Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Planning a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park and looking for top-tier accommodation? Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon or just want a premium wildlife experience, this park offers a range of luxury lodges that blend comfort with breathtaking views of Uganda’s wilderness.

Top Luxury Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts some of Uganda’s most exclusive safari lodges. Each offers its own unique charm depending on the sector you’re exploring:

In the Ishasha Sector (famous for tree-climbing lions):

• Ishasha Wilderness Camp – A tranquil, eco-friendly luxury lodge located along the Ntungwe River, perfect for spotting wildlife right from your tent.

In the Mweya Sector and surroundings:

• Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Stylish and contemporary, located near the Kyambura Gorge, with access to chimpanzee trekking and panoramic views.

• Katara Lodge – A luxury eco-lodge set atop the escarpment with stunning views of the savannah and the Rwenzori Mountains.

• Elephant Plains Lodge – Overlooking Queen Elizabeth’s vast plains, this lodge combines comfort with spectacular sunset views.

• Mweya Safari Lodge – Set on a peninsula in the heart of the park, offering views of the Kazinga Channel and wildlife below.

Mid-Range and Budget Options

If you’re looking for more affordable options, great choices include:

• Ishasha Jungle Safari Lodge

• Buffalo Safari Lodge

• Twin Lakes Lodge

• Elephant Hab Lodge

• Park View Safari Lodge

These lodges offer comfortable amenities and good access to the park’s main activities at a more budget-conscious rate.

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Located in western Uganda along the Great Rift Valley, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a diverse landscape of savannah, wetlands, forest, and crater lakes. The park is home to:

• Lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha)

• Elephants, buffalo, hippos, and leopards

• Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge

• Over 600 bird species, making it a birder’s paradise

With its mix of wildlife, stunning scenery, and unique ecosystems, Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda’s most iconic safari destinations.

Top Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Game Drives

Go on a guided game drive through Kasenyi Plains, Ishasha Sector, and North Kazinga Plains. Expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, antelope species, warthogs, and more. Game drives are offered in the morning and afternoon, with expert guides ensuring you get the best sightings.

2. Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Embark on a chimpanzee trek through the lush Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes.” Chimp permits cost $50 per person, making it one of Uganda’s most affordable primate tracking experiences.

3. Lion Tracking Experience

For a truly immersive wildlife encounter, join a lion tracking expedition with park researchers. Using radio collars, you’ll follow lion prides off the regular game tracks. The experience costs $60 per person for international tourists and supports lion conservation efforts through the Uganda Carnivore Program.

4. Birdwatching

With over 600 bird species, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birding hotspot. Popular areas for birdwatching include:

• Maramagambo Forest

• Kazinga Channel

• Mweya Peninsula

• Kyambura and Kalinzu Forests
  Expect to see African Jacanas, kingfishers, bee-eaters, storks, sunbirds, and more.

5. Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward. This is one of the best places in Africa to see large pods of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless birds. A public boat cruise costs around $30 per person, or you can book a private romantic boat for two.

6. Nature and Forest Walks

Guided nature walks can be arranged in areas like Maramagambo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Ishasha River, and Mweya Peninsula. These walks offer close-up encounters with wildlife, birds, and primates while enjoying the serenity of the Ugandan wilderness.

7. Cultural and Community Tours

Visit local communities around the park for an authentic cultural experience. Highlights include:

• Lake Katwe Salt Mines – See traditional salt harvesting techniques

• Kasoga Community Project – Learn how locals live alongside wildlife

• Traditional music, dance performances, and craft markets

How to Get to Queen Elizabeth National Park

By Air

Flying is the fastest way to reach the park. Daily scheduled flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to either Kasese or Kihihi Airstrips, taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airstrips, it’s a short drive into the park.

By Road

Prefer a scenic road trip? The drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes about 5–6 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and small towns. All safari vehicles used by Trek Africa Expeditions are 4×4 and designed for comfort on Uganda’s rugged terrain.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize personalized, all-inclusive Uganda safaris with a focus on comfort, culture, and conservation. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or a family getaway, we’ll help you:

• Choose the perfect luxury lodge

• Organize transport by road or air

• Book permits for chimpanzee trekking and lion tracking

• Plan romantic extras like private boat cruises or cultural dinners

Our team of passionate Ugandan experts is ready to create a tailor-made itinerary just for you. Don’t just take our word for it—check our top ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor to hear from other happy travelers.

Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to start planning your unforgettable honeymoon or luxury safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.