Samuka island Retreat
Samuka Island PO Box 2161, Jinja Uganda
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About
#1 of 1 ranch in Jinja
Location
4.4
Cleanliness
3.9
Service
4.4
Value
4.4
Samuka Island Retreat is a boutique lodge within a bird Sanctuary with over 50 species of birds. Samuka Island is just off the shores of Jinja, Uganda, only one and half hours away from Kampala but a world away from the crowd. A gentle boat trip from Rumours at the Source of the Nile in Jinja will take the discerning traveler to Samuka Island. With a spectacular waterfront setting, natural beauty, and the option of relaxing in a secluded spot, all combine to make your stay the perfect way to refresh the mind, body, and delight the senses.
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Property amenities
Secured parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Taxi service
Outdoor fireplace
Picnic area
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary welcome drink
Shared lounge / TV area
Umbrella
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Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Wardrobe / closet
Cable / satellite TV
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
On-demand movies
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Hotel links
Location
Samuka Island PO Box 2161, Jinja Uganda
Samuka island Retreat
Getting there
Entebbe Airport
63.1 mi•
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Rental Cars
23 Restaurants
within 5 miles
38Reviews2Q+A7Room tips
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Recently, I stayed at the island retreat and I recommend it for a day trip only. The egret birds are very interesting but come with a great deal of birdpoop and an awful lot of small flying insects that are hard to keep out of your eyes. The receptionist was full of attitude, reluctant to show me the room, charged me upfront for all accommodation/boat to and from the island. She then took more than one hour to prepare only a pot of tea. There was a lot of noise from lawnmowers etc. I was then told a party of 50 diplomats were going to visit the island; only discovered this when I was already on the island. In response I said I wanted to cut my two nights short to only one night. They were reluctant to give me my money back and tried to charge me 100,000 Shillings extra for the boat back. In the end I did get my money back but discovered they had charged me higher prices for drinks and food than were on the menu that was presented/Whatsapped to me (it already included VAT so that was not the reason why). I never got the money back despite WhatsApping the manager. Overall, too expensive, over-rated and they try to rip you off.…
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Date of stay: November 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Daniel Tyler, Owner at Samuka island Retreat
Responded Jun 22, 2023
Your review regarding your stay at Samuka Island recently came to my attention and I sincerely apologize for your unhappy stay with us. Samuka Island is a 10 acre private island situated within a bird sanctuary. We offer round trip boat transport to samuka island for ush 250,000 if one is staying for 1 night and discounted to ush 150,000 if one is staying for 2 nights or more. I am sorry this may have not been communicated more clearly. We, therefore, thank you for your comments which will help us to communicate more effectively with our guests. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused during your visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Property's Favorite Review
A little paradise if you are looking for a quiet and enjoyable place on earth… Thousands of birds, very helpful and nice staff, great food and close to Jinja. You do not have all day electricity or hot water in your room, WiFi only at the main building, but you won’t miss it while chilling in a hammock, at the pool or watching the birds. Infrastructure has seen its best days but all is working and clean. You might also chose just for camping with your tent. In case you need more entertainment, the hotel manager helps you to organize any activity in Jinja…
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Check different options to hopp on and off the island, negotiate the prize or go with the one...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
We spent two lovely days on Samuka Island, just 25 min by boat from Jinja. It is a small tranquil Island on Lake Victoria with a retreat with pool, restaurant and some Nice cottages for visitors. The staff is very Nice and welcoming, and the service is good. Samuka Island is a place to relax. It is green and lush. It only takes 15 min to walk around the Island, which is packed with all sorts of birds. You Can enjoy the views of Lake Victoria and see local Fishermen fish from wooden canoes. The place offers light activities like swimming in the pool, kayaking, a pool table and darts as Well as the possibility to fish with rods from the shore. I would definitely recommend Samuka Island!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We had passed Samuka Island on our way to another island nearby on a few previous trips. We had talked about going to Samuka one time, and I was so glad that we finally did it. We stayed 3 days, and only saw one other group come to do a day visit. Otherwise we had the whole island to ourselves! The staff was so friendly and helpful. The room was nice and spacious, with a good bathroom. Our first day there was a storm, and the solar power didn't work so well, so we were thankful for the generator power at night. The food was excellent, though a bit spendy. And each of the 3 meals kept us full until the next meal time! The rooms were very clean. But there were always a lot of lake flies everywhere, so it was hard to enjoy food or drinks outside of the room. We enjoyed playing billiards and swimming in the pool (though the pool did need to be cleaned before we entered, and they removed a lizard for us). The restaurant was in the middle of remodeling, so it will be nice to see the results. Overall we really enjoyed our stay, including the speedboat to and from the island.…
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
This was our second visit in 5 months. To our surprise we were upgraded to the Executive cottage! Great gesture indeed. The boat ride was swift, service generally prompt and the fresh air plus wildlife to die for. The observation deck as per last time was our favorite hang out. Lovely sunsets indeed. I would recommend again. Capt did delay on return trip to Jinja. We shall come again for part 3. Au revoir.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The island is prestine for nature lovers. Service is friendly and polite. Could do with better stocked bar and menu offers. We were the only couple on the island last weekend, but even more effort could have been spared to tailor our needs. Notwithstanding transport was efficient and I would highly recommend to others.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The staff and the setting are what make Samuka Island really special. Michael and his team are well-trained, wonderful hosts. Our experience was that they couldn't have done more to make us welcome and comfortable and the island has an incredible view of the surrounding lake. Food was great and drinks well-stocked. The main building and swimming pool could have been a bit cleaner but we found it to be completely fine given the circumstances of covid-19. Would recommend to anyone coming to Jinja.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This was the best place to rest and recuperate after months in lockdown. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. You truly feel at peace there. The food and accommodations were amazing! Recommending this to all of my friends. I hope that I get to go back very soon!
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Date of stay: May 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
+1
I visited Samuka island on the 11th of March 2020. I visited this island with my girlfriend and another couple. Am not exactly a bird lover but I love adventure and touring so this was my next destination. We set off in the morning at around 11am and boarded a boat next to Jinja sailing club.it took us about 40 minutes to get to the island.Our guide engaged us through out the entire journey telling us about the different places we saw along the way. When we got to the island, I was not disappointed at all, the island is so beautiful. The carpet grass was so soft and unique, the flowers were colorful and beautiful. The island has lots of different birds unfortunately I don't remember their names but they were many bird species. The island has a number of monitor lizards, these caught my eye. The monitor lizards had amazing features and colours. There was one with stripes of orange and black, it was beautiful. The infrastructure is unique especially the swimming pool and furniture. I loved the food. The French fries were delicious we infact ordered for more. The fish was well prepared. The toilets and bathrooms are good but need regular cleaning. I loved the entire experience and have lots of photos to remember Samuka island.…
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We visited the island & we found out it a good place away from home. Hospitality from the Steve manager,Sarah receptionist, chef & pool attendant was super. Will recommend couples to spend their wkend
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Daniel T, Owner at Samuka island Retreat
Responded Jul 26, 2019
Thank you for your kind words and we are pleased that you had a good relaxing experience at Samuka Island. We look forward to welcoming you back to Samuka Island again. Thank you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Jinja area.
PRICE RANGE
$101 - $144 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
UgandaEastern RegionJinja
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Claim Your ListingSAMUKA ISLAND RETREAT $120 ($̶1̶3̶6̶) - Prices & Ranch Reviews - Jinja, Uganda
Frequently Asked Questions about Samuka island Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Samuka island Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Uganda Railway Museum (4.9 miles), Jinja Art Studio (5.0 miles), and Acacia Tree Dinner Theatre (4.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Samuka island Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Samuka island Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Samuka island Retreat?
Yes, secured parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Samuka island Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Moti Mahal, The Source Cafe, and Jinja Sailing Club.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Samuka island Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Samuka island Retreat?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Swahili.
Are there any historical sites close to Samuka island Retreat?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Source of the Nile - Speke Monument (5.8 miles).