As part of their endeavor to become financially self-sustained, Rhino Fund Uganda invited the Genade Family to build a luxury safari lodge. In addition to providing the initial start-up capital and construction costs, Amuka Lodge also hosts Rhino Fund’s invited guests and advisors at substantially discounted rates. Many of Amuka’s visitors also choose to leave donations for the Sanctuary where 100 percent of all these donations are used for the rhino conservation program. Ground was broken on 08 September 2010 and construction began on Amuka Lodge. The designers and builders were guided by the words, ‘authentic’, ‘natural’, and ‘private’ as they began work with the goal of creating a beautiful, comfortable lodge that blended with its surroundings. Maximizing the fusion of timber, natural stone and canvas, Amuka Lodge was created to blend with the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.
The Main Lodge, containing the restaurant, bar, walkways, and sun-deck, was almost entirely handcrafted using old, recovered mahogany beams and timber planks from a sawmill abandoned in Budongo Forest nearly 30 years ago. This gives the lodge a rustic and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a well-worn farmhouse.
Currently there are ten units; four family chalets with three beds – perfect for families and, six standard chalets each with one bedroom and bathroom. Each chalet is named after one of the sanctuary rhinos and was constructed from hardwood timber and stone. All chalets are complete with large, personal verandas where visitors can lounge on safari chairs and take in the serenity of the surroundings. All chalets are tucked into the woodlands which provide complete privacy.
Maintaining a low environmental impact was a priority for the Genade’s who insisted that solar water be used to heat the water and that battery powers the lights. All of the food waste is recycled.