Breakfast at Mihingo Lodge, Lake Mburo National Park

It’s 8 o’clock in the morning, and the rays from the sun wake me. I’d slept off listening to Jon Favreau’s podcast - Pod Save America; it was one of those days when American politics didn’t resonate with me. Stretching and yawning in the car’s back seat, it felt great to have leg room - the space to stretch and the freedom to set my itinerary. I’d been taking this road for the past two decades, and as the last born in the family, I didn’t have much of a choice on where to sit on our trips to the village. The default was that I sat in the middle of the back seat, occasionally carrying eggs, carrots, onions or anything random that we bought on the way. This time, it was just me, my car and the driver heading to Kigali, the land of a thousand hills. It was a great feeling; I was my own DJ - I played the best of Burna Boy, WizKid, Major Lazer and our very own Azawi - who I can’t get enough of. Three hours and many sing-a-longs later, we arrived at Kagate trading centre near Lyantonde town and turned off onto the dirt road heading to Lake Mburo National Park.

With spectacular views and contemporary rustic style, Mihingo Lodge is one of those places you’ll fall in love with instantly. Perched on a rocky outcrop with stunning views across Lake Mburo National Park, Mihingo Lodge treats you to Uganda at its most magical. Designed to blend beautifully with the natural surroundings, this family-owned lodge gives its guests a quiet stay with breathtaking views over the park’s vast savannah landscape. With a tranquil pool overlooking a sweeping wild valley below the water where buffalo, impala, zebra, eland, warthogs, and bushbuck converge for an afternoon quench, Mihingo Lodge is the only facility in Uganda to offer daytime and overnight horse safaris into the national park. It has 12 luxury tented rooms with unique charm and character nestled in the forest, some overlooking Lake Kacheera. All offer excellent privacy and stunning views of the airy bush sanctuary.

Breakfast at Mihingo is designed to set guests up for the day. There is a selection of fresh fruit, juice, cereal, muesli, homemade yoghurt, bacon, sausages, pancakes with a hint of lemon zest and eggs of your choice with homemade bread. It is thoughtfully and carefully prepared - the presentation alone is an experience to the eye. The food is locally sourced, simple and absolutely delicious. As you eat, a calming breeze from lake Kacheera hits the spacious dining and living room area where meals are served. Below the dining areas is a large infinity swimming pool, perfect for a cool dip on a warm day. For casual game viewing, there is a waterhole below the pool, an easy way to enjoy good sightings. Besides the horses, visitors can hire a top-of-the-range bike for an adventurous view of the wild.