Affordable treat and awesome view

One of the cottages at the lodge

When other travellers and I from the Land Rover Uganda Club arrived at Eagles’ Nest Mburo nature lodges on a Friday afternoon, the lush green scenery swept us away.

This is atop Lyemitana Hill, approximately 11 kilometres from Sanga Trading Centre on Mbarara-Masaka Road in Kiruhura district. The driveway to the lodge from the base of Lyemitana Hill which has the last guiding signpost is suitable for four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles. Much as it is paved from the base, it is steep.

There, a panoramic view of Lake Mburo National Park and Lake Mburo on the far end reminded us of the beauty Uganda is gifted with. One had a feel of what it means to breathe fresh air.

To enjoy the trip, it is advisable to go by private means because with public means one has the burden of disembarking from Sanga Trading Centre and hiring motorcycle (boda boda) to the tented camp.

From a distance down the hill, the tented facilities’ roofs give an impression of cottages with corrugated iron sheets. When you eventually arrive the tents are made of strong cloth material that is supported by metallic poles that are connected to the roofing. The tent edges are tied to wooden pillars supporting the roof.

A few tents, all of similar shape, are grass thatched and each is furnished with a solar light and twin beds. This can accommodate a maximum of two people.

The veranda of the tent has two seats where you cannot only watch the sun set but also offers a suitable moment to enjoy a glass of wine or any other drink of your choice as you admire Lake Mburo National Park. The tents have zippers for locks.

Interior
This is a typical architectural well-thought out space. With exception of the mirror, showers, clay sitting toilets and the stainless steel trash bins, everything else in each bathroom is eco-friendly. The bathroom cabinet where the bathroom sink sits is made of wood, while the bathroom floor and walls were architecturally and neatly finished with wide stone slates.

While relaxing in the allocated cottage, one cannot help but notice the ceiling made of woven papyrus mats which are polished to give them a shiny texture.

Because the facility sits atop a hill, the nights get chilly. When you step out at night you are given an option of sitting by the bon fire. Wood is lit to keep the residents warm and keep away some of the wild life.

This was not possible for my colleagues and I later in the night because we wanted to recap the day’s events over some sodas, wine, beers among other drinks from the restaurant and bar where residents have their meals. The restaurant doubles as the reception and gadget charging point as the rooms have no power sockets.
Boat cruise
While you enjoy your stay at Lake Mburo National Park view, there is a variety of activities you can engage in. We had a boat cruise on Lake Mburo during which we chanced on wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and land animals such as impalas and zebras that mostly had come to drink water at the lake in the hot afternoon.

It is then that our armed guide explained that animals drink from the lake when temperatures rise until evening. After our adventure on the lake most of the members wanted to go on but we were told that there could be a game drive the next day.
Game drive
The network of game tracks in the east of the park is home to a variety of landscape features such as acacia woodland, wetlands, grassy hillsides, rock outcrops and seasonally flooded valley floors. While at it, we felt that there was no need of travelling abroad to savour beauty. Eagles’ Nest Mburo lodges gave us a run for our money.

“This facility caters to family holidays, weekend getaways, and honeymoon away from Kampala hustle and bustle,” said one of the staff members adding that it is budget friendly, with rooms going for Shs150,000 a night for double occupancy- bed and breakfast, a special rate for Ugandans. Meals are on order. Give me Eagle’s Nest any day!

Birding
Birders are also catered for especially on the shores where there were a variety of bird species to feed eyes with. Bird species to watch out for include the grey crowned crane, black bellied bustard, red-headed lovebird, white-headed barbet, among many others. Under the guidance of an armed guide, you can as well go for a nature trail, preferably in the morning or evening.

caption: One of the cottages at the lodge.