Uganda is not somewhere that most would associate with a relaxing holiday. Many people see it purely as a destination for adventure travel whether taking mountain gorilla trekking tours, taming grade 5 rapids on the Nile or trekking knee-deep through mud for weeks in the Rwenzori. But until you’ve lazed in a hammock on a perfect white-sand beach in Lake Victoria or hung out at Lake Bunyonyi with its astonishing fairy-tale islands, you won’t realize just how chilled out Uganda can be. So once your nerves have been frazzled by one too many bus trips, here are some great spots to slow it right down.

Ssese Islands; One of Uganda’s legendary chill-out spots, the Ssese are all about powdery white-sand beaches, celestial sunsets, bonfires on the beach and a remote location in the middle of Lake Victoria. Comprising an archipelago of 84 islands, most travelers head straight to Bugala Island, which has the nicest beaches as well as a great choice of accommodation from backpackers to more up-market choices all of which boast prime beachfront positions. As elsewhere in Lake Victoria, swimming is not recommended but Brovad sands Lodge has its own swimming pool for all your swimming pleasure. The beaches are magical and likely to keep you blissfully marooned much longer than you expected.

Lake Bunyonyi; Straight out of a Tolkien novel, the sweeping panoramic views from atop Lake Bunyonyi are dotted with perfectly formed islands and an enchanting backdrop of misty terraced hills. You could easily be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived in Nepal. Of the 29 islands, many have accommodation ranging from backpacker hangouts to rustic bungalows set deep among the sounds of nature. And it’s one of the few places in Uganda that’s perfect for swimming: no bilharzia, no crocs and no hippos. It’s best explored by a leisurely paddle in a dugout canoe; go at sunset for a sublime experience.

Jinja; while most visitors to the Victoria Nile are here to be thrown around rafting hard core rapids, not nearly enough hang around to soak up its calming waters. Just a few kilometres downstream are some of the most tranquil river-side lodges you’ll ever encounter. Hairy Lemon or the Haven are both well-known for their laid back charms, while the new luxury Wild waters Lodge is simply stunning, with rooms featuring outdoor claw-foot baths on the balconies overlooking the Nile.

National Parks; when it’s time to visit one of Uganda’s top-notch national parks, why not spoil yourself and make the experience more memorable with a night or two in one of its luxury lodges. Hanging out here could easily be one of the most relaxing times of your trip. And while they’re not cheap, it’s hard to put a price on the experience of soaking in outdoor bubble bath metres from grazing buffalo and zebra at Apoka Safari Lodge in Kidepo National Park or spying elephants from your poolside hammock at Kyambura Game Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Around Kampala; Even Uganda’s hectic capital can easily be escaped; Entebbe is a perfect place to chill-out around Kampala. Only an hour’s drive from Kampala, Entebbe can be a more appealing alternative with its relaxed vibe, leafy guesthouses and attractive beaches that skirt Lake Victoria. Otherwise, there’s Malakai Eco Lodge located approximately 20 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, but feels a million miles away. Its ecological setting is the perfect antidote to traffic jams and inhaling fumes. Take your pick between lovely stilted thatched huts in a tropical garden.