Welcome to Travel + Explore & Play with Sallee Jay, I am your host. While my entire trip to Africa was transformative, my solo travel to Lake Mutanda is an experience that I’ll never forget. I really enjoyed my accommodations at Chameleon Hills Lodge! Read along as I share the details of my stay and the property.
The drive from Kisoro Airport to Chameleon Hill Lodge, is a bumpy ride with picturesque views of Lake Mutanda and the ever changing backdrop of the Virunga volcanic range. The lodge’s distinctive brightly coloured towers come into sight as you as you round the last few bends on the twisty gravel road. Coming down the set of steps that takes you to reception you immediately are drawn to the architecture and beautifully tended garden and entrance.
Chameleon Hills is where magic and miracles dwell!
Front Entrance of Chameleon Hills Lodge
THE ARCHITECTURE:
The main buildings of Chameleon Hill Lodge themselves are an architectural visions of glory. Imagine a colourful fairytale castle/lighthouse with sweeping vistas in every direction. The design like the lodge owner Doris is unique, quirky, and colourful. One thing for sure is that this is a one of a kind lodge tucked away in one of the best kept secrets in Africa.
THE MAIN BUILDING
The hub of Chameleon Hill lodge is up at the main building. The balcony is one of the first places that you get to see upon arrival and the views are absolutely mesmerizing!! From around mid-afternoon until the early evening the main deck is the place to be, preferably with some kind of beverage in hand. From your elevated vantage point you get to feast your eyes on the free show that the sky and lake put on for you. In the days that I was there, no two views were the same. I was brought almost to tears each and every time by the beauty and tranquility of this property and staff.
The lounge area is another great place to chill during moments of free time. On colder nights, the fireplace is lit and it’s a cozy room to socialize with fellow travelers. There is also a wonderful collection of books and in the exchange library and a few board games to keep you busy.
The meals at Chameleon Hill Lodge are an absolute treat. They always say that the kitchen is the heart of any home. Chameleon Hill is a happy place where the chefs whip up fantastic dishes, mostly using fresh organic ingredients, either from the garden or sourced locally from the community. Everyone lends a helping hand when it comes to the preparation and serving. The food here is as colourful as the buildings.
THE ACCOMMODATIONS
Chameleon Hill Lodge is comprised of ten unique chalets. If you were wondering about the name “Chameleon Hill,” the colorful array of chalets, ends the mystery. Each of the units is painted in its own distinctive colour, beautiful and vibrant in there own right! All of the chalets include beautifully handcrafted furnishings, decorated with African artworks and traditional fabrics. The best part — each unit has its own little private patio leading out onto a unique garden. It’s a peaceful place to take in the views of the lake and Virunga volcanic range, or simply to marvel at the bird life.
For my stay had the pleasure of residing in chalet #3. It is painted a pale blue on the outside, with vibrant hues of orange, red and natural stones providing the backdrop for the interior of the chalet. The only time that I encountered any other guests or staff was during meal times in the main building. If you are looking for a private, peaceful place to disconnect with life and reconnect to yourself, this is definitely the place for you!
The bed is was super comfortable and the showers with the views of the lake recharged and invigorated my mind and body. The private patio was amazing. I cannot wait to go back to see what the other chalets have to offer in terms of energy. I was really drawn to the red, turquoise and purple chalets from the exterior they just stand out supreley against the others.
THE STAFF
Last and certainly not least is Doris the owner and the staff at Chameleon Hills! They go above and beyond to make you feel like family. From the service to the exceptional vibes, everyone there treats you like you are VIP!!
I cannot wait to return back, Chameleon Hills definitely feels like a home, away from home. It was just the getaway that I needed with limited interactions with technology and lots of opportunities to connect with people and nature. I cried when I arrived and I cried even more on the ride back to the airport. This place really is transformative. If you have the chance to stay here, do yourself a favor and JUST DO IT!!
Until the next time, be well and remain kind to others.