May 2018

Theme Nights at Cayenne Restaurant and Bar

Monday

In case of inquiries: 0772005050 or go2viewuganda@gmail.com

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Rafting the Nile with Nalubale

Since the start of the 21^st century, River Nile has been repeatedly ranked by Travel Media and Travel Advisories among Africa’s seven wonders. This ranking is mostly in awe of it being the world’s longest river and also an outstanding hub of water adventure, especially white water rafting. And nowhere else does rafting come alive like Jinja, a destination where Nalubale a British-run company has risen through the ranks and emerged as the friendliest rafting company since its start in 2005.

Friendly in this case cuts across all fronts from the reception by its staff to the rates they offer.

However, their biggest claim to fame is a solid reputation for paying extremely to the safety of its clients when rafting the thunderous rapids of the Nile. Considering they haven’t had any disasters since their first day into the river, you would expect their crew to be laid back when taking you for a roller coaster ride. But they leave nothing to chance. Apart from using standard rafting gear, their emergency crew is always on standby to dive in to the rescue of an adventurer who gets overwhelmed with an adrenaline rush. This enables one to feel at ease during the four-hour excursion, allowing them to take in the beauty of the Nile and its pristine vegetation.

While at it, they stand high chances of catching sight of bird species that prey on aquatic species. Such include Kingfishers, fish eagles that usually perch on the edge of tree chances that are anchored onto the small islands along the river.

In between these Islands lie calm stretches of the Nile where one can take a dip or swim under the warming rays of the African Sun. By the time they come out, they will be washed of all their stress. Better still, they will be hydrated with an energizing positive energy needed in beating the crap out of the rapids when the time for confronting them comes. In total, they are about 11 main ones, each with its own kind of challenge that helps in self-discovery.

When it is all over, adventurers retire to a peaceful night at Nalubale’s camp which is found few kilometers upstream. Here they will find plenty of travelers from different corners of the world, most of whom had either come for honeymoon at the camps scenic lodges or rafting excursion.

For much of your stay, you will be treated to enchanting Ugandan foods that don’t disappoint the palate. However, if sampling exotic dishes is your idea of a good meal, the chef is always more than happy to oblige to treat you to dishes that tickle the gut.

 Travel tip

Tag along with change clothes, it’s guaranteed you get soaking wet by the end of the excursion.

While the raft costs between $125-$195 per non-Ugandan for a full board experience, it costs Ugandans $50-$120. The fee covers for accommodation, a return trip to Kampala, photos on every trip, free breakfast & lunch with vegetarian options

For details, visit www.nalubalerafting.com or call +256 782 638 938 (WhatsApp number

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Serenada Eco Resort, Natures Gift to you

It sits on the edge of a peaceful jungle at the shores of Lake Victoria, near Kampala. To be more precise, it is found in Mukono District, Mpatta Sub-county, Butere. It is a well-conserved ecological getaway that is perfect for honeymoon or family holidays.
Apart from a lake waterfront, Serenada is also comprised of two tropical forests, four flowery gardens, a jungle of papyrus and a beach. The buildings here are nothing short of Eco-friendly. They are built of materials that are dearer to the Eco-system such as softwood, bamboo reeds, smooth murram, and thatched with grass. This naturally attracts lots of birds with soothing calls that are as sweet to the ears as serenade music. For a more fulfilling experience, you could head out for a guided bird-watching excursion around the lake and its shores. You stand high chances of seeing the 220 species to which Serenada is paradise.

In no exaggeration, Serenada is the kind of getaway you would want to stay in forever.

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10 Best Hotels Entebbe

Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake in Africa, with a surface area of 26,560square miles. It is also one of the most beautiful features that make Uganda stand out of the crowd as a Pearl. If you have a strong preference for waterfront beaches, meet some of the most beautiful hotels you should visit before the year ends. By Solomon Oleny & Andrew Kisamba.
Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel Entebbe
From the start, we could tell our two day stay at this hotel was going to be pleasant (when we visited it for a residential meeting last January). We made reservations via their website and WOW, the entire booking process was never a pain in the wrong spot. Imperial commands an electrifying view of Lake Victoria and has astounding greenery. The rooms have sort of flaps to let in all sounds of the lake. This has a healing effect to the body and soul.
Botanical beach hotel is equally awesome for small meetings as it has lots of spaces, each with comfortable seating facilities.

Location wise, it is a bang and close to the heart of everything worth exploring in Entebbe: Uganda wildlife education center, Ngamba, cafes and even Airport. It is also perfect if you want a long night out. It is within walking distance from some of Entebbe’s most vibrant nightclubs like Knight Riders Discotheque.

Nyange Resort and Marina

What makes a honeymoon resort unforgettable? Some say it is how astounding its architectural design is. Others believe the answer lies in its location, level of tranquility, and sense of privacy. Regardless of whether you agree more with the former or the latter, Nyange resort and marina will sweep you off your feet. It is within 30 minutes drive from Entebbe, at Bwerenga village. It features a collection of modern-style African cottages. Nyange is a great place to take in the refreshing breeze of Lake Victoria. When you breathe it in deeply (the breeze), you will feel the life you have inside you.

Nyange’s beauty is complemented by astonishing sunsets. It will swamp over your worries and leave you gulping back tears of joy. Then there are the saintly birds like the great white egret, a species after which the hotel is named. The Baganda associate it with peace and blessings, this is exactly what Nyange offers.

Victoria Forest Resort

This resort will blow you off your thrown with its white sand beach, as fenced in by a relaxing forest ambiance. It is located on Bugala Island, the largest of the Ssese Islands.  If you love less crowded hotels, its location alone will glow up your cheeks and light up your eyes.

Its beds and showers are a perfect place to relax after a long day. They are warm and cozy. On the other hand, its breakfast offers a great start to a good day. It is easy to confuse Victoria’s breakfast for a brunch. See, it features a wide variety of offerings, with an emphasis on organically grown produce.

Among the things that keep travelers coming back here is that it is easy on the budget. While its executive cottage costs $30, deluxe costs $45, tent $15, and millennium $55.
To others like Ronald Ross Ochoo though, the hotel’s serene environment and its welcoming and warm staff make it worth a star recommendation to anyone planning to stay on the Bugala Island.

Serenada Eco Resort

It sits on the edge of a peaceful jungle at the shores of Lake Victoria, near Kampala. To be more precise, it is found in Mukono District, Mpatta Sub-county, Butere. It is a well-conserved ecological getaway that is perfect for honeymoon or family holidays.

Apart from a lake waterfront, Serenada is also comprised of two tropical forests, four flowery gardens, a jungle of papyrus, and a beach. The buildings here are nothing short of Eco-friendly. They are built of materials that are dearer to the Eco-system such as softwood, bamboo reeds, smooth murram and thatched with grass. This naturally attracts lots of birds with soothing calls that are as sweet to the ears as serenade music. For a more fulfilling experience, you could head out for a guided bird-watching excursion around the lake and its shores. You stand high chances of seeing the 220 species to which Serenada is paradise.

In no exaggeration, Serenada is the kind of getaway you would want to stay in forever.

Speke resort Munyonyo & Conference Centre
By the time a president stays in a given hotel, you know it is a five star hotel in the real sense of the word. Over 50 Presidents have stayed at this luxurious estate found in Munyonyo, a litter free shore of Lake Victoria.

The property which is widely spread over 100acres has it all; we are talking about state of art amenities you can expect of a 21st century-star-hotel: A fully fledged gym, Olympic sized swimming pools, flower gardens that are colourful all year.
It has a variety of accommodations rooms (335), each with décor and ultramodern furnishings that are themed along Uganda’s heritage. Regardless of which one you chose, you will be treated to sweeping panoramic views of an environment that is beautiful and relaxing; swimming pools, marina, flower gardens. What amazes us the most about this hotel is that though it is always busy, its staff do not compromise when it comes to offering really high standards of services.

Regardless of whether you are a honeymooner or business traveller, Speke is a beautiful place to spend a night in Kampala.  The bonus is a live band performance. Loved it. Great songs and fabulous performance by an array of talented Ugandan artists inclusive of performers of traditional dances. Gorgeous costumes and creatively designed stages. Absolutely worth a watch.

Pineapple Bay Bulago
This resort is always missed because it is hidden, but it is worth visiting anytime of the year. Happiness will start roaring through you at the sight of Bulago.
Its rooms are wide, with fairly large windows that let the lake into the room. The comfy king-sized beds, coupled with the marble bathrooms come across as a great choice for lovebirds.

On the whole, the island is so quiet that one can hear only their thoughts. Bulago appeals to travelers in need of an authentic experience, as opposed to artificially air-conditioned settings. The rooms are decorated with nature’s colors, something which makes Pineapple a great place for meditating. The fish fest here is a must-attend. It is a succulent grill that is delicious to the last piece.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
I (Solomon) first saw this awe-inspiring Island five years back and instantly fell in love with it! I’ve been back to it six times, and would go back again! Each of its stilted tents is as spacious as a small house, with a roomy deck whose feet are firmly anchored into the lake shores. While standing at the decks, your eyes will be taken on a relaxing journey. A journey to the surrounding Islands with their busy fishermen.

There’s not a dull moment at this facility which turns 20years mid this 2018. I would say it’s a “Must visit!” for friends or family. Friend, it is home to 49 orphaned chimps rescued from throughout Uganda.

If your heart beats for migratory species (birds), the best time to visit Ngamba is September-October. During this time, the island comes alive with over 10 gorgeous species that fly from as far as Italy. Needless to say, the fun and attentive staff here also deserve special mention.

Lake Victoria Serena Golf resort and spa
If you are exploring Kampala or Entebbe and don’t mind being spoilt with luxury, I definitely recommend this hotel with an always inviting beauty. From a distance, you are bound to mistake it for a castle due to its traditional Mediterranean architecture.

Thanks to its pastel color palettes, this hotel has taken the beauty of Lake Victoria to a new level. It is located in Kigo, a suburb in a quiet environment with clean air.
Serena is beautiful and has everything you can expect from a 5-star hotel, from the rooms, amenities, ambiance, bars…..the list goes on. It also has a multitude of arenas for recreation inclusive of vast swimming pools and a well-maintained golf course. The views of Lake Victoria from here are spectacular, and so is the atmosphere. The cottages are ideal for those wanting privacy and solitude. This makes it a great place for both honeymooners and families with small children. Serena is also a remarkable venue for a conference as it is away from the city’s confusion.

The road leading to it seems a little rough as it is not rehabilitated, but rest assured you will have no trouble getting to the hotel as it is easy to find. As is typical of hotels belonging to the Serena Group, Kigo has a multi-cultural feel and many options of cuisines.

  Buvi lodge

Buvi is a hidden Gem in a remote part of Entebbe that is still undisturbed. The 23kilometer journey here from Kampala will leave you wondering if there is anything fancy in your destiny, Buvi village. You pass by poor shacks and a dusty road. The area is building up and this lodge is one of the architectural marvels that will help it succeed. Buvi is largely fashioned from fully baked bricks, well polished wooden floors, and furnished iron sheets. On the inside, they are decorated with exquisitely carved furniture. This place is easy to get to from the heart of the Capital, even when using public transportation. The staff never find it bothering to make your stay memorable.

On the other hand, the swimming pool is not the poshest there is in Uganda, but it has its own charm. It is a great place to relax and meet new people with whom you share a lot in common. An overnight stay here costs less than UGX 300,000 per person.

Brovads sands lodge
Brovad is exactly what many looking for in Kalangala, a quiet and clean place that is all about romance. It is well located in a less busy part of Bugala in Ssese Islands, Lake Victoria.

This beachfront hotel offers a sense of living in a tastefully decorated modern African village. Its rooms have simple yet elegant artistry. If you want to treat her to a romantic experience she won’t forget,  the candlelit dinner at the beach will do wonders. We can bet on that.
Among the simple things that make Brovad extra-ordinary is that its meals give you the flexibility of eating when you want. Imagine the possibility of not being limited to having meals at scheduled times, as is the case with most hotels.

In related news, the quad biking experience at Brovads is unhurried. Alternatively, you can go for a guided nature walk. It is a great way to learn about the islands endearing flora and fauna. Better still, you can sit at the powder-soft beaches and meditate on the sounds of the lake. The stillness here is a delightful contrast to the busy life in Kampala.

Living waters lodge

You cannot forget to carry your camera when coming to visit this sweet paradise. It is built atop the same Hill where John Speke stood in 1858 before declaring Jinja as the source of the world’s longest river. It is such an eye catchy family run Eco-resort, one that is full of picturesque views of the source of the Nile and Lake Victoria.

Looking at the cottages of Living Waters Resort from the outside, you are bound to think of it as a luxury tent. On entering inside though, you will be blown away by the realization that it is a safari lodge. One with colorful decor that is themed along with African Heritage.

During your visit, you will love the sound of the wind as it sways trees back and forth in the night. It feels like it is raining.
The other reason that makes Living Waters worth your visit is that it is as attractive as a newly established property, yet it is over five years old. I guess this is because it is very well maintained. The bonus is that staff are very pleasant, and the food is heavenly.

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Bwindi Jungle Lodge: True Oasis of peace and comfort

To say Bwindi Jungle Lodge is just an astonishing safari lodge is quite an understatement. It is a destination of diversity, energy, and culture. From the fancy colors that burst open in its blue skies, to its charming sunset that leaves many of its visitors at a loss of words, it is a tourist facility where you can explore the wilderness and be pampered in splendor.

There are many particulars that comprise a great stay, and this destination which is located on Lake Mulehe, mucha, about 10kilometers from Kisoro town provides so many.
Serenity, comfort, convenience, and cleanliness are top-notch at this facility—which prides itself in having six fully-fledged cottages. From its wall fence which was built using blocks of solid volcanic ash, to the relaxing beds made of finely furnished tree planks, much of its décor and architectural design is themed along with eco-friendliness. They are built out of locally available materials creatively fashioned to impress.

However, what struck me the most about this facility which is a property of Uganda Jungle lodges is its hospitality. The hosts treat you with such care, like you are a long-lost family, finally reunited. After a fruitful day of gorilla tracking in the Southern Wing of Bwindi, a forest park that sits 20kilometers to its North, I arrived here with three friends on a cold evening in Mid- April. We had come for a two-day visit in celebration of Shaban’s 26^th birthday (one of our members).

We were greeted with smiles at the door and invited to sit before being served fresh cocktail juice. I guess this was meant to give us a perfect beginning to the end of our day. What ensued next was a thirty minutes conservation that flowed naturally as chaired by Sherinah Ngabirano, the Lodge’s Manager. The cheery host was briefing us about fun experiences around the lodge we could pursue during our stay.

The lodge’s menu exclusively featured organically grown farm fresh goodies from its kitchen garden.
According to the chef, Jonathan Katongole, this tradition is inspired by the need to feed diners healthy foods. Similarly, it is purposed to conserve the ecosystem.

“The growth of organic foods, unlike genetically modified organisms, isn’t dependent on herbicides.”… “This helps us avoid the usage of herbicides which otherwise would have poisoned micro-organisms in the soil.” He said

In the philosophy of the Uganda Jungle Lodges, the lodge has maximum attention to the respect of the environment by using solar energy, alternative charcoal Briketi, and gas, by recycling all materials collecting them at an organized Waste Management Point. It also re-uses organic waste to make compost for the fertilization of the gardens.

State of rooms

The rooms which are named after gorillas of the nearby Mghahinga National Park were comfortable and quiet. Each of them is built to offer refreshing views of the lake. It quite bothered me though that the lighting of mine, in particular, was strong. I couldn’t help it echo my concern to Denis Akena, a caretaker at the facility. A few hours later, my situation was fixed with more cozy light.

Away from the state of the rooms, the setting buds with indigenous tree species that are a favorite of bird’s species inclusive of migratory ones like the African Harrier hawk.

As such, one’s eardrums are melted with the calls of different species all day, all night. If you fancy coming out in the moonlight to catch sight of nocturnal birds, brace yourself for a rewarding encounter with the barn owl, a species adored across the continent for being wise and prudent.

In pursuit of bird species we hadn’t seen at our doorsteps, we were taken for a birdwatching boat cruise in the adjacent Lake Mulehe, a crater attraction surrounded by rolling hills. We found tons of them at the tributary connecting the lake to Lake Mutanda. Most of these were the type dependent on fish for prey, such as the pied kingfishers. The clear views of mountain Muhavura as seen during the expedition was endearing. I found more than inspiration in its view.

Later in the day, our experience was capped with an agro-tourism experience and village walk in Giseke, a traditional village of the Bafumbira located within 20 minutes boat ride from the lodge.

Both experiences were one of a kind. It was led by Habigiriziman Christopher, 72, an ardent conservationist partnering with the lodge in spearheading the regeneration of a natural forest in the locality.

I highly recommend this adventure, especially for honeymooners and family holidays.

Other attractions/ experiences within easy reach
The Great Virunga Mountains inclusive of Mountain Nyiragongo, an active volcano in Congo.

The Batwa trail can be done both in Mgahinga NP and Echuya Forest; in Mgahinga also it is possible the climbing the Muhavura Volcano (whose view is nicely seen from the lodge).

For details
ugandajunglelodges.com

Facebook: Uganda Jungle Lodges

+256 772 673825

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Asian Fusion Restaurant, A Fun Culinary Journey to China and India

Very few restaurants know how to strike a balance between quality and affordability. Food lovers know her as Asian Fusion Restaurant. Judging by the crowds she has been attracting since her establishment in the 1990s. You can easily tell that it is one of the few Asian eat-outs in Kampala that have excelled highly in providing great standards at good prices. Its specialty is Indian and Chinese dishes.

The dining experience here takes you on a journey into Asia. A journey in which you will immerse in the intoxicating cultures of the Chinese and busk in the friendless of the Indians. In short, the restaurant’s ambiance is true to its name. It has the vibe of Asia. However, this would mean nothing if the food did not live up to the hype. Robert Mwangangi the chef is truly gifted at making foods that tease the taste buds, exposing secrets one never knew existed. I could not figure out why his food tastes so good. The only thing I knew is that I wanted to keep eating even when I knew it was time to sign out.
As is typical of senior chefs with over 25 years of experience, the 47-year-old strongly believes in using farm-fresh ingredients to inspire healthy culinary experiences. Generally, his foods are full of great flavors and very well cooked.

If you are non-vegetarian and don’t mind being spoiled a little, don’t hesitate to try out his paneer butter masala. It is priced at an average of 34,000UGX like most dishes on the menu.
In his words, “the masala is a slightly sweet creamy dish of Paneer, in which the gravy is prepared usually with butter (Makhan), tomatoes, cashews or cream. Masalas such as red chilly powder and garam masala are also used to prepare this gravy. Rich and creamy, made with yogurt, spice, coriander, and butter.”
Other Indian dishes that can’t be missed include Tikka, Garlic kebab, Tandoori chicken, Tangri kebab, fish Achari Tikka, and whole Tandoori fish.
You may not be a big fan of vegetarian foods…but I can bet that will totally change after you have tried the stir-fried Chinese greens. It is a dish made of Blanched Chinese vegetables, as tossed with a mix of garlic-flavored and light soy sauce. Other Chinese options include Sizzlers, green pepper and cashew nuts, broccoli and mushrooms, kung pao, and Mongolian beef. You will love the authenticity of their flavors.
Over to the light part of the story, one of the most fun moments here is watching many Ugandans hustle to get food onto their chopsticks, only for it to slip off just when it is about to reach their lips. So funny!!

Prices
That said, I would definitely recommend this place to everyone who knows how to appreciate food. You could also try out their extensive wine and cocktail menu. It is a great addition. The average price for sodas is 3,000, the cocktail is 12,000.
Ooh, I almost forgot to mention one thing. The restaurant is also flexible and can allow you to dine at any location of choice at the hotel; the poolside, the gardens.

 

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Nawab Asian Bistro can’t wait to spice up your day

Craving for a feast of Indian food or Asian delicacies in general? You and your loved ones might fall short of words for this awe-inspiring gem when you visit it.
Its name comes from an Indian word used to refer to a Muslim nobleman or person of high status. No this doesn’t mean it belongs to kings. Rather, it was established to offer you exquisite dining experiences which are usually exclusive to kings.

This sense of royalty cuts across through its traditions, to its white furniture, as given a rich contrast with perfectly polished wood(black). Its interior is truly cozy and always fresh thanks to its good ventilation and air-conditioning. For much of the day, Nawab is as peaceful as its dominant color, white.
The Nawab’s Asian Bistro comprises a fully stocked bar arena and a restaurant, each with ”cubicle-like” dining sets which are well spaced. Both sitting arenas are tastefully decorated with a breezy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Both settings are served by fast 4G wifi and soothing jazz music, the type that effortlessly divorces the mind from its troubles, at least for a few minutes. These qualities in turn make Nawab a perfect point for meeting clients.

If you are a die-hard sports fan, their bar will make your day with its two massive screens. It is called Nawab Signature lounge and can comfortably accommodate you and over 50 friends. Here, you will find over 10 powerhouse brands of wines and spirits to ignite the fire in you as you cheer your team to a win.
If you love big discounts on drinks, 4-7 pm is the best time of the day to visit NAWAB. It is happy hour. Moreover, every day they have some offers from Sunday to Monday. Furthermore, every day there is a buffet in Nawab Signature Lounge at just Ugx 28000/- , with a cocktail or a soft drink. A visit here is incomplete without visiting the rooftop of the restaurant. It boasts of unobstructed panoramic views of Kampala’s iconic buildings like Workers house, Sheraton Hotel, Pearl of Africa. It is the perfect vantage point to catch fireworks as you celebrate Happy New Year. Needless to say, the breeze here has a countryside freshness. You’ll love it to bits.

On the part of food, their chef understands that first impressions count.
“This explains why I leave nothing to chance when preparing food.” says the 27-year-old Prakash, a professional full of praise and passion for Asian food, a specialty he has been in for the last 11 years.
No wonder the food is usually 10/10. During my last visit, I decided to try a range of chicken dishes. Buttered chicken and cashew nut chicken emerged as my stars of the day. I could not believe one can get so much flavor from birds. My guess was right. They were delightful to the palate as they were flavored with original spices, as flown in from the international home of spices, India. This also applies to all other foods on the menu too, most of which cost between 18,000-35,000(if ordering from the nawab website, you’ll get a 10% discount). They are spiced to perfection, a possible explanation as to why the restaurant is always alive with guests, especially corporates and the business community.

On the other hand, the desserts have a tantalizing taste too. They will treat your taste buds to a joyous spin. They include pastries, fried icecream, kulfi, lemon cream cake, sizzling brownie,etc

What other kind of food lover does Nawab’s Asian Bistro suit?
For people who are looking for places to hold wedding receptions, baby showers, and birthday parties, this place will nail it for you. The venue is free of charge. It can accommodate up to 400. If you want home deliveries, you can place an order through Jumia or samba or by calling in restaurant number too but here you have to for transport.

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