Papaya Lake Lodge is located in Kibale Forest National Park, famous for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda, on the great crater lakes area. Papaya Lake Lodge has two of these unique water-filled craters right on its doorstep.
The lodge is approximately 350km from Kampala, via Kampala – Fort Portal highway, which is roughly a 5-hours drive. It boasts of magnificent views of the Rwenzori Mountains, surrounding valleys and the lush vegetation.
The lodge is in a comfortable drive, on asphalt road, westwards of Fort Portal town, the region’s informal capital city. Just outside Fort Portal, take a left-turn to follow a red dirt road. It will take you directly to Papaya, through a scenic drive among tea, banana, guava and avocado plantations.
Papaya Lake Lodge is surrounded by the lush, evergreen landscapes of the Ugandan great crater lakes region, set between two extinct volcanoes. That’s why it is a preferred lodge, because of this and the close by turquoise waters of Lyantonde and Kifuruka lakes, with thrilling views over the majestic Rwenzori mountain ranges.
An oasis of nine luxurious cottages, a restaurant and beautiful swimming pool are set on its own scenic terrace. As a result, this place, established with great passion and esteem for local culture with high attention to details, makes life worth living.
Established by a family of three; Magdalena, Sebastian and their son Alek, who were recently joined by little Leon, chose to abandon their European life to find a new home in the living heart of Africa. Papaya is a home inspired by its surroundings and soaked with all the best Uganda has to offer. Beautifully refreshed by their own unique style, and the highest standards of service.
Accommodation at Papaya Lake Lodge
Papaya Lake Lodge offers nine spacious and bright cottages. They are all situated on the extinct volcano crater’s slope and have breath-taking views of the Lyantonde Lake. Each of the cottages offers complete privacy, hidden from view by a green wall of sympathetic treetops.
At Papaya Lake Lodge, eight of the cottages feature two beds (one king-size and one single), local stone-decorated bathrooms with shower units and verandas equipped with deckchairs. The ninth cottage is a two-floor villa boasting three bedrooms, a fireplace-lit living room, a spacious bathroom and a large terrace.
Calm colours, subtle accessories, original interior design and simple but comfy furniture are Papaya Lake Lodge’s trademarks. However, it is the lush and green vegetation that makes it easy to relax after an adventurous day.
Papaya Lake Lodge Restaurant and Bar
A spacious restaurant and bar are open to scenic sun terrace, and are truly at the heart of the lodge. Airy and bright common area of the restaurant is ingeniously planned with subtly arranged corners, each with its own unique climate and decor. The whole place, decorated with fine pieces of local art, crafts and small details, you instantly fall in love with.
During day, one can enjoy reading on a welcoming sofa or terrace sunbed laid out just in front of the restaurant, with a panoramic view of the lake. In the evening, the common area is lit by kerosene lamps and their orange glow warms the whole interior. Excellent Ugandan coffee along with the selection of finest spirits from all over the world will help you slip into complete relaxation.
Papaya’s fine cuisine merges culinary traditions from all four corners of the world, satisfying even the most demanding gourmand. Every dish on our menu is prepared using only top quality, fresh products. You will enjoy our home-made pastries filled with the fruits, vegetables and herbs, grown in our gardens.
Swimming Pool
Papaya Lake Lodge’s pool is truly a pool with a view, probably the best view around! Situated atop a hill, our pool offers a spectacular, 360 degree unobstructed view of the surrounding wonders of nature. This view shows you the crater lakes, Rwenzori mountain ranges (Mountains of the Moon) and the countless fruit and spice plantations.
Whether enjoying an invigorating morning dip or a cooling afternoon bathe – perhaps with an icy mojito waiting in the shade, you will be entranced by our flora and fauna. You will also enjoy the glamorous cranes in full flight overhead and the visiting moths and butterflies.
Activities Around Papaya Lake Lodge
With two (2) crater lakes right outside and views of the legendary ‘Mountains of the Moon’ in a distance, Papaya provides guests with uninterrupted and most beautiful scenery views. Visit one of the country’s most popular national parks, Kibale National Park for your chimpanzee tracking experience, explore the surrounding tea plantations, take a visit to other crater lakes or enjoy the view from the swimming pool or your personal veranda.
Papaya Lake Lodge is highly recommended to tourists visiting Kibale Forest National Park, similar to Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is the preferred destination for visitors intending to go for a gorilla trekking safari.