The Kampala Serena Hotel
The history of The Kampala Serena Hotel
The new Kampala Serena Hotel began life as the Nile Hotel, a government-run 65-room hotel and adjacent conference facility, which was built in 1975. Leased to Serena two years ago, the hotel has been closed for 18 months while, at the cost of a million-and-a-half dollars a month, it was transformed into one of Africa’s most stunning hotels.
An inspirational blend of 5-star polish and pan-African panache, this 152-room world-class hotel will showcase the cream of Ugandan culture while delivering the ultimate in personalized service, international cuisine, social style and business reliability.
The inspiration for the hotel
Drawing its architectural inspiration from the abundance of Uganda’s lakes and rivers, the hotel is styled around a central water theme, which manifests itself in the wrought ironwork, mosaic pillars, hand-carved panels, cascading waterfalls and shimmering water gardens alike.
The décor
The décor of the hotel is the inspiration of its architect, Jon Cavanagh of Symbion International; who has drawn his inspiration from the very essence of Uganda, which he perceives as being typified by lakes, rivers, lush vegetation and abundant fertility. These themes appear in both the exterior features of the hotel and in the room décor, where softly flowing fabrics, muted colours and organic themes prevail. Jon has also called upon the skills of numerous local artists to create the stunning carved panels, mosaic pillars, beaten copper fretwork, sensational traditional jewellery, beaded wall hangings and hand-carved ‘bambara birds’, which bedeck the communal areas. They include: Yoni Waite (mosaic art), Expedito Wakibulla (wood carving) and Julius Mutungi (rock sculpture).
The oasis of Sesse pool terrace
Featuring a 7-meter waterfall, which cascades down a hand-sculptured stone cliff, into a shimmering plunge pool below, the sun-drenched pool terrace offers a magnificent swimming pool, a water park, a children’s pool, a pool bar, a bandstand and a multitude of poolside cocktail option.
The glorious gardens
Boasting 17 acres of gorgeous grounds which provide shelter for a wide selection of indigenous trees; and protection for a beautiful array of flowers, birds and butterflies, the hotel’s extensive grounds will provide a haven of calm in the centre of Uganda’s most cosmopolitan city.
