Unbelievable Finds at Motel Santaviva Kisoro: Uganda's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Finds at Motel Santaviva Kisoro: Uganda's Hidden Gem? A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause I’m fresh off a trip to Kisoro, Uganda, and I’m here to spill the tea on Motel Santaviva. Forget those overly polished travel blogs – this is the real, unvarnished truth. Did I find a hidden gem? Did I nearly drown in a mosquito-infested bathtub? Let's dive in, shall we?!
First Impressions… And a Panic Attack
Okay, let's get this out of the way: getting to Kisoro is an adventure in itself. But, once I arrived, the first thing that hit me was the sheer greenness. Kisoro is nestled right in the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, surrounded by rolling hills and – I swear – more shades of green than exist in the Crayola box. The motel? Well, it's not exactly the Ritz, but that's part of its charm. Think comfortable, clean, and a world away from the usual sterile hotel experiences.
(Accessibility – Let’s Talk Real Talk)
Now, I’ll be brutally honest: accessibility isn't the strongest suit here. While they do have an elevator, the grounds themselves are a bit hilly. So, if you’re highly reliant on a wheelchair, it might be tricky navigating the whole property. They do have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a start, but I didn’t personally see every aspect of it, so… check ahead folks, confirm the details, and don't just take my word for it.
Rooms: Cozy, But Maybe Pack Your Own Earplugs?
The rooms themselves? Available in all rooms is, of course, Air conditioning, which is a lifesaver, and Free Wi-Fi, of course, which is essential, and Free bottled water which is so crucial in a place. I nabbed a room with a view of a volcano (yes, a real volcano!) which was incredible from the Window that opens.
The Bed was a bit firm for my taste, but the Extra long bed, was actually a nice touch. They also have the usual suspects: Bathrobes, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (thank the heavens!), Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Shower, Slippers, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels. The Blackout curtains were a godsend for getting my beauty sleep.
That said, I'm a light sleeper, and the roosters are, well, enthusiastic about their morning calls. So, pack those Earplugs! And the Soundproofing isn’t exactly top-tier, So I actually ended up needing a massive amount of sleep.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safer Than I Thought… Mostly.
Okay, this is where Santaviva really shines. In the age of COVID… the Sterilizing equipment they use gives you peace of mind right off the bat. The staff seems obsessed with cleanliness. I saw them Daily disinfection in common areas, and there was Hand sanitizer virtually everywhere. Rooms sanitized between stays is also great. Their Professional-grade sanitizing services made me feel surprisingly safe. And they offer Room sanitization opt-out available which is very reassuring.
The staff really seemed committed to following safety protocols – they were all Staff trained in safety protocol. They had First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call, which is a comfort wherever you are. Plus, they have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property which is, frankly, rather impressive.
Dining, Drinking, And Snacking: A Feast For The Senses… And Maybe Your Stomach Too
The Restaurants offers a variety of dishes to sample. I mean, It was a mixed bag, to be honest. Now, the Breakfast [buffet] included your standard fare. I'm a sucker for a good Western breakfast, but they have some interesting, if sometimes… adventurous… Asian breakfast options!
The Asian cuisine in restaurant was surprisingly good and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. I was a huge fan of the Poolside bar; nothing beats sipping a juice while overlooking the mountains. The Happy hour was a definite highlight. The Desserts in restaurant were, let's say, rustic. I'd definitely recommend the Bottle of water, as you can't be too careful. Not sure about the Soup in restaurant, and didn’t eat the Salad in restaurant… but I had a delicious mango smoothie every morning.
They offer Room service [24-hour], and although I didn't use it, I did notice a lot of people using the service. They also have a Snack bar, which came in handy between meals.
Things To Do: Beyond the Volcano
Okay, here's the real beauty of Santaviva. It's not just about the motel itself; it's about the experience. This place is a springboard for adventure!
- For the Kids: I didn't go with kids, but saw enough to note there are Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities available.
There are plenty of Things to do and ways to relax. I went gorilla trekking (a MUST-DO!), hiked to the top of a volcano (exhausting but incredible), and even explored a local coffee plantation. They can help you arrange any of these activities – think of them as your personal adventure concierge.
The Spa (And My Near-Death Experience With a Body Wrap)
Let's talk Spa. They have Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Sauna. I tried the Body wrap and… well… remember when I said I nearly drowned? Yeah. I wasn’t expecting the wrap to be quite so… comprehensive. But hey, at least I can say I’ve had a full-body mud wrap in Uganda.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (And Some That Don’t)
Santaviva offers a ton of services. Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? Check. Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Check. They have Facilities for disabled guests, an Indoor venue for special events (for those looking to Meetings), an Outdoor venue for special events and Meeting/banquet facilities if you want to book a conference. I did notice the Cash withdrawal service and I was super thankful for it.
Internet: Wi-Fi and Work
They promise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I did get good signals. It was a lifesaver for staying in touch with the world.
In Summary:
Motel Santaviva Kisoro is not perfect. It’s got its quirks. It’s not quite a luxury resort. But it’s got SOUL. It's authentic. It’s comfortable, clean, and the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful (and patient with my terrible Swahili). Is it a hidden gem? Maybe not entirely hidden, but definitely a diamond in the rough.
My Big Recommendation: Book it, but manage your expectations. Embrace the adventure, pack your sense of humor (and earplugs), and get ready for an experience you won't soon forget.
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Anafiotika's Secret: Athens' Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and frankly, slightly terrifying world of my "holiday" at Motel Santaviva in Kisoro, Uganda. This isn't your glossy brochure, people. This is the real deal. Prepare for questionable decisions, questionable plumbing, and possibly, the best damn cup of coffee you'll ever have.
Motel Santaviva – Kisoro, Uganda: A Diary of Discombobulation (and Deliciousness)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (aka "Where the Heck is the Hot Water?")
Morning (7:00 AM -ish): God, getting to Kisoro even feels like an epic. After a stomach-churning flight that was the pilot showing a lack of sleep, and a bumpy, blister-inducing bus ride that made me seriously question the structural integrity of my own spine. Finally, finally, Kisoro. And there it is. Motel Santaviva. Looks charming, or at least, picturesque from the outside with the Virunga Volcanoes looming in the distance (more on those later). My brain feels like a scrambled egg right now.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Check-in. The receptionist, a lovely woman named Sarah, smiles widely. This is great. Everything feels friendly here, like a warm welcome. The lobby’s alright, a little…rustic. And that's putting it politely. But everything is ok. Except…. No hot water. Sarah assures me it'll be sorted. This is the beginning of a long, sweaty, and slightly smelly saga.
Lunch (12:30 PM): The included lunch: a plate of grilled chicken…and rice. The chicken tasted like… well, chicken. The rice appeared a very pale and mushy, but fine. I’m starving. I eat it all. I'm pretty sure I saw a stray chicken wandering outside earlier. Coincidence? Maybe. Possibly not.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The lack of hot water becomes a philosophical quandary. I attempt a cold shower. It's less refreshing and more akin to being hit with a bucket of glacial ice. I spend a good hour just wrapped in the threadbare towel, contemplating the meaning of life and the merits of carrying a portable water heater. In the end, I give up.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner is… well, something else. The menu is… limited. I can't seem to find someone who can speak English. The options are chicken, rice… chicken and rice? I’m starting to see a pattern. I can get the gist of what the waiter is trying to tell me. I’m guessing it’s chicken and rice. Eat it all. I’m going to need to go pee, and it's going to be cold.
Night (9:00 PM): Attempt to sleep. The bed situation is… unique. It's a mattress that feels like it's been around since the dawn of time, stuffed with who-knows-what. I begin to hear a chorus of crickets.
Anecdote of the Day: I saw a goat. A very determined goat. It was headbutting the hedges out the front like it's some kind of goat-ninja.
Day 2: Volcanoes and Vomit (aka "Did Someone Say 'Hike?'")
Morning (6:00 AM -ish): Wake up… cold. Still no hot water. Deciding to have very, very cold tea instead. The crickets are still singing.
Morning (8:00 AM): Coffee. This is where Santaviva redeems itself. The coffee. Oh, the coffee. Rich, dark, the aroma fills my soul. It’s so good, it's almost worth the glacial showers. Almost.
Morning (9:00 AM): Hike to Mount Muhabura. Apparently, it’s a volcano. That's right, I'm going to hike a volcanic mountain. I was informed that there are many steps. I should start practicing.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): The hike begins. The guide seems nice, and a few other tourists join as well. It is… intense. The steps are steep, the air thin, and the sweat is pouring off me. I suddenly question all my life choices – did I really need that extra slice of cake?
Lunch (1:00 PM): I didn't bring any lunch, and I am very hungry. Someone offers me a banana, I wolf it down.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): I’m at the top. The view is… breathtaking. Clouds, the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance. Amazing. I’m feeling… something…
Afternoon (2:15 PM): The altitude. It hits. I… I need to sit down. I lean against some rocks, trying not to hyperventilate while I wait for the moment of… "Oh, I think I’m going to vomit." I'm sure I look like utter rubbish now but at least I got to see the most beautiful view, with clouds all around.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): The hike down. I am very slow.
Evening (6:00 PM): Back at Santaviva. I take another cold shower, and it's slightly less horrific this time since I'm also covered in volcanic ash.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Chicken and rice. I’m starting to wonder if this motel has a secret chicken farm.
Night (9:00 PM): Sleep. The goat returns. This time, it's eyeing the hotel sign.
Quirky Observation: The staff here have this incredibly calm demeanor. It's like they've all achieved some level of Zen enlightenment in the face of… well, everything. I should learn a thing or two from them
Day 3: The Search for Comfort (and Maybe Hot Water)
Morning (7:00 AM): The usual: Cold. I am starting to become friends with my cold shower. The tea is good. I'm starting to miss my own bed.
Morning (9:00 AM): I try to negotiate with Sarah about the hot water. She smiles apologetically. More problems.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): I decide to take a walk. The town of Kisoro is… bustling. I realize that I stick out like a sore thumb, but whatever. I find a small shop, and I try some local snacks.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Chicken and rice.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): I try to organize some other activities. Maybe I can find a local driver for a day trip somewhere.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Chicken and rice. I'm feeling pretty hopeless. I don't even care anymore.
Night (9:00 PM): The crickets sing me to sleep.
Emotional Reaction: I miss my life! This is hard; this is not something I can imagine doing every day. But the people are lovely, and the coffee, oh, the coffee!
Day 4: The Day I Gave Up (and Maybe Found Peace)
Morning (7:00 AM): Cold. Tea, though. It’s the only thing that is consistent in my life.
Morning (9:00 AM): I finally give up on the hot water. I accept the cold showers. Embrace the suck, as the saying goes.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): I spend the morning just… sitting. On the little porch, watching the distant volcanoes. The sun is out, the air is fresh. This might be the first time I actually find some peace! I realized I was also beginning to enjoy myself, if it's not as I'd like it.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Chicken (surprise!), rice (surprise!), and… green beans! Yes! Victory!
Afternoon (2:00 PM): I explore some more: I find a gorgeous, bustling market. I see vibrant colours, smells…
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Chicken. Rice. I'm okay with it. I think I finally understand. It's not about the perfect meal or the fancy hotel. It's about breathing it all in, embracing the mess.
Night (9:00 PM): Sleep. The crickets are my lullaby. I feel… okay. I'm exhausted but… something feels right.
Messy Reflection: This place… maybe it's not perfect. It's not what I expected. But it's real. The people are kind, the coffee is heavenly, the volcanoes are beautiful, and I'm learning something about myself. I'm learning to let go.
**Day 5: Departure and
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Unbelievable Finds at Motel Santaviva: Kisoro's Hidden Gem... or Just Hiding Something? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, so, what's the *deal* with Santaviva? Is it actually worth the hype? I've heard whispers...
Alright, so "hype" is a strong word. Let's just say Santaviva, nestled in the misty hills of Kisoro, Uganda, is an experience. It's not some luxury resort – if you're expecting crisp white linens and a spa, honey, you’re in the wrong place. Think more "rustic charm" with a healthy dose of "Is that a bat…?"
Worth it? That depends on your definition of "worth it." Are you looking for Instagram perfection? Probably not. Are you looking for an adventure, a place to disconnect (sometimes literally, the Wi-Fi is… ambitious), and maybe, just maybe, discover a part of yourself you didn't know existed while staring at a volcano? Then yeah, maybe. I say… *maybe*. I went in fully expecting to hate it, honestly. But… well, we'll get to that.
Can I actually SEE the volcanoes from my room? Because, you know... that's kind of the whole point.
Listen. "See" is another loaded term. Technically, yes. On a clear day, you can *vaguely* make out the outlines of Muhabura and Sabinyo. But Kisoro is famous for its fog. So, you are more likely to see the back of a cow than a volcano. I spent *hours* staring out my window, squinting, willing the mist to clear. It was like a game. Volcano Hide and Seek. I lost. Every. Single. Time. But look, even when the volcanoes were completely obscured, the sheer *feeling* of being surrounded by them, even if invisible, was incredible. You're perched on the edge of something epic. It's a vibe. Just don't bank on postcard views, okay?
What's the food like? Because let's be honest, bad food can break a trip.
Ah, the food. Okay, this is where things get… inconsistent. One day I had the most amazing matoke (mashed plantains), perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. The next? A plate of… well, let’s just say it was *technically* matoke, but it tasted like it had a personal vendetta against my taste buds.
The staff are lovely, bless them. But patience is a virtue. Expect things to take a while. And bring snacks. Lots of snacks. Especially if you’re prone to hangriness. Trust me on this. I once considered bartering my socks for a piece of chapati. Don't judge!
Tell me about the rooms! Are they clean? Are there… bugs?
Okay, deep breaths. The rooms. They're… basic. And I mean, *basic* basic. Don't go expecting the Four Seasons. Some are cleaner than others (again, inconsistent – are you sensing a theme yet?). I’m not going to lie, I did find a cockroach. He was… large. He became "Reggie." I named him so I wouldn't scream every time I saw him. Think "rustic" but with a healthy dose of "nature is all around you."
The beds? Comfortable enough, I guess. The mosquito nets are definitely a must. And the plumbing? Well, let's just say you might have more luck summoning water via prayer than turning on the tap in the morning. It's part of the "experience." Or the "challenge." Either way, pack hand sanitizer.
Look, were they opulent? Nope. Were they clean enough? Mostly. Did I have an existential crisis in the shower one morning due to a distinct lack of water pressure? Maybe. But there was also this *insane* view from my window… and no, I'm not even going to tell you about the time I took a shower with cold water.
What activities can I actually do around Santaviva? Besides, you know, staring at the mist and praying for Wi-Fi?
Okay, finally, some positives (kind of). You are in the heart of gorilla trekking country! That's the main draw, obviously. Book your permits well in advance. It's pricey, but worth it. (I didn't go; I was too busy attempting to make a volcano appear). You can hike to the top of one of the volcanoes (if you're feeling masochistic). Lake Mutanda is nearby, and you can go canoeing or kayaking. The staff can arrange tours. The walks are stunning. And even just wandering around the local villages is an experience.
There's a local market, too! Remember to embrace the chaos. It's all part of the charm.
I heard there's a "bar." What's the drink situation like?
"Bar" is being generous. It’s more like a glorified shelf with a few bottles behind the reception desk. They have the essentials: beer, soda, and maybe some local spirits. Don’t expect fancy cocktails. But do expect some serious conversations and a sense of camaraderie. I spent a few evenings chatting with other travelers over beers, sharing stories, and comparing notes on the mysterious ways of the plumbing. It was great. Bring your own pre-game. Just in case.
Okay, okay, bottom line: Would you go back?
Ugh. Yes. And here's why. Even with all the… quirks. Even with Reggie the cockroach. Even with the (sometimes) questionable food. Santaviva has this *thing*. There's a simplicity, a rawness, a realness to it that's increasingly rare. It's a place where you can actually *disconnect* from the noise and just… *be*.
I still can’t believe I got *so* attached to that view, even when I couldn't see it. The place is just… memorable. It’s not perfect. It's far, far from perfect. But it's real. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Plus, you'll have the BEST stories. Just make sure you pack some bug spray.
Okay, I'M convinced! (Maybe). What's the absolute WORST thing about Motel Santaviva?
Honestly? It's the slow-paced internet (or lack thereof) and the *very* relaxed service. You might find yourself tapping your foot, a lot. But the worst? The *Book Hotels Now
