Luxury Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

With diverse wildlife species, a plethora of birds, and breathtaking landscapes that include Crater Lakes, sprawling savannah, the Kazinga Channel, and other freshwater bodies, Queen Elizabeth National Park has plenty to offer for nature lovers on Uganda safaris. As one of Uganda’s largest and most beautiful Protected Areas, it is a great place to base yourself for discovering other nearby safari destinations, although you might not want to leave at all. This 1978-square-kilometer National Park boasts over 90 mammal species and about 600 bird species, making it a Paradise on Earth depending on what you seek, from some of the Big Five and shoebill storks to other popular species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to some incredible luxury Lodges for luxury lovers. Here’s our pick of the favorite Luxury accommodations in this stunning safari destination.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Nestled along the Northeastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge Lodge boasts jaw-dropping views of the sprawling savanna, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, and Kyambura Gorge.

It started as a coffee shop before being converted into the Luxury Lodge that now creates the beautiful space that it is today. Kyambura Gorge Lodge has 10 hand-built Bandas (4 deluxe and 6 Standard), each with a unique Afro-chic theme, with local artifacts that have been beautifully re-imagined.

Besides the Bandas, Kyambura Gorge Lodge guests have the opportunity to explore the spa and swimming pool, the spa with an opportunity to enjoy personal butler service, a 50-minute massage and spa treatments, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Lodge, and premium drinks.

Elephant Plains Lodge

Perched atop the beautiful western escarpment of the Albertine Rift, only 2 minutes’ drive from the Crater entrance gate, and sitting on 80 acres of untouched open wilderness, Elephants Plains Lodge is a luxury Lodge that provides views of the open grasslands and Lake Kikorongo.

Elephant Plains Lodge guests are accommodated in 10 private and grass-thatched cottages (6 individual and 2 Family Cottages, each with two bedrooms and private bathrooms) for total privacy. Each of these Cottages commands breathtaking views across the sprawling National Park. Also, these cottages have spacious verandas that provide views of the Park or Lake Kikorongo, en-suite bathrooms (with bathtubs), and comfortable large beds with mosquito nets.

Being eco-friendly, the Lodge was constructed with brown savannah grass and other local raw materials and effortlessly blended into the natural surroundings. Guests enjoy a cool ambiance and views of the surroundings. There are also walkways made of black granite stones sourced from the banks of River Mubuku hence adding beauty to the Lodge’s natural setting.

Elephant Plains has a spacious lounge with cozy seating, a swimming pool, and loungers for guests who desire to cool off and relax after a long day of discovering Queen Elizabeth National Park, a spacious restaurant/dining area with spacious decking providing 270-degree views of the natural surroundings, free Wi-Fi and vast gardens with nature trail walkways.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Hidden within the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and next to River Ntungwe, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a charming retreat for visitors yearning to enjoy the stunning wilderness and home to the mysterious tree-climbing lions.

Being on the banks of River Ntungwe River and within the riverine forest means Ishasha Wilderness Camp guests are guaranteed ultimate privacy and unmatched views. It has 10 spacious and stylish Tents with a private veranda that overlooks the spectacular river and surrounding vegetation. Also, they are specially furnished with large mosquito-netted beds, en-suite bathrooms (with hot/cold bush showers and running water for hand basins, and flushing ‘eco-friendly’ toilets).

Ishasha Wilderness Camp has a grass-thatched central lounge and dining area, hence providing a comfortable and typical Ugandan setting while enjoying delicious meals and relaxing after a long day of enjoying Queen Elizabeth National Park adventures. There’s also an outdoor fireplace for unwinding with sundowners and sharing experiences or reminiscing memories of the activities. Other amenities enjoyed at Ishasha Wilderness Camp include free Internet and recharging facilities provided throughout the camp, and a gift/local craft shop among others.

Honey Bear Bush Camp

Set on the pristine southern banks of the Kazinga Channel (where Hippos splash and elephants drink) in Kyambura Game Reserve, Honey Bear Bush Camp is a unique accommodation facility that is full of character- chic, elegant, and sassy, which is reminiscent of a typical classic safari Tent.

Guests are accommodated in 5 airy en-suite Tents that overlook the Kazinga Channel and Kyambura Gorge/Reserve.

It had a spacious mess Tent that served as a dining area and sitting room to deliver unforgettable comfort and luxury inside the newly designated low-impact zone of the Kyambura Game Reserve. Privacy and exclusivity are what guests can expect while staying at Honey Bear Bush Camp, spiced by private sundowners and bush delights. Another thing that stands out about Honey Bear Bush Camp is the fact that it is the only Camp in the Game Reserve.

The River Station

The River Station sits on a beautiful bluff above the Kazinga Channel, a 40-kilometer-long Channel that connects Lakes Edward and George with beautiful views of elephants and other natural wonders of the area.

It has 10 beautifully appointed rooms with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, private plunge pools in each room, and a safari spa perched over a water home for an incredible massage-with-a-view. The main Lodge area is incredibly decorated in muted watery hues, and a swimming pool for relaxing after a long hectic day.

Parkview Safari Lodge

Are you interested in discovering the allure of a Safari Lodge and immersing yourself in the warmth of typical Ugandan hospitality, then choose Parkview Safari Lodge on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park and 10 minutes’ drive from the Katunguru gate, and 20 minutes’ drive from Kasenyi sector.

Parkview Safari Lodge is one of the few eco-friendly accommodation options because it was constructed with a blend of modern and local materials. It features 5 secluded en-suite cottages hence providing privacy with individual living rooms (indoor and outdoor), a spacious master bedroom (with a large King-size bed), and a private bathroom.

Guests are also provided with 5-star treatment, a swimming pool, a spa (providing sauna and steam bath), and a restaurant that serves some of the most mouth-watering meals.  

Buffalo Safari Lodge

Buffalo Safari Lodge sits on 25 acres of sprawling savannah and overlooks the Kazinga Channel within Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is just a stone’s throw from Katunguru Bridge (1 kilometer off the Kasese-Mbarara road) and accommodates visitors in 26 spacious bush cottages (6 Super Deluxe, 10 deluxe, and 10 Standard).

The standard Cottages feature a private bathroom (with a stone finish, an instant water heater shower, and a low flush toilet).

The Deluxe Cottage is furnished with a big private balcony, a private bathroom (with an instant water heater shower and a bathtub), a Danish stumped floor, and a wall mat.

Each of the Super Deluxe Cottages has a private upstairs balcony overlooking the beautiful Kazinga Channel and guests are provided a fruit basket and the rooms. Staying here also means all soft drinks and non-premium beers and wines are included. Each of the Family Cottages has rooms (can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests).

Other amenities at Buffalo Safari Lodge facilities include the infinity swimming pool that overlooks Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a spacious restaurant, although guests have an option of enjoying indoor dining at the restaurant or private outdoor dining by the poolside with great views of the Park.