In Uganda, a guesthouse or a Lodge is a house which offer travel accommodation. These are houses fully operating as a business open throughout the year. Many of them offer services similar to hotels making them the best choice for travelers looking for either low cost travel accommodation or wanting to access more remote places in the country.

Though they technically are different — primarily based on whether the owner lives on site — in practice the terms “bed and breakfast”, “guesthouse” and “Lodge” are used interchangeably in Uganda. This type of accommodation is popular in the countryside, and whether you prefer a simple room in a family home or a purpose-built building with a separate entrance and private bathroom, you’ll find it here. 54HOMES offers a fantastic website of handpicked recommendations and detailed property descriptions.

Guesthouses or Bed & Breakfast

A guesthouse is often a historic building or large home that has been converted; usually the proprietors live in or near the facility, and are often on site. Some bedrooms come with a private bathroom and others share a bathroom; you’ll see the difference in the room rate. There are usually few guest rooms on premises, so not many other visitors. Breakfast is provided as part of the room rate, usually in a common dining area. These provide more of a “homey” atmosphere than other accommodations.

Lodges

Situated in or near natural settings, lodges offer modern comforts and convenience to the great outdoors. Prices and conditions vary, but expect to pay a bit more for your stay the farther you get away from civilization. Housekeeping is usually included.

Self-Catering Lodging

Self-catering accommodations provide a fully equipped kitchen, enabling guests to cook for themselves. It can be an inexpensive and flexible way to go, and you can find some lovely choices throughout the country. The owners often live elsewhere; if they do live on site, it will be in a private area. Before arriving, check whether linens and towels are provided and be prepared to pay a small deposit for potential damage to any of the items.