Our story
A garden hotel at the edge of Lutoboka Forest
A natural garden resort in Kalangala with a secluded, tranquil atmosphere, 1 km from Lutoboka landing and about 500 m from Kalangala town.
- Family-run
- Breakfast included
- Beside an Important Bird Area
The main lawn
About Philo Leisure Gardens
Not just a place to sleep. A place to breathe.
Philo Leisure Gardens is a natural garden resort with a secluded atmosphere, full of tranquillity and relaxation. We are located in Kalangala, 1 km from Lutoboka landing site, where the ferry and boats from Entebbe and Kampala dock, and about 500 m from Kalangala town.
The gardens sit on the boundary of Lutoboka Central Forest Reserve, a medium-altitude moist evergreen forest that is globally known for Lutoboka Point, one of the more than 30 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Uganda.
We are not a big hotel. We are a family-run garden hotel at the edge of the wild: plush green lawns, chill spots under the trees, hammocks and swings, and a slow island pace that makes guests stay longer than they planned.
- 1 km From Lutoboka landing Where the ferry from Entebbe docks. Pick-ups can be arranged.
- 500 m To Kalangala town Close to everything, quiet enough to hear the birds.
- 30+ Bird areas in Uganda Lutoboka Point, next door, is one of Uganda's Important Bird Areas.
- 84 Islands to discover Kalangala district is made up of 84 islands, many rich in culture.
Our neighbours
Make friends with our comrades
Come enjoy our plush green gardens while basking in nature's glory, and make friends with the monkeys and birds that call Philo home. Many bird species live here all year round, with migratory birds at certain times of the year, so bird watchers will have quite the experience. To avoid over-habituation, please don't feed the monkeys: they could become a public nuisance!
- Vervet monkeys
- Hornbills
- Kingfishers
- African grey parrots
- Monitor lizards
- Migratory birds
Explore from Philo
Things to do on Bugala Island
Everything is arranged at reception, at your own pace.
Guided forest walks
Lutoboka Forest Reserve, right at our boundary
Bird watching
An Important Bird Area next door
Bike hire
Self-guided rides, from easy to off-road
Boat & canoe trips
To the virgin island and beyond
Island & culture tours
Heritage sites with a local guide
Camping & campfire
Pitch up in our gardens
Honeymoon packages
3 Nights or 6 Nights in the Deluxe Cottage
Simple, clean and properly Ugandan
Everything you need, nothing you don't
- 01 Stay Clean, neat rooms and cottages with toiletries, room service, direct telephone and free WiFi.
- 02 Eat & drink Local and continental dishes, a garden barbecue and a well-stocked bar with DSTV for game nights.
- 03 Explore Forest walks, bird watching, bike hire, island tours and camping, all booked at reception.
- 04 Gather Green lawns for birthdays, weddings, meetings and team retreats, with buffets on request.
We accept Visa, Mobile Money and cash.
See Rooms & Rates
Get in touch
Your Island Stay is Ready
From Kampala's noise to bird song in 3 hours. We will pick you from the landing site.
