In case you are one of the few people in this town that hasn’t yet heard… the American Recreation Association (ARA) is now the Makindye Country Club! A few months back, the US Embassy made plans to close the facility and the community rallied together to keep their beloved club going.
Well, the members got their wish! Closing down for only a mere four days, the club re-opened on June 19th as the renamed Makindye Country Club, now fondly known as MCC. Throughout my short interview with the owner, Cathy Cliff, one message became clear: Makindye Country Club is a new business with the same friendly faces. It’s a clean slate at MCC and the same great amenities they provide are now available for any and everyone! The former ARA had strict eligibility criteria but today you’re personally invited to join the MCC family…and, after all I’ve seen, I would take her up on the offer!
I spent a portion of my afternoon checking out their incredible amenities and was in absolute awe of the fact that the bustling Makindye Hill is directly outside the gates. The moment you enter MCC’s gates, you find yourself in a quiet, peaceful environment overlooking large gardens and lovely, well-maintained grounds full of recreational options.
Let’s dive into some of their top amenities!
Recreation
Makindye Country Club truly has it all. The bar and restaurant overlook everything from a pristine, outdoor, 25-metre swimming pool to what is claimed as “the best clay courts in Uganda.” There are more than enough activities with which to fill your day… or night. The outdoor tennis courts are equipped with floodlights so you can carry on with your match after sunset or celebrate with a victory cocktail up at the bar.
Other amenities include a small indoor gym, a gated wading pool for kids, squash courts, foosball, table tennis, volleyball and a darling children’s playground. Don’t worry parents! The entire property is gated, making it a safe place for you to bring your kiddos to run around in 3 acres of gardens.
Finally, MCC hosts a variety of fitness classes such as yoga, aerobics, and Box Fit (not to be confused with CrossFit) throughout the week. You don’t have to be a member to attend. The daily drop-in rate is 12,000 UGX for adults and 6,000 UGX for children to get in on the fun!
Accommodation
If you live in the Makindye area and need a place to house visiting guests, MCC is definitely a solid option. Their 12 rooms are immaculately clean and comfortable. A continental breakfast is always included with your stay and, probably the best incentive, is that you get access to all of the club’s business and recreational amenities.
Standard rooms range from $60 for single occupancy to $75 for double occupancy per night. From there, the en-suite options range from $75- $90 Lastly, there’s a family en-suite room option for $125 per night that includes a double bed and bunk-beds, as well as DSTV access and air conditioning.
Dining & Events
Within the month, MCC will be rolling out a brand new restaurant menu that is “more streamlined and modern.” Diners can look forward to some new healthier and lighter options on the new menu as well as some of the old favorites.
Throughout the month, their restaurant hosts a variety of fun buffet events.
Music Night with Mexican Buffet is on the first Friday of every month. This is a fun-filled night where people take the stage with a variety of instruments, to sing a song or recite a poem. Just a friendly note: reservations are highly recommended!
MCC also offers a catering menu for both on-site events as well as outside parties. One look at the menu and my mouth was watering over the selection of beef, chicken, pork, fish, and vegetarian dish options.
The infamous Flea Market is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. This is a great opportunity to come and shop or, after a deep clean of your closets and storage, feel free to come and sell your wares.
Hours: Daily, 7 am to 10 pm
Address: Plot 59 Mobutu Rd, Makindye Hill, Kampala
Phone: 0414 510 290
Email: info@makindyecountryclub.com
Website: http://makindyecountryclub.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakindyeCountryClub
[WPMAP;50]
I LOVE this place! It has become an oasis for our family in Kampala. For any visitors wanting to find a comfortable place to base themselves while in Uganda, this is a great place to stay, providing beautiful accommodation, an attractive swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, restaurant and bar, pool & table-tennis tables, an in-house masseur therapist. MCC has been recently been reopened under new ownership but has been able to maintain the very things that make it a unique, home away from home sanctuary. On top of this they have Uganda’s champion tennis player available on a daily basis for tennis coaching. If you’re looking for something exciting to do on the first Friday of every month, MCC have an open-mike, music night along with a wonderful Mexican buffet. It’s usually packed and overflowing with music lovers from all over. MCC have also just re-released a new, more refined menu including fish and chips you won’t find anywhere else in Kampala and other open deli sandwiches, home-made cakes and ‘Gorilla bean’ coffee. Our kids love coming up to meet friends, play in their playground, chill by the pool or the tv room. There are also squash and volleyball courts available and the best clay tennis courts in the country. A very popular monthly flea market comes around once a month. There is enough space in their lower garden for large marquees to be set up for any special event. For families based in Kampala, this is a great place to become a member. Come and check it out.
Thanks for the article! I will be staying here in November when I visit from Canada.
I run in the morning — would you recommend this outside of the gated area or just stick to the elliptical (or treadmill if there is one) in the recreational facilities?
Hello Jen!
I’m confident the MCC staff will take great care of you during your upcoming visit! As for your running question, I would personally recommend using the elliptical or treadmill inside their gym. Running outside in most neighborhoods in Kampala isn’t a very pleasant experience because there are no sidewalks and most areas have people and traffic in every direction!
Thanks, Lauren! I’ll stick with the rec facilities 🙂
Hi Jen, we look forward to welcoming you in November. In the MCC gym we have a couple of treadmills and elliptical cross trainer but you are welcome to run on neighboring roads too. We have yoga, box fit and salsa classes in case you want to try something new…