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Lake Albert Safari Lodge is tucked into lush greenery on a cliff 70 metres above Lake Albert, the body of water that separates Uganda and DRC and is part of the Upper Nile's complex system of waterways. The setting is truly beautiful, the 10-year-old lodge is comfortable and the sunsets over the lake, its surface dotted with local fishing craft, are extraordinary. Surrounding the lodge is the 8700-square-kilometre Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. There's birdlife galore here, with 460-plus species, and you can expect to see Ugandan kob, waterbuck, oribi, duiker, warthog, buffalo, colobus monkey, chimps and olive baboon.
From $120 person/night
* Sitting outdoors with a sundowner watching the molten sky darken and the fishing boats light their lanterns on the lake. The lodge's elevated setting ensures views so beautiful you couldn't begin to describe them.
Heading into the savanna on horseback and seeing large numbers of Ugandan kob, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthogs and more. When watching the game, remember that their numbers were decimated during the 1960's war years. It was only in 2002 that Kabwoya Reserve was declared and leased to a private tourism and conservation operator. The wildlife has returned of its own accord, but some species, such as hartebeest, have been reintroduced. Being here is a real privilege.
Having dinner in the bush, with the stars twinkling above and Uganda kob dining nearby.
Like the cottages on the property, the main area has stone walls with a steep thatched roof and deep eaves to keep the interior cool. It's a two-storied structure, with a dining room on the lower level and a lounge furnished with deep chairs upstairs – all opening to the wide view. The atmosphere is home-from-home relaxed, and the meals are varied and delicious, with fresh fish from the lake and local vegetables served indoors, alfresco or in the bush.
Twelve double thatched cottages, separated by vegetation, are strung along the cliff, each with a stunning view of the lake and, in the distance, the Blue Mountains of the Congo. All have en-suite bathrooms and are thoughtfully furnished, although a little dated in design if you're an avid reader of modern interior magazines. For campers, there's a campsite with shared bathrooms, cooking and dishwashing facilities. (Bring your own equipment.)
What a treat! The staff are so helpful, the rooms are spacious and the bush dinner at the lake's edge was a highlight to remember forever. All the rooms face the lake and are similarly furnished.
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Take day and night game drives to see Kabwoya's abundant wildlife. Birdwatching safaris are popular too – some species to look out for are Abdim's stork, African black-headed oriole, African cuckoo, pygmy, malachite and giant kingfisher, northern red bishop and raptors such as African fish-eagle, bateleur and black-shouldered kite. Explore on horseback (especially good in the early morning or evening), set off on a guided foot safari (there are no predators), visit the local fishing village or hunt for fossils.
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