Why You Should Visit Uganda’s Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge

Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge is the eye candy of Fort Portal in western Uganda. It’s the one place where peace, serenity and nature’s beauty await you. Aramaga is a premier eco-lodge at Kibale Forest National Park with a one-of-a-kind architectural design featuring space pods set atop a ridge with a view of the Great Rift Valley.

There’s nothing like a dull day while at the lodge. Beautiful nature sightings are on every corner of the horizon and so are therapeutic spa massages at the lodge. The dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains oozes a touch of relaxation while the forest aura sets the stage for the best romantic getaway.

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Why is Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge Special?

The architecture, location, ambience and service describe the uniqueness of this establishment. This luxury lodge in Kibale Forest was a thought conceived and actualized in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sits 10km from Fort Portal town – remains the most prized luxury accommodation in this scenic Ugandan region.

A visionary design and strategic positioning speak of magnificence and unforgettable memories. It features space pods as accommodation facilities which is a departure from traditional lodge designs mostly featuring log cabins. Space pods are cone-shaped self-contained modules usually used by spacecraft for transport. They also double up as accommodation.

Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge in Fort Portal Uganda. Photo/Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge

Pods at the lodge have a 120⁰surrounding view of the Great Rift Valley, mountains and Semliki Wildlife Reserve. You have an 80km long view from the pod taking you through so much beauty beyond the Rwenzori. DRC’s Blue Mountains and Lake Albert charm your thoughts from the comfort of the space pod. Star gazing at night is effortless; experienced travellers say that it relaxes the mind and soothes gazers to sleep.

Further, the lodge’s eco-status preserves its uniqueness. Materials used in the construction and running of the lodge are environmentally friendly. Renewable energy powers up the entire lodge and associated activities such as hot water baths.

How Much is a Night at Aramaga?

Charges per night at Aramaga costs $300-$330 per person. The luxury lodge can host up to 14 guests at a time in its pods with single and double beds. Those with two beds still allow single occupancy and have the following amenities:

French-designed beds
Wardrobe
Rooftop bathtub
A desk
A relaxation bench
Wi-Fi

Moonshot space pod is exclusive featuring a rooftop bathtub fitted with both hot and cold water. In addition, it comes with a king-sized French bed and another medium-sized single bed. Besides accommodation, Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge shares other delights with the following.

Restaurant

An experienced on-site chef prepares delicious Ugandan and continental meals. A guest can request a meal of their liking at any time and they will have it prepared. Most meals served at Aramaga’s restaurant are organic and healthy options. Ugandan food such as matoke served with mutton, beef or peanut sauce tells of the country’s cultural heritage through food. Matoke is a national dish served in every corner of the country.

Observatory Deck

The amazing eco-friendly Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge. Photo/Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge

With so much surrounding beauty, the observatory deck comes in handy for guests who love nature and those who are fascinated by star gazing. The deck has a telescope for solar system enthusiasts. Guests can also have time to themselves sipping their favourite drink while basking in the wonders of nature within Kibale National Park and beyond.

Guest-friendly Options

There is an ‘all-inclusive’ booking option with a full-board meal plan and room service. It includes free drinks of choice

Swimming Pool

The poolside overlooks Semliki Wildlife Reserve straddled the plains of the Great Rift Valley. Its towering position gives a vantage view of the forest and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Fireplaces

There are three superbly set fire rings within Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge. One of them is in the lounge where guests enjoy some warmth when it’s raining outside. A second fireplace is at the observatory deck and a third, bigger one is by the poolside. This one can accommodate 10 people. A eucalyptus forest nearby grows trees for commercial use and it supplies the lodge with firewood throughout the year.

Bali Swing Viewpoint

Bali Swing at the Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge. Photo/Aramaga Rift Valley Lodge

The Bali Swing provides a gorgeous photo studio deep in the heart of nature. Additionally, the tree viewpoint just next to the swing offers a different view of Fort Portal’s topography.