At a Glance
- WildPlaces Africa to open Kulu Ora Lodge in early 2026 inside Murchison Falls National Park.
- The eco-luxury lodge blends modern design with Ugandan culture and full solar-powered operations.
- A $25 conservation levy per night funds local education and wildlife protection initiatives.
Uganda’s luxury travel scene is stepping into a defining moment.
WildPlaces Africa, one of East Africa’s leading names in sustainable hospitality, is preparing to open Kulu Ora Lodge, its seventh and most ambitious property yet.
Nestled in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, the new lodge is slated to open in early 2026—marking a bold step toward positioning Uganda among Africa’s most desirable safari destinations.
The unveiling comes at a time of growing global interest in eco-conscious travel.
With Uganda Airlines now operating direct flights from London Gatwick to Entebbe, reaching the “Pearl of Africa” has become easier than ever for European travelers.
This improved access is expected to draw more high-value visitors eager to explore Uganda’s rich landscapes—from the mist-covered Rwenzori Mountains to the thunderous cascades of the Nile—without the logistical hurdles that once kept many away.
More than a lodge, Kulu Ora represents a reimagining of luxury in the wild.
Its name, meaning “river” in two local languages, reflects the flow of life and connection at the heart of the project.
Set on a 75,000-hectare private conservation area within Uganda’s oldest national park, it promises an experience defined by exclusivity, authenticity, and serenity—far from the crowds that dominate Africa’s better-known safari circuits.
Design rooted in nature and craft
Kulu Ora’s design pays homage to Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural soul.
The lodge blends modern architectural elements with traditional craftsmanship, guided by principles of simplicity, sustainability, and sense of place.
Eleven canvas-walled suites, each with a private plunge pool, overlook sweeping views of the Nile framed by sycamore figs, sausage trees, and borassus palms.
A two-bedroom suite offers added privacy for families or groups seeking seclusion without compromise.
Inside, the tone is understated and elegant. Locally made furniture sits alongside upcycled antiques from the UK, with handwoven textiles and raw natural materials forming a palette that mirrors the surrounding bush.
Each detail tells a story—linen sofas handcrafted by Ugandan artisans meet Georgian sideboards and iron-bound chests, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and rooted in place.
The library, curated by WildPlaces Africa Co-Founder Pamela Wright, adds a deeply personal touch.
Stocked with African literature and classic travel memoirs, it invites reflection and quiet retreat amid the hum of the wilderness—a nod to the art of slow travel that the brand continues to champion.
Wellness in the wild
At Kulu Ora, wellness isn’t an add-on—it’s part of the experience. The spa, perched above the Nile, offers treatments made with locally sourced oils and butters, blending relaxation with the rhythms of nature.
Guests can swim laps in a riverside pool, practice yoga beneath ancient trees, or simply immerse themselves in the sensory calm of forest bathing.
Evenings are designed for connection: sundowners by the water, fireside dinners under a canopy of stars, and menus that celebrate local produce with global flair.
The experience captures a rare sense of place where indulgence and authenticity coexist effortlessly.
Wildlife encounters, uncrowded and intimate
Kulu Ora’s location within Murchison Falls National Park offers one of East Africa’s most private wildlife experiences.
Guests can spot Uganda’s famed “Big Seven”—including lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, and Nile crocodiles—on guided game drives, river safaris, and night excursions.
Through its partnership with Papa’s Camp, another WildPlaces property nearby, guests can explore the park’s lesser-known corners without the convoy of safari vehicles found elsewhere.
It’s a return to the kind of raw, uninterrupted wilderness experience that first defined African safaris.
Built on sustainability and community
From design to operation, sustainability sits at Kulu Ora’s core. The entire lodge runs on solar energy, while electric carts shuttle guests between suites to minimize noise and emissions.
Each structure uses a lightweight steel frame, allowing the property to be dismantled within a week—an architectural reflection of its “leave no trace” philosophy.
An organic walled garden supplies the kitchen with fresh produce while protecting native flora.
Local sourcing of food, materials, and labor ensures that the benefits of tourism extend to surrounding communities.
Guests contribute directly to conservation through a $25 nightly levy, funding The Foundation, WildPlaces Africa’s nonprofit arm that supports wildlife protection and education programs across the region.
Seamless access to Uganda’s untamed north
Reaching Kulu Ora is straightforward. Guests can fly daily from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Murchison Falls, or take a scenic five-hour drive from Kampala, passing through Uganda’s lush countryside.
Private charter flights offer a fully tailored journey for those seeking extra comfort and privacy.
The lodge also complements WildPlaces Africa’s broader circuit, which includes Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Honey Bear Bush Camp, creating a seamless itinerary for travelers eager to explore Uganda’s diverse ecosystems—from rainforest to riverbank.
A New chapter for African luxury travel
Kulu Ora isn’t just a new lodge—it’s a statement about the direction of African luxury travel.
It redefines what it means to experience comfort in the wild, blending environmental responsibility with deep cultural connection.
For travelers seeking more than just opulence, Kulu Ora offers a chance to be part of a greater story—one that protects Uganda’s wilderness while celebrating its beauty.
As the world rediscovers East Africa’s quieter corners, this is where the next generation of meaningful safaris begins.
