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About
#3 of 57 Specialty lodging in Fort Portal
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Value
4.5
Travelers' Choice
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Lake View
Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Pool with view
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
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Room features
Safe
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Location
Full view
Contact
Fort Portal Uganda
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Fort Portal rental cars
124Reviews2Q+A14Room tips
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Stunning property overlooking a crater lake. Monday and the rest of the staff were gracious and accommodating at every turn. Meals were delicious, fresh and creative. Our quarters were privately situated and overlooked the lake and forest. As mentioned by another reviewer, there is no wifi or usb outlets in the rooms. All charging and access done in the lodge, which actually served as a plus for the most part. Usb would be nice as so many items cameras etc require such charging. The pool is located on a separate terrace above the lodge making for more spectacular views. The lodge is close to all the crater lakes, village activity and chimp trekking. The area is absolutely gorgeous, clean and lush. We found the locals to be friendly and inviting. Can't wait to go back!…
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Lake Munyanyange is a lovely spot to visit, but deciding where to stay can be tough. Depending on what you are looking for, there are a few different possibilities. Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge is a good option if you want to be close to the activities while also being tranquil and economical.
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Date of stay: May 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.
Helpful
+1
Wow all the way around. This was a pretty magical place on our tour and considered the best in the area. Situated amongst many crater lakes with 360 views. We had our own cabin with lake views and an outdoor patio. This was a very special stop on our Uganda tour and the route up through the mountain villages was just super cool. The chef at this place should probably be famous because the food and the service was pretty impeccable (side note: chef was a woman which made my month!!!) I still want the recipe for the chocolate pudding! The beds are covered nightly with nets and they’re very beautiful. Things to know to be prepared (don’t want to call these cons, just more so to know): -no electric outlets in room. Place is run fully on solar (yay environment), but charging station is in lodge only. -no internet in rooms. Lodge only. -hot water only operates twice a day. It’s operated by fire heating individually for each hut.…
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: No electric outlets in room. Lodge only.
No internet in room, lodge only.
Hot water only...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
This lodge is tranquil and every bit as beautiful as their photos would suggest. We had a wonderful stay. The management and staff were gracious, helpful and professional. The food was delicious, and the views were incredible. We would definitely recommend Papaya Lake Lodge to anyone visiting the Kibale National Park and Crater Lakes area!
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Room 7 had a fantastic view of the lake.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
This place is pure paradise and tranquility. Monday (manager) and his team are gracious and knowledgeable hosts. They treated us like royalty. I can’t comprehend why someone would not rate this place 5stars. My wife and I had an amazing time here with their excellent food offerings and views. Definitely the best rooms(lodge) during our one week stay in Uganda! Can’t wait to be back!
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Date of stay: May 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.
Helpful
It's been Really nice To stay at such place where we are able to to Feel the Nature , and To take a breath around the Lake, A very nice Breakfast , they Prepared our dinner How we told them to make one it was delicious and the Soup they served It Was Yummy too , the Food presented Niclely , The Room has All the Luxurious Amenities in it and Nice View from The room A great Touch to The Soul in the Morning I really Appreciate Mr. Went beyond Duty and cooperated In every Matter One thing you make sure Do not Follow the Google mAp to approach to the Resort , Make sure You taking the Guide from the management From Fort Portal City , Great Experience Ever Really appreciated
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We absolutely loved this lodge. The main area is so so comfy. The food is incredible. The views are outstanding. Monday is a great manager and the stuff is wonderful! We'll definitely come back if we can!
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
Papaya Lake Lodge is such a special place! A special gem as I like to say. Located close to Kibale National Park, where I had the pleasure and pure joy of of chimp habituation and tracking. The views from all over the lodge are stunning! They took my breath away. It feels like you are sitting on top of paradise with views of the lakes, forests, trees, local farms, tea estates, you name it. The sunset is especially gorgeous, which casts a pink shadow on the lake. I felt extremely safe, as the property is gated with security (although it doesn't feel like you need it, but good that they have it). The rooms feel like luxury tree houses and have quite the charm. Let's talk about the staff. I miss them so much! The staff is the most friendly, hospitable, caring staff I have met! They go out of their way to make sure you are taken care of and their customer service exceeded my expectations. They are also local Ugandans which I really was happy to see. I enjoyed getting to know them (as as solo traveler, I started many conversations and they became my friends -- yet they always remained extremely professional). The manager, Monday, was a breath of fresh air. Professional, kind, knowledgeable, hard-working, a person with a good heart. He is just excellent at his job. Even though he wore his mask at all times, his eyes could tell me he was always smiling while working. Brian, Ruth, and Saidah were always so attentive, helpful, kind, hard-working and provided exemplary service at all times. The chefs Godfrey and Rita prepared and cooked the most delicious food. The food was INCREDIBLE. I took a moment to ask to meet Rita so I could compliment her on her food, and we had such a nice moment. I recommend you ask to meet the chefs because they don't get to interact with the guests as much, and they appreciate the positive feedback because they work so hard. My favorite was the avocado, cucumber, tomato salad, so simple yet so delicious. I felt like I was eating candy. I asked Monday if I could have that every day, and he always accommodated. I also want to mention the other Godfrey who was always working around my room, I think he was security or maybe maintenance, and I always said hello to him every time I walked by, and he greeted me with a smiling hello back. I think he was surprised I always greeted him too, it was cute. Kindness goes a long way. Ugandan people are some of the friendliest people I have met! Say hello and have conversations, they are lovely. Living in California (USA) farm to table dining is trendy, however this was the epitome of farm to table dining. The food was right from the farm down the road and tea from the fields. Yes, there are stairs. Just deal with it. Sometimes you have to climb to reach the top of paradise called Papaya Lake Lodge. You wouldn't have those views, especially by the pool if you didn't have the height to get there, so just manage the stairs. It's a good warm-up to prepare you for chimp habituation and tracking anyway. Also, there are no outlets in the rooms, and you charge everything in the main house. Don't let this discourage you. It's Africa. Embrace it, and disconnect for a bit, it's quite nice. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Papaya Lake Lodge. Such a charming little paradise. You were so wonderful to me and I appreciate you greatly! I can't wait to return! I know it has been tough with Covid and less tourism, so please tourists, go visit this lodge! Go visit Uganda! Our tourism is so helpful and the local villages and communities directly benefit from it. Also, please note in the photo with the staff, I requested for them to take off their masks for my photo. They were always Covid cautious, safe, and wore their masks at all times.…
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Date of stay: September 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Lovely place with excellent food and service! The cottages have beautiful lake view which can be enjoyed from own terrace. We stayed three nights while visiting Kibale Forest for the chimpanzees tracking and enjoyed our stay so much. We highly recommend this lodge.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Dear Bob & Monday- David & I are back in NYC discussing what a wonderful experience Papaya was from our safari in Uganda. The warm service you provided made the trip and the food was fantastic-best food from the whole trip. I could use some banana pancakes right now. And you PROMISED me the recipe for the Caramel Chicken from the Chef!! For anyone reading this, don't miss out on this charming property. It is not only beautiful, but unique and comfortable. We would absolutely recommend this as a must stay. But be warned there are plenty of steps so it will keep you in shape! Tom & David
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Date of stay: June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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LOCATION
UgandaWestern RegionFort Portal
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Papaya Lake Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Papaya Lake Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Papaya Lake Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Papaya Lake Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Papaya Lake Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.