you can track in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and forest. The park is home to an estimated 320 mountain gorillas and more than 400 plant species.
Since we are talking about a weekend gateway, there is accommodation to consider. Inside the forest is Cloud Mountain Lodge, which has cottages with all the trimmings of a hotel in the city. It also has a restaurant with a diverse menu that includes coffee and fresgly squeezed juice. There is also a bar for anyone who loves a cold one. It is located at a high point from where you can view the Virunga volcanoes, along the northern border of Rwanda, the DR Congo and Uganda.

Price range: Luxury

Mabira Forest

Leaving the city usually means you want to get away from the hustle and bustle in search of clean air and a quiet place. Mabira forest off the Kampala-Jinja highway is just the place to do that. While you can rough it up by camping in the forest, there is a place for people who love their creature comforts.
In the middle of the forest is the Rain Forest Lodge where you can stay and still enjoy the beauty of the forest such as the monkeys, birds, trees and shrubbery. There is also a swimming pool, sauna, massage and you can take forest walks, nature treks and go mountain biking. Don’t forget to carry your camera.

Price range: Middle to premium

Kidepo Valley National Park

You can travel north to Kidepo Valley National Park. At the park, besides the scenery of flora and fauna, there are facilities which you can take advantage of.
One of these is Apoka Safari Lodge which has 10 rooms. The lodge was constructed with relaxation in mind. There are bathtubs on the verandas so you can lie in water and still enjoy nature’s splendour. The rooms at Apoka have been built with comfort in mind. Everything is handmade by local craftsmen.
With inside sitting rooms and private verandas there are plenty of places to relax, read and sprawl. Big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, hand-woven woollen carpets, oversized dressing gowns. You may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing. For the water lovers, the lodge also has a swimming pool.

Price range: Premium

MURCHISON FALLS

If you are going to western Uganda, there are several sites for you. There is the River Nile, animals and wild fauna at Murchison Falls National Park. Near the park is the Nile Safari Lodge. For accommodation, there are wooden cottages or chalets as the lodge refers to them and comfortable tents. From the lodge is a view of the river and the park.
There is a restaurant with an intercontinental menu, a swimming pool, and the lodge offers a guided tour of the park, and cultural dance performances by a fireplace.

Price range: Middle to premium

At the lakeside

You might not be able to travel out of Kampala but still want a calm place to relax this Easter. Several people find the lakeside soothing which is just as well since Kampala is right next to Lake Victoria. There are several places to enjoy the lakeside in Kampala –places such as Luzira and Gaba.
There is also Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort a few kilometres from the city centre. Besides enjoying the lakeside, there are horse rides, a swimming pool and a spa. Given its location, you might want to go spot fishing as the sun goes down or take a cruise across the lake in motor boats. There is also accommodation to consider if you want to be away from home.

Price range: Budget to premium

Ranges
Budget: Shs50,000- Shs150,000 daily
Middle: Shs150,000- Shs300,000 daily
Premium: Shs 300,000- Shs1m daily
Luxury: Shs1m and above daily