A perfect weekend getaway, The Haven Lodge is devoid of the glitzy tourist trappings that most places along the Nile boast. However, one will find it equally rich in culture and natural beauty. With a view of the Nile right outside each room, it easily enchants and relaxes the visitor.

The Haven, located on the way to Jinja, is the sort of place where very little spoken about it. If you are looking for a quiet retreat along the River Nile, this is one place that will literally take your breath away. Located 18kms after the turn off on the Kampala – Jinja highway at Njeru, The Haven is offers luxury bungalows and bandas. They also offer camping and lazy camping (what is lazy camping?) with an amazing sanitary block to suit your needs.

In the evenings or early in the mornings, one can enjoy watching the fish eagles, fish otters, monitor lizards, and monkeys from the terrace. There is provision for a braai and outdoor cooking if required. Other activities include table tennis, and volleyball. There is also a fully stocked bar, a lounge with a library, DVD and DSTV and free Wifi. The Haven is ideal for conferences and workshops, as the serene surroundings will allow concentration and creativity.

From the terrace, it is both fun and memorable to watch rafters as they hurdle over the first waterfall on the Nile River. A swimming pool is being built at the premises and should be complete and in use by early 2013. Cuisine served at The Haven ranges according to preference. They offer both local and international dishes. They also offer roast meats cooked on an outdoor braai especially in the evenings.

There are combination safaris that one can book that include two nights or more at The Haven. Nile Horseback safaris located in Jinja provide an ideal way to see traditional Uganda cultures. The horseback rides will range from 1-3 hours as one rides through traditional Ugandan villages, exploring the Nile and the hills overlooking the Nile valley.

For children under 10 pony rides are offered instead. The children will have a guide all through their 20-30 minute rides to ensure their safety. All safaris are accompanied by one or two guides depending on the size of the party. When with more than one guide, the party will be allowed to temporarily separate at certain points to allow the more experienced riders move at an advanced pace and the newer riders stay within their comfort zone.

For adults with no horseback riding experience, the horses are healthy and have been well schooled to ensure you have a safe ride. Booking for these safaris are essential and can be made online; www.nilehorsebacksafaris.com. Or call +256 701101196/+256774101196.

Bookings for The Haven are essential and can be made online; www.thehaven-uganda.com, info@thehaven-uganda.com. Or call +256702905959/+256782905959.

Arriving at The Haven, you will have a memorable welcome by the pleasant workers. The Haven is accessible by road and will take approximately 2hrs from Kampala or 15 minutes from Jinja town center. A taxi from Kampala will cost 2,500-3,000 while hiring a special hire car will range from 400,000 per day depending on the size of the party and the size and type of the car. From Jinja town, a special hire car will cost between 30,000-70,000 depending on the size of the party and the car.