WildPlaces Africa has announced the opening of Kulu Ora, marking the seventh addition to its portfolio.
Tucked away in a hidden corner of Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, the lodge combines thoughtful design, deep cultural heritage and a profound connection to nature.
Kulu Ora – meaning “river” in two local languages – offers 11 ensuite canvas-walled suites, as well as a spa, main swimming pool, bar and library curated by WildPlaces Africa co-founder Pamela Wright.
The 11 spacious suites feature timber floors, airy living spaces and expansive bathrooms with deep copper bathtubs positioned to overlook the Nile. Each tent has its own private plunge pool, with panoramic views across the river and framed by indigenous trees like sycamore fig, sausage tree and borassus palm.
Every element of Kulu Ora has been designed by the Wildplaces team and crafted with intention. All furniture is either handmade or upcycled from vintage pieces sourced in the UK, blending contemporary comfort with heritage character. Highlights include locally made linen sofas set against Georgian sideboards, handmade iron-hinged chests and soft natural textiles throughout.
Kulu Ora has been designed as a low-impact lodge that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The property is fully solar-powered for electricity and hot water, and electric carts are used to transport guests between suites. Construction is deliberately minimal – canvas tents rest on metal girders and wooden poles – so that aside from the swimming pools, the entire lodge could be dismantled and removed within a week, leaving no trace.
An onsite walled garden supplies fresh herbs, salads, vegetables, chilies, lemons and pawpaw for the kitchen. The enclosure protects crops from curious wildlife while preventing any seeds from spreading into the national park. By sourcing ingredients and materials locally wherever possible, Kulu Ora champions sustainable hospitality and supports Ugandan suppliers.
“We had to machete through kilometres of untamed wilderness, wade through marshes and rivers just to reach the site,” recalls Jonathan Wright, co-founder of WildPlaces Africa. “On our journey we passed a pride of wild lions never seen by travellers, this was one of the most exciting things I have seen and felt on safari, knowing these cats had never been viewed before.
“But from the moment we saw the Nile divide around a jungle island, we knew it was worth it. The power and sound of the famous River as it cascaded forward on its long journey to Alexandria entered my soul, a place of pure untrammelled beauty. We couldn’t be more excited that Kulu Ora is now open and part of the WildPlaces portfolio.”
