Located on roughly six hectares on Kalagala Island, Wildwaters Lodge lies on a unique private island mid-stream within the mighty River Nile in Uganda: around 25km downstream from Jinja in eastern Uganda. It’s in a sublime location and only reached by boat which makes it a very adventurous place to stay. The lodge is uniquely perched on granite rocks with dramatic and exciting rapids roaring all around.
Wildwaters is one of Uganda's most unique lodges. The lodge sits on a private island and is accessible only by boat. The lodge is an innovative example of how to blend adventure travel with luxury lodging. Most travellers use Wildwaters as their base as they spend a couple of days doing adrenaline activities around the Jinja area: kayaking, canoeing, white-water rafting, paddleboarding, fishing, horse riding and quad biking to name a few.
To get here, the majority of travelers opt to self-drive from Kampala, a distance of about 80 kilometers on the Jinja Road followed by a further 25-kilometer journey from the town to Wildwaters Lodge. Alternatively, there is a shorter and more scenic route via Gayaza, a town in Uganda’s Central Region. Air transfers are possible too, and the island boasts its own heli-pad.
Wildwaters is just 25km from Jinja, Uganda's adrenaline capital. It's common for travellers to top or tail their Ugandan itinerary with a couple of days around Jinja for some high-octane adventuring around the Nile.
As its name suggests, it is owned and operated by Lemala, a company whose portfolio includes YZ favorites Kuria Hills Lodge and Ndutu Camp. Lemala provides comfortable accommodation in remote settings across Safari Africa.
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Wildwaters is suitable for most types of traveler, and there’s a superb suite for families.
Please note that we do not handle lodge only requests. The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you. Our aim is to help travellers explore much more of Uganda’s attractions than the mountain gorillas for which it is so rightly famous. Want to stay at Wildwaters?
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge: The Most Instagrammable Hotel in Africa
Accommodation and Amenities
Wildwaters Lodge has ten elevated, spacious luxury suites nestled within the rain forest boasting amazing river views. The ten stand-alone elevated timber-floor and super-spacious luxury suites are nestled in the rainforest with amazing river views. 8 standard suites, 1 private plunge pool suite and 1 two bedded suite make up the total compliment of accommodation on the island. All suites are private and exclusive and can be made into a double, twin or triple configuration.
Each suite is linked by a raised wooden walkway to the restaurant, bar and library. The suites feature glass-fronted windows stylish bathrooms with rain showers and secluded wooden decks with daybeds.
The lodge itself ticks all the boxes for a modern luxury lodge. Well-designed, spacious rooms, en-suite bathrooms and private verandas, and exceptional service. Wildwaters has 10 suites, including 1 elevated family suite. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. The views from all the suites will impress, but river room views are particularly stunning.
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Guest accommodation at Wildwaters consists of nine standard suites and one family suite, all dotted around the island and connected to the communal lodge along wooden walkways through the forest. Each has timber floors, canvas walls, and a thatch roof, and both options are very spacious. The standard category features a king-size bed with mosquito nets, bedside tables and lighting, a three-quarters-size day bed, ample storage space, a safe, and well-appointed en-suite facilities comprising flush toilet, washbasin, and walk-in shower, with complimentary toiletries. There is a private balcony too, with a double bathtub. *For children we always book a family suite, please ensure this is what you are given.
The communal lodge is positioned on a sturdy rock peninsula, with the river rapids all around. It is made out of timber, stone, and thatch, in harmony with the island’s verdant rainforest. Inside, you will find a lounge containing comfortable sofas and armchairs, plenty of reading material, and even a telescope, for taking a closer look at the wildlife for whom the Nile is home. There is a dining room too, with chic chairs and tables on sleek wooden floors. This space is adjacent to the bar, and flows out onto a veranda for al fresco meals. Guests may also opt for private dining in the well-kept gardens, with a little advance notice.
Wildwaters’ grounds include a swimming pool too - flanked by sunloungers, this is the perfect place to cool off in the heat of the day.
The sounds on the mighty Nile are quite hypnotic and calming so Wildwaters offers an experience for all the senses.
Map of the River Nile
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Dining Experience
Meals are taken in the main area by the pool with magnificent views of the River Nile. Private dinners can be catered for or served in your room on the deck. There are also delicious sunrise breakfasts and candle-lit five course dinners for honeymoon couples.
Activities and Adventures
Activities on the river for guests in the nearby adventure hub of the Jinja area including heart-pounding white-water rafting or bungee jumping and gentler horse riding or fishing. Rafting is very popular here, with many thrillseekers claiming that this stretch of the Nile provides the best rafting in the world. Both half-day and full-day trips are available - the latter involves a picnic lunch on another private island. All levels of skill are accommodated, with excursions across calmer waters on offer too.
Additionally, Wildwaters is a perfect platform for viewing some of the more than 1000 bird species that Uganda is so famous for - from turacos and cuckoos to hawks and eagles - and you might also spot giant otters and monitor lizards in the water. Wildwaters is a perfect place for viewing some of the 1000 bird species that Uganda is so famous for - from turacos and cuckoos to hawks and eagles.
Here's a list of activities you can enjoy at Wildwaters and the Jinja area:
- White Water Rafting: Exhilarating, fun and safe way to experience these legendary rapids on the world's most iconic river.
- Bungee Jumping: Leap over the source of the Nile from one of the most spectacular bungee jumping sites and highest tower in all of East and Central Africa.
- White Water Kayaking: Warm water, sunshine, tropical islands and the perfect introductory rapids makes the Nile the perfect place to learn how to whitewater kayak.
- Fishing: Drop a link from the lodge directly into the River Nile to catch the incredible (and plentiful!) Nile Perch.
- River Bugging on the Nile River: The ultimate 3 hour River Bugging experience on the Nile
- Horse Riding: Enjoy a leisurely ride through villages, farm land and along the River Nile, and see the life in Uganda from a whole other perspective.
- Kayaking, Hammock Kayaking or Stand up Paddle Board: Take a relaxing Kayak Sundowner Cruise or use a Stand up Paddle Board amongst the jungle and tropical islands on the flat water section of the famous White Nile.
A Romantic Getaway
After an adventurous day Wildwaters Lodge also offers a relaxing and intimate location for honeymooners and couples looking for some quiet time. Especially for those taking advantage of the spa nestled over this ancient river. Wildwaters also offers a relaxing and intimate stay for honeymooners and couples looking for some quiet time.
Wildwaters Lodge Swimming Pool
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