On the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe, a small town that looks like a leafy suburb just outside of Kampala, makes for a great alternative to staying in the capital. As much as Kampala is hot, busy and dusty, Entebbe is quiet, green and tranquil.

Run by an Icelander, the 2friends Beach Hotel is a charming 16-room establishment (which has another branch in Jinja) that feels like you’re staying in an old friend’s home rather than a hotel. It’s small and cozy, and staff couldn’t be friendlier or more accommodating.

The en suite rooms are not luxurious but they are clean and comfortable with everything you’d need, including satellite TV, a fan and a balcony. Outside there’s a small garden and a pool with a lounger area. If it’s sun bathing you’re after then you’re only a few steps away from the beach – across the road from the hotel is Lake Victoria. At the time of writing, the hotel was finishing off building work on a beach café, where they plan to serve lunch and dinner and host beach barbecues.

There’s a great breakfast of juices, fresh tropical fruit, cereal, pancakes, bacon, eggs cooked to order and delicious Ugandan coffee, and lunch (a small a la carte menu of fish, pasta, sandwiches and salads) is served outside under the thatch boma.

2friends couldn’t have a better setting: it’s on a quiet road a 10-minute drive from the airport (the hotel offers a complimentary transfer service), a short walk from a big supermarket, and within walking distance from Entebbe’s best attraction other than the lake – the lush botanical gardens, where you can picnic on the grass, go birdwatching and spot monkeys in the trees.