Jacana’s Tree House Lodge is a marvel

 

By Roger Mugisha

Set on the edge of Uganda’s largest Crater Lake, the Tree House Lodge peacefully protrudes out of the forest. Lake Nyamusingire, on which Jacana Safari Lodge is located, has five craters which form Uganda’s largest crater lake. The delicate use of rock, poles, wood, rope, organic furniture and rich textures blend perfectly well with the scents, sights and sounds of the tropical hardwood forest.

It is literally crystal clear that significant effort and innovation went into the creation and design of Jacana Safari Lodge; which comes as no surprise when you consider its prime location within the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Bushenyi.

Opened in 1998 by its managing director, Zahid Alam, Jacana Safari Lodge is rich in bio-diversity. The delicate style and attention to comfort makes it one of the best accommodation facilities in the country.

With 10 independent luxury chalets and a family cottage that has two rooms joined together and each ‘draped’ in the dense foliage of Maramagambo Forest, the lodge is just a marvel.

 

All the chalets give an assurance to guests of a peaceful stay with a unique theme. The rooms are spacious and designed to provide maximum comfort.

 

The swimming pool overlooking Lake Nyamusingire,

Uganda’s largest crater lake

“The rooms are en-suite, with continuous hot water for showers, tastefully furnished rooms, some with enclosed verandas. The newly-designed rooms have large open living space, which allows large panoramic and picturesque views of the surroundings. These living spaces allow the guest to enjoy a chilled sundowner or early morning tea and coffee served by a personal waiter,” Alam explained.

The focal point is a large stone fireplace with large lounging sofas, hand-made Persian carpets and a mixture of soft pastel shades, rope lashing and rock shapes, all merging to form a soothing, open-plan cozy atmosphere.

The swimming pool is located next to the lake, allowing a perfect view of the wonderful sunsets. Next to it, is a sauna and massage area, which give the place a holistic experience for the guests.

 

The Captain’s Table, a floating restaurant, is without any doubt, the highlight of the Jacana Lodge experience.

“The pontoon is powered by an engine and aboard it, one can have access to top-notch service in an incredibly unique and fine dining setting. Here, diners eat and drink as they float over the crater lake, viewing the beautiful scenery. The pontoon can also be hired for exploring the lake during the day,” Alam added.

Kayaking on Lake Nyamusingire is another new adventure while visiting Jacana Safari Lodge.

Small boats similar to canoes are used to navigate and explore the waters. There are four kayaks that can take two people each and a picnic basket to explore the lake edges or just to float on the water. A guide is also available for beginners.

The two sailing bonanzas allow you to view wildlife undisturbed from the water while floating.

Wildlife drives into the national park by visitors are also organised from the lodge premises. Wildlife include buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, leopards, lions and antelopes.

In the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park, the famous tree-climbing lions comfortably relax in the branches of their favourite trees to hide from the hot African sun.

The experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides are, therefore, a necessary asset to ensure a peaceful wildlife viewing. For an upclose feel of the Jacana Safari Lodge, a stroll on foot goes a long way to give you the real feel of the place.

Bird and butterfly viewing, opportunities for taking photographs and learning about the flora and fauna is more real while moving on foot.
Jacana Safari Lodge is an experience in itself – an experience in living and learning about the natural environment both as a foreigner and a local tourist.