In the southwest of Uganda, 248 miles from the capital of Kampala, lies Lake Bunyonyi – a beautiful body of water surrounded by terraced green hills and small villages. In a prime location on one shore is Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort, which offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation on a grassy terrace overlooking the lake and its photogenic misty sunsets.

The cheapest option is to bring your own tent and camp under shady trees on the lakeshore, only a few feet from the water, and then there’s the “glamping” option: 10 safari tents kitted out with electricity, beds and a hammock with shared bathrooms (which are fairly clean, and have hot water showers). If you prefer an ensuite bathroom and more comfortable furnishings, there are 12 cottages with lovely views of the lake and private terraces and the most expensive option – two family cottages with fully equipped kitchens, satellite TVs and lounges. While it’s not exactly five star, the resort scores well in terms of facilities – with a bar, restaurant, campfire for sitting around at night to meet fellow travellers, free wifi, a grocery to stock up on food and other essentials for an African overlanding trip, as well as a laundry service.

Close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can go mountain gorilla tracking, as well as to the Rwandan border, Lake Bunyonyi is also an attraction on its own. The lake, one of the deepest in Africa, is safe for swimming, and the resort’s wooden deck is just the place to take a plunge from. There are canoes to hire if you want to go for a paddle, and boat trips around the lake can be arranged. Bunyonyi means “place of little birds”, and the bird watching opportunities here are great. The best way to see birds is to head out with a guide from the resort who will point out different species, as well as take you into the nearby village so you get to meet some of the locals and visit an orphanage school.