KULU ORA LODGE, PART OF WILDPLACES AFRICA, TO OPEN IN EARLY 2026
Opening in early 2026, Kulu Ora is set to redefine the standards of sustainable luxury in Africa. Conceived and created by WildPlaces Africa—the visionary group behind some of Uganda’s most celebrated lodges—this exclusive new retreat brings together design, conservation, and authenticity in one of the most untouched corners of Murchison Falls National Park.
To reach the site that would become Kulu Ora, WildPlaces Africa co-founder Jonathan Wright and his team hacked through miles of uncharted bushland. “We had to machete through kilometres of untamed wilderness, wade through marshes and rivers just to reach the site,” Wright recalls. “On our journey, we passed a pride of wild lions never seen by travellers—this was one of the most exciting things I have ever witnessed on safari.”
That remote and pristine setting—where the Nile divides around a jungle island before continuing its thousand-mile journey to Alexandria—became the foundation for the new lodge. “From the moment we saw it, we knew it was worth every step,” Wright says. “The sound of the river as it cascaded forward entered my soul. It’s a place of pure, untrammelled beauty.”
Set within a 75,000-hectare low-impact conservation zone, shared only with WildPlaces’ intimate Papa’s Camp, Kulu Ora promises seclusion and a sense of discovery that modern travellers crave. This is safari stripped back to its essence: the rhythm of nature, the call of birds, and the quiet luxury of space and silence.
Design Rooted in Nature
“Kulu Ora,” meaning “river” in two local languages, embodies its name in both design and spirit. The lodge will feature 11 expansive canvas-walled suites, each with a private plunge pool overlooking the Nile. Interiors are defined by natural materials—timber floors, handwoven textiles, and copper bathtubs positioned for uninterrupted river views. Indigenous trees such as sycamore fig and borassus palm frame each suite, blending the architecture seamlessly with the landscape.
The décor strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and soul. Every detail has been considered: locally made linen sofas, upcycled vintage furniture sourced in the UK, and bespoke iron fixtures crafted by Ugandan artisans. The result is a setting that feels curated yet entirely organic—a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and comfort.
At the heart of the property lies a library curated by Pamela Wright, co-founder of WildPlaces Africa, offering a thoughtful selection of novels and Africa-inspired titles. The main swimming pool, long enough for morning laps, anchors a sun-drenched deck with panoramic views, a poolside bar, and inviting daybeds. Nearby, the spa sits elevated above the Nile, offering restorative treatments made with locally sourced oils and butters—a serene retreat where wellness meets wilderness.
An Immersive Safari Experience
Kulu Ora is designed for those who want more than a luxurious stay—it’s a gateway to raw, immersive encounters with nature. Guests can look forward to exceptional wildlife viewing, with Uganda’s “Big Seven” and some of the finest lion sightings in the country. Beyond the game drives, experiences include:
- Forest bathing and meditation beneath ancient trees
- Birding and fishing expeditions along the Nile
- Bush meals beside secluded riverbanks
- Night drives through untouched terrain, guided by expert trackers
- Each moment is carefully crafted to reveal a deeper connection to the land and its rhythms.
Sustainability at the Core
Kulu Ora’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond design—it’s a philosophy woven into every aspect of operation. The lodge is fully solar-powered, using renewable energy for electricity and hot water. Electric carts transport guests between suites, ensuring minimal noise and emissions.
Even the construction footprint is light: canvas structures rest on removable metal and wooden supports, allowing the lodge to be dismantled entirely without disturbing the environment. The only permanent features are the swimming pools, discreetly integrated into the terrain.
An onsite walled garden provides fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit for the kitchen, protected from wildlife and carefully managed to prevent seed dispersal into the park. Local sourcing is prioritised—from food ingredients to construction materials—ensuring that every stay at Kulu Ora directly supports Ugandan communities and suppliers.
A Legacy of Conservation
True to WildPlaces Africa’s conservation-first ethos, every guest contributes to the protection of Uganda’s wilderness. A USD 25 conservation levy per bed night goes directly to The Foundation, WildPlaces’ non-profit initiative supporting habitat preservation, anti-poaching patrols, and community projects in and around Murchison Falls National Park.
By choosing to stay at Kulu Ora, travellers become part of a sustainable legacy—helping to safeguard Uganda’s wild spaces for generations to come.
Completing the WildPlaces Circuit
Kulu Ora joins WildPlaces Africa’s celebrated circuit, including Honey Bear Bush Camp and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, creating an immersive journey across Uganda’s most extraordinary landscapes. Guests can now traverse the country through a collection of intimate, low-impact lodges that reveal its authentic spirit—from misty mountain forests to sunlit savannahs.
Gateway to the Pearl of Africa
With Uganda Airlines’ new direct flights from London Gatwick to Entebbe, reaching the Pearl of Africa has never been easier. From Entebbe, guests can fly by scheduled or chartered aircraft directly to Murchison Falls, or opt for a scenic five-hour drive from Kampala. However you arrive, the journey ends in a place where time slows, nature reigns, and luxury flows as naturally as the river itself.
Kulu Ora is more than a destination—it’s a testament to what happens when sustainability, beauty, and adventure converge. A retreat born of vision and respect for the wild, it stands as Uganda’s new benchmark in sustainable safari luxury.
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