After retiring from the South African Defense Force, Johan Genade with the Genade family relocated to Uganda in 2007. Shortly after arrival in Uganda, Angie Genade was awarded the position of Executive Director of Rhino Fund Uganda after which the Genade family set out fully committed to turn Rhino Fund Uganda into a world renowned Rhino Conservation project.

In January 2010 Johan Genade and Joseph Charles Roy (the owner of the land) entered into a concession agreement of 25 years. In February 2011, Johan with his two sons Nico and Duan set out to construct Amuka Safari Lodge with the mission of making Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a must-see destination in Uganda with comfortable client lodging. After 18 months of blood, sweat and tears, the initial construction of Amuka Safari Lodge which consisted of 2 tented units and a small tented bar was complete. Sadly, this construction was a failure due to substandard materials supplied and after attempting to rebuild twice, it was clear that the tented lodge construction had completely failed and could not be offered as accommodations to clients. In 2013 after securing financing, the construction of a brick lodge ensued and Amuka lodge as it stands today was created, completed and open to clients in March 2014.

On 16th March 2016, Amuka Safari Lodge as well as Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary suffered a dire loss with the passing of Johan Genade after having lost his 2 year battle with prostate cancer.

The Amuka Lodge staff are all doing a sterling job making sure that Amuka Lodge lives up to its reputation of providing service excellence.

 

 

In Loving Memory

Johan Genade – Founder Amuka Lodge

1962 - 2016

The Genade Family has been living in Uganda since 2007 – having come from South Africa and Namibia. They decided to stay having been charmed by the friendliness of Ugandans and the rich, tropical environment. Each member of the Genade Family plays an important role in both the function of Amuka Lodge as well as contributing to The Rhino Sanctuary.

Angie Genade was appointed the Executive Director of Rhino Fund Uganda in 2008 and continues to oversee the Fund in that position today.

Johan Genade is responsible for the marketing day-to-day running of the lodge and supports the Fund and Sanctuary through his security background. Every now and again you’ll find him in the kitchen!

Nico and Duan, their two sons, are co-directors of Amuka lodge and play key roles in the development and management of the lodge. Both Duan and Nico volunteered in the day-today management of Rhino Fund Uganda until the development of the lodge commenced. After the opening of the Lodge, Nico took over managing the expansion program and Duan ensures that the hospitality is kept on the required standard. By profession Nico is qualified in Health, Safety and Environment and Duan in the hospitality field. After Nico completed his studies and had a three year stint as a professional cricketer in the UK, he settled in Uganda in 2008. Duan is a talented vocalist an guitarist and it doesn’t take much to persuade him to entertain music lovers in the evenings by the fire.

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.