For World-Class Family-Owned Lodge, Small is Beautiful

Cassia Lodge serves as a benchmark for Uganda’s tourism sector. Ideally located on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria and downtown Kampala, Cassia Lodge offers the peace and relaxation of a country setting along with convenient access to the city’s many attractions. Owner and General Manager Johan Van Hecke served in the European Parliament for ten years and knows what European travellers are looking for in an eco-lodge. He explains that Cassia Lodge was built in 2006 for visitors to the Commonwealth Summit and continues to welcome travellers from all over the world.

As part of its commitment to the people of Uganda, the lodge hires locals, trains them and even offers them a chance to become shareholders in the business. Locals are also welcome as guests at the property. In addition, Cassia Lodge is a very ‘green’ project, built with sustainable local materials, and owners Johan Van Hecke and his wife allocate a percentage of the profits of the business to support a school and a rehabilitation centre for Kony victims in northern Uganda.

International-standard amenities and friendly service

Cassia Lodge illustrates the ‘small is beautiful’ principle. With only 20 guestrooms, all with lake views, the lodge also offers a wide range of amenities, including lush gardens, a pool, a highly-rated restaurant with a terrace, a business centre and two conference rooms. Johan Van Hecke explains, “We want to keep the lodge small. We plan to add ten more guestrooms and one more conference room, but we will keep Cassia Lodge a family hotel where everybody knows everybody. We are fully booked most of the time. Our guests enjoy our personalised service and the feeling of being at home. They also love the lodge’s beautiful views.”

Johan Van Hecke urges European travellers and investors to learn more about today’s Uganda, with its high-potential economy, friendly and entrepreneurial people, beautiful scenery and outstanding opportunities. He says, “I have never experienced corruption in running a business here. Property rights are holy rights. And there is a rule of law!” He adds that Uganda’s tourism sector has exceptional prospects, particularly in the creation of quality lodges. He says, “When I ask my guests what they have enjoyed most about their visit to Uganda, they say, ‘This is the real Africa!’. Lets hope that Uganda will remain stable. Many people talk about the past. I believe in the future of this country.”