Kampala Serena Hotel

Kampala Serena Hotel

"The Kampala Serena is so like a tropical resort, you’ll wonder where to find the beach. You won’t, because Uganda’s capital is far from the coast, its draw being East Africa’s gorilla-trekking circuit, for which it is usually the starting point. Themed restaurants, decorated with mosaics by African artist Yoni Waite, a free-form pool with palm trees and a waterfall, and an array of bars and restaurants mean guests never have to leave the hotel grounds. At the jungle-themed Mist—the cooler of the hotel’s two lounges—Kampala’s movers and shakers rub elbows, while upstairs piano music emanates from the Art Deco-esque restaurant, Pearl of Africa. Hallway displays are like a pan-African art gallery, while comfy modern accommodations have the opulent, cluttered feel of an African government minister’s gift room, packed with baskets, ceramics, and heavy wood furnishings."