WildPlaces Africa has announced that Kulu Ora, its newest lodge and seventh addition to the WildPlaces portfolio, will open in early 2026.
The property will benefit from Uganda Airlines’ new direct international flights from London Gatwick to Entebbe.
Located in a hidden corner of Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, the lodge sits within a 75,000 hectare newly designated low impact zone, giving guests guaranteed privacy and exceptional wildlife encounters away from the crowds.
Combining thoughtful design, deep, cultural heritage and a profound connection to nature, Kulu Ora – meaning “river” in two local languages – will offer 11 ensuite canvas-walled suites with a private plunge pool alongside rare access to an unspoiled expanse of wild terrain. Each suite will feature timber floors, airy living spaces and expansive bathrooms with deep copper bathtubs positioned to overlook the Nile.
Elsewhere, a library curated by WildPlaces Africa Co-founder Pamela Wright will provide a mix of novels, beach reads, and Africa-focused books, while a main swimming pool long enough for laps is surrounded by a capacious pool deck, bar and comfortable daybeds. The lodge’s spa will sit perched above the Nile, blending natural luxury with Uganda’s rich resources to offer a serene wellness experience in the heart of the bush.
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. Guests can expect Locally made linen sofas set against Georgian sideboards, handmade iron-hinged chests, and soft, natural textiles throughout.
Form a sustainability point of view, the low-impact lodge is designed to blend 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 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 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.
Commenting on the property’s remote location, Jonathan Wright, co-founder of WildPlaces Africa recalls: “We had to machete through kilometres of untamed wilderness, wade through marshes and rivers just to reach the site. From the moment we saw the Nile divide around a jungle island, we knew it was worth it. We couldn’t be more excited to finally open Kulu Ora and add it to our Wildplaces portfolio.”
