Staying at Elephant Plains Lodge during wildlife adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Elephant Plains Lodge sits high on the western escarpment of the Albertine Rift, offering a luxurious retreat in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of open grasslands stretching to Lake George. The location is perfect for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.
The lodge has eight cottages, including six regular cottages and two family cottages. Each cottage gives you plenty of privacy. Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms, cozy beds, and large ensuite bathrooms. Each cottage also has a veranda, where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Elephant Plains makes it easy for guests to unwind. You can dine on the terrace, sip drinks at the bar, or relax in the comfortable lounge areas. At night, gather around the campfire or swim in the pool under the stars. The lodge covers 80 acres of untouched wilderness and is only a short drive from the park gate. From the lodge, you can see elephants gathering at the water’s edge of Lake Kikorongo, creating unforgettable moments.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the nearby Kasenyi Plains are a must-visit. These plains are famous for excellent game viewing and birdwatching opportunities. Expect to see animals like lions, elephants, and buffalo, as well as many colorful bird species. Don’t forget your camera because the wildlife and landscapes provide endless chances for stunning safari photos.
Things to Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers many exciting activities. From game drives to boat safaris, the park gives visitors unforgettable wildlife experiences. Here are some highlights of what you can do in this amazing destination:
Game Drives in Kasenyi Plains
The northern part of the park, called Kasenyi, is also known as the “Kobs Mating Ground.” This open savannah is full of Uganda kobs, a type of antelope similar to the impala. Male kobs lead groups of up to 20 females, making this area a prime spot for predators like lions. It is common to see lions waiting for a chance to hunt the unsuspecting kobs. You can also see herds of buffaloes, warthogs, giant forest hogs, monitor lizards, and sometimes an elephant wandering through the plains. A game drive here gives you the chance to enjoy nature up close.
Wildlife Viewing at Mweya Peninsula
The Mweya Peninsula, located near the Kazinga Channel, is a great place to start a game drive. Its forested landscape hides natural trails created by animals, giving you opportunities to see wildlife such as elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, and giant forest hogs. Early mornings and evenings may surprise you with sightings of hippos grazing among the bushes. Bird lovers can also find species like the Black Bee-eater, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, and Malachite Kingfisher. The combination of wildlife and scenic views makes this peninsula a must-visit.
Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel links Lake Edward to Lake George and is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world. During a boat safari, you can watch hundreds of hippos lounging in the water or diving as the boat approaches. Crocodiles rest along the shores, while buffaloes and waterbucks come to cool off in the channel. Occasionally, elephants can be seen drinking water. The channel is also a paradise for bird watchers, with species such as Pelicans, Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, Cormorants, and the brightly colored Saddle-billed Stork.
Exploring the Crater Lakes
The northwest part of the park is home to a stunning landscape of craters and dry calderas. These were formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago and now offer beautiful views of the park and its surroundings. The craters are not just scenic; they also attract wildlife like buffaloes and various bird species. Flamingos gather in large flocks, creating a picturesque scene. Exploring the crater area is both relaxing and adventurous.
Chimp Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
In the northeast of the park lies Kyambura Gorge, a hidden gem often referred to as a “Tarzan territory.” This steep gorge, formed by the Kyambura River, is covered in lush riverine forest. The contrast between the grasslands and the gorge is striking. A guided walk takes you deep into the gorge, following the sounds of chimpanzees and other primates like red-tailed monkeys. You may also spot colorful forest birds. Walking along the river, surrounded by dense greenery and tall trees, feels like stepping into a jungle adventure.
Nature Walks in Maramagambo Forest
Maramagambo Forest, part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is one of Uganda’s largest tropical rainforests. It offers guided nature walks on trails through the forest. Visitors can spot primates such as baboons, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and even chimpanzees. The forest also has many butterflies and bird species. A highlight of the walk is the Bat Cave, home to thousands of Egyptian Fruit Bats. Pythons can often be seen here, preying on the bats. Nearby, the Blue Lake, with its strikingly blue waters, provides a tranquil spot for relaxation.
Watching Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha
The Ishasha sector in the southwest of the park is known for its tree-climbing lions. The journey to Ishasha passes through grasslands filled with Uganda kobs, topis, and buffaloes grazing peacefully. The Ishasha River, which forms the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to hippos and attracts many birds. The lions of Ishasha rest in the branches of large fig trees, making them a rare and exciting sight. As you explore the circuits in this area, keep your eyes on the trees to spot these unique lions.
