WildPlaces Africa has announced Kulu Ora, its newest lodge and seventh addition to the WildPlaces portfolio, will open in early 2026.
True to the WildPlaces Africa ethos, Kulu Ora will be tucked away in a hidden corner of Murchison Falls National Park – an untouched wilderness few have ever laid eyes on and Uganda’s oldest and largest protected area. The lodge sits in the middle of Murchison Falls National Park in a 75,000 hectare newly designated low impact zone. The zone, shared only with Papa’s Camp (a luxury tented bush camp, also part of the WildPlaces Africa portfolio), gives guests guaranteed privacy, and exceptional wildlife encounters away from the crowds.
“We had to machete through kilometres of untamed wilderness, wade through marshes and rivers just to reach the site. 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.” Jonathan Wright, C0-Founder of WildPlaces Africa recalls.
“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 to finally open Kulu Ora and add it to our Wildplaces portfolio.”
Setting a new standard for safari luxury in Uganda – Kulu Ora will combine thoughtful design, deep, cultural heritage and a profound connection to nature. Kulu Ora – meaning “river” in two local languages – will offer 11 beautifully appointed ensuite canvas-walled suites with a private plunge pool alongside rare access to an unspoiled expanse of wild terrain. A library curated by WildPlaces Africa Co-Founder, Pamela Wright, will provide a mix of novels, beach reads, and Africa-focused books, while the main swimming pool is long enough for laps and surrounded by a capacious pool deck, bar and comfortable daybeds.
The lodge’s spa will sit perched above the Nile, where guests can unwind with massages and treatments crafted from locally made oils and butters. Blending natural luxury with Uganda’s rich resources, the spa will offer a serene wellness experience in the very heart of the bush.
Design Rooted in Nature
The 11 spacious canvas-walled suites (including a two-bedroom group suite with shared adjoining living room) 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. Expect locally made linen sofas set against Georgian sideboards, handmade iron-hinged chests, and soft, natural textiles throughout. Each detail reflects the lodge’s guiding ethos: calm, comfort and authenticity.
Sustainability at the Core
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.
Complementing the Wildplaces Circuit
Kulu Ora perfectly complements other properties in the Wildplaces circuit, such as Honey Bear Bush Camp and Clouds. Guests can journey through a collection of hidden, low-footprint camps and lodges that showcase Uganda at its most authentic.
