Kyaninga Lodge

Each cottage is set apart from the other on raised platforms, offering privacy and peacefulness. The cottages are built using hand carved logs and they are spacious and bright, filled with light from the wide doors and windows which also afford views over the distant mountains.

Guests can choose from a twin or double room, both including comfortable beds which are dressed in crisp bed linens with snuggly feather pillows. Polished wooden floors and high vaulted ceilings make the space feel traditional and authentic. Each cottage comes with its own ensuite bathroom which includes all the luxuries a guest could want.

Marble basins, glass-walled showers and free standing, clawfoot bathtubs add elegance and comfort to the cottage. Each cottage has its own private decking area where guests can relax after a long day and marvel at the breathtaking view of the Rwenzori Mountains in the light of the sunset.

Guests can enjoy a delectable three-course meal at the Main Lodge. A comfortable, traditional and relaxing space, guests can feast on freshly prepared food inspired by traditional European cuisine, with local ingredients interspersed throughout, either hand picked from the kitchen garden or purchased at a local market. Before or after dinner guests can relax around the fireplace on comfy sofas, enjoying a refreshing drink from the fully stocked bar.

Kyaninga’s top activity is a Chimpanzee safari in the Kibale National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with the great Chimpanzees in their natural habitat of the thick, green forest. Guests are unlikely to leave disappointed as the Kibale National Park has the highest density of Chimpanzees anywhere in the world.

For guests wanting to explore the surrounding area of Kyaninga then a variety of hikes are available from your cottage. Walks are guided and educational, there is no better way to immerse yourself in nature than exploring on foot. Hikes around the Great Rift Valley can be organised or hikes into local villages can be arranged for guests who wish to understand the local cultures.

Guests can travel to the fascinating Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This forest is home to half the worlds population of Mountain Gorillas making it the perfect place to to go Gorilla Trekking. On a guided walk through the forest guests will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend some time in the company of these magnificent animals.

Exploration of the highest mountain range in Africa, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rwenzori Mountains, can be arranged. Enjoy the physical challenge of traversing through dense forest, rolling moorland and make your way up to the snow covered peaks.

A traditional African safari experience is offered at Queen Elizabeth National Park. With the opportunity for a game drive as well as a boat safari, guests have the chance of seeing a wealth of wildlife such as warthogs, hippos, elephants and lions, who are often lazily lounging in the trees.

Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling swimming pool which overlooks the Kyaninga Lake. From it’s high vantage point, keep your eye peeled for wandering animals in the distance or enjoy an afternoon siesta on one of the sun beds.

Set up in 2010 the Kyaninga Forest Foundation initially set out to help and work with the communities around Lake Kyaninga and the Kyaninga Forest learn sustainable ways to use natural resources for means such as firewood. Starting as a community based project it was soon realised that “wider intervention” was needed, thus the Kyaninga Forest Foundation became an NGO in 2017.

Focusing on forestry, the foundation also helps to “conserve and protect other important ecosystems such as rivers, swamps and lakes”. Understanding the need for biodiversity, the foundation promotes “the planting of indigenous tree species wherever possible” to make sure that the trees have a mixture of uses from habitats for wildlife, helping increase soil fertility and medicinal uses.

A “multifaceted approach” is used by the foundation which can be “adapted to meet the needs of individual community members”, in this way, everyone is understanding of the need for protecting the forest due to the outcomes being focused on the needs of individuals. To encourage participation, children learn about planting seeds and trees at school. On farms, intercropping is used “to provide useful shade for plants in the dry season which extends the growing period” and at home, communities are encouraged to mark their land boundaries by using trees instead of fences.

The Kyaninga Child Development Centre (KCDC) was created to help children who have disabilities have access to “high quality, specialised and affordable assessment” as well as their carers and families. Through the KCDC physiotherapy, speech language therapy and occupational therapy are provided for children aged 0-16. This is to help the child reach their “optimal potential” and developmental goals, as well as providing support to the families and training for carers to help all members of the community live well rounded and supported life.

The KDCD also “serves as a focal point for information” for the whole community. Health information is provided and fair laws for disabled people are advocated for too, which all helps to create an empowered and educated community. One of the main aims of the development centre is to aid the communities and work in line with Uganda’s “Vision 2040” which “aims to bring all Ugandans above the poverty line by 2040.” Kyaninga believes that “disability is not inability and the KDCD works to ensure all the children can lead productive and fulfilled lives.”

Initially starting to help support and raise funds for the Kyaninga Child Development Centre the dairy is now “expanding rapidly, delivering the finest hand crafted goat’s cheese to restaurants, hotels, shops and caterers in Uganda.”

The dairy is a large part of the community in Toro, Fort Portal as it employs members of the communities as workers. The goats are only fed fresh grass and are kept safe from other animals in a “purpose-built goat home”. Working as a no for profit business Kyaninga Dairy is self-sufficient, with all profits either going to Kyaninga Child Development Centre or invested “back in the dairy to grow the operation.”

There are various charity events which take place to raise funds for the Kyaninga Child Development Centre. A marathon takes place in November known as ‘Running The Rift Marathon’ which is suitable for beginners and professionals alike. If running is not your thing then you can ‘Ride The Rift’ which is a bike ride which takes place in December.

The Kyaninga Triathlon happens in May, for travellers who want a challenge and the Kyaninga Inclusive Sports Day happens in November for children from the KCDC and their families as well as members of the local communities for a day of fun sports activities.

Kyaninga Lodge uses solar panels to generate power to heat their water and provide electricity for their electrical charging points. Harvesting the natural supply of sunlight through solar panels helps the lodge become more eco friendly, and reduces their carbon footprint.