One Minute South Villa

One Minute South on Bulago has a special island feel, almost coastal despite Uganda being landlocked. The sound of the waves made it feel like I was by the ocean. We relaxed by the pool, spent ages petting the horse and saw camels and a donkey, so there was plenty going on for a one-night stay. It seems especially suited to groups wanting to unplug and enjoy the island. The setting and atmosphere were lovely, but the facilities and utilities need serious work for the price. There was no hot water, the shower flooded and became unusable, and the doors, including the toilet stoppers, were so hard to open and close that some of us hurt our fingers. One of us also had to clean the pool before we could use it, which didn’t feel right for a guest experience. The food tasted good, though each meal took a long time. To be fair, one chef was cooking full board for seven of us, which was clearly a lot for the staff. The location is amazing, but maintenance and facilities let it down. One night was enough to enjoy the magic before the frustrations piled up. With remodeling and upkeep, it could easily become a 5-star island escape.

We went as a group of 10 for a friend’s birthday, and it was the perfect party spot. The place felt quiet and like it was all ours, with delicious food everywhere and amazing cocktails on call. During the night, lightning flashes over the mainland lit up the landscape while we enjoyed an unparalleled star scape, our favorite people and favorite tunes playing in the background. Absolutely magical, a priceless experience I wish could’ve lasted forever. I arrived expecting it to be good, but left thinking it’d be hard to find anywhere that amazing again.

The island is a true gem in Lake Victoria, and a must-see for anyone living in or travelling to Uganda. Beauty was everywhere, from the dishes and desserts to the interior design and swimming pool. You could see the attention to detail throughout. For food, accommodation, service and customer care, this was probably the best hotel facility I visited in Uganda. The staff responded to all our wishes with a very high standard of quality. Everything was perfect.

The owner, Ali, was really nice and sorted out every issue quickly. The villa was very comfortable, with a lovely artistic feel. Its location and beautiful view made the house feel like a private island.