Kula Ora – New Lodge in Murchison Falls National Par
Kula Ora , New Lodges in Uganda 2026 ,As Uganda steps into 2026, the landscape of luxury safari travel is being redefined by several incredible new lodge openings. These lodges are not just places to sleep but they are “eco-luxury” sanctuaries that are designed to mix seamlessly into the wild while providing comfort that rivals the best hotels in the world. Whether you are tracking mountain gorillas in the mist or watching elephants from your private pool, these new lodges offer a front-row seat to Uganda’s natural wonders.
Kula Ora: A hidden oasis in Murchison Falls.
Kula Ora is located in the remote newly designated ‘’low impact zone’’ of Murchison Falls National Park. Kulu Ora sits on a bluff overlooking the Victoria Nile. The name means “river” in local languages and the lodge is designed to feel like an art of the water itself. it is one of the most exclusive spots in the park, far away from the busier tourist tracks.

The lodge has 11 ensuite canvas-walled suites, each designated with timber floors and expansive bathrooms with deep copper bathtubs. A major highlight is that every suite comes with its own private plunge pool overlooking the river. The dining experience is centered around a ‘’farm to table’’ concept, with fresh vegetables and fruits grown in the lodge’s own protected organic garden.
Kulu Ora is perfect for the travelers who want total privacy. Because it is in a restricted zone, you will see very few other vehicles, making your lion and elephant sighting feel much more personal. It’s also 100% solar-powered, making it a great choice for the eco-conscious adventurers.
The River Station: Modern Luxury in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The River station is located on a cliff above the famous Kazinga channel in the Kyambura Gorge Wildlife Reserve. The River station offers some of the best water-based wildlife viewing in Africa. The design is sophisticated and timeless, using muted ‘’watery’’ colors to match the river below.
The lodge offers 11 beautifully appointed tented rooms, including a special two-bedroom family unit. Like its sister property Kulu Ora, every room here has a private plunge pool. The main lodge area has a library and a bar with the panoramic views. Dining is an international affair, with chefs preparing eclectic dishes that can be enjoyed on the terrace or as a private ‘’bush dinner’’ under stars.
You should stay here for the unique “sofa safari.” You can literally watch herds of the elephants and hippos from your pool or balcony without even leaving the lodge. It is also the only lodge in Uganda to offer sunset cruises, providing a peaceful way to see the park’s famous birdlife and crocodiles.
Erebero Hills: The Viewpoint of Bwindi Forest.
Erebero Hills is set to open in August 2026. Erebero Hills is located on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Its name translates to “a place where you can see far,” which is fitting given its position high on a forested hillside. The architecture is strikingly modern, using sustainable materials like bamboo and ‘’cool bricks.’’
This is an intimate retreat with only 8 glass-fronted luxury suites. Each suite is designated to “bring the outside in” with floor-to-ceiling windows and then large private decks. The dining area is open plan and has a sunken fireplace lounge, perfect for sharing stories after a long day of trekking. The lodge is fully inclusive, meaning all gourmet meals and most drinks are part of your stay.
If you are coming for a gorilla trekking safari, this is one of the most stylish bases available. The lodge is deeply involved in a reforestation project, having planted over 25,000 trees to create a buffer zone for wildlife. Staying here allows you to participate in these conservation efforts while enjoying an infinity pool with misty forest views.Â
Silverback Lodge: A classic reborn in Bwindi.
While Silverback lodge has existed for years, it has been completely rebuilt and then relaunched as a 5-star property for the 2026 season. This is located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi; it sits just minutes away from the park headquarters, where gorilla treks begin. The new design is minimalist and “quietly luxurious,” focusing on the natural textures like stone, ash and bark.
The ‘’reimagined’’ lodge has 12 elevated rooms that act as sanctuaries. The interiors are dressed in earthy tones and designed to be silent, allowing the sounds of the forest to take center stage. The dining experience has been upgraded to ‘’fine dining’’ standards, with a deck that feels like it is floating over the forest canopy.
This is the best choice for those who want a ‘’front row seat’’ to the forest with minimal travel time. Because it is so close to the trekking start point, you do not have to wake up as early as guests at other lodges. It offers a perfect mix of heritage and modern luxury managed by the experienced Marasa Africa group.

In conclusion, the new lodge openings for 2026 offer something for every type of luxury traveler. In Murchison Falls National Park, Kulu Ora provides a remote and sustainable river escape, while The River Station in Queen Elizabeth Park excels in water-based wildlife encounters and unique boat cruises.
For the tourists visiting the mountain gorillas, Erebero Hills offers breathtaking views and modern bamboo architecture, while the newly reborn Silverback Lodge provides world-class comfort right at the forest’s edge. Each of these lodges focuses on small room numbers and high-quality service, ensuring that your 2026 Uganda safari is as intimate as it is unforgettable.