Tourvest East Africa, a member of Tourvest’s integrated tourism group’s Accommodation and Activities division, will start phase two of the refurbishment of Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, a 10-villa luxury lodge on a private island on the River Nile in Uganda. 

Work will commence in the week of January 21, according to Leanne Haigh, Chief Executive of Tourvest East Africa, and be completed by June 20.

Haigh told Tourism Update that phase two would see the replacement of all soft furnishings throughout the lodge, a redesign and resurfacing of the swimming pool, a total redesign of the upper deck to incorporate a library and sitting area, the creation of four forest pods (private seating areas on the edge of the River Nile), upgrading of all the villas with new fittings and furnishings, and upgrades to the bathrooms and kitchen.

In phase one, all decks were replaced with environmentally friendly composite decking, electricity was installed throughout the island, boat landing decks on the mainland and the island were rebuilt, and the helipad was upgraded and enlarged. 

Tourvest has a number of other businesses operating in Uganda, including Adrift Rafting, an activity-based business that predominantly operates white water rafting on the River Nile; Kalagala Falls Overland Camp, which is set to open in May and will comprise a bar, restaurant and swimming pool, 64 dormitory beds, 10 safari tents and six private overland truck bays; Kalagala Falls Tented Camp, set to open in June, comprises 14 River View Tents and six Family Units, all en-suite, a bar, restaurant and swimming pool; and Kalagala Falls Activity Centre and Bungee Tower, set to open in September.