Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer a range of accommodations that cater to different tastes and budgets, enhancing your safari experience in Uganda’s stunning western region, near the Rwenzori Mountains. For those seeking a luxurious stay, the park features upscale lodges positioned on scenic hills or by picturesque crater lakes. These lodges provide breathtaking views of the surrounding grasslands, allowing guests to unwind on private balconies while sipping refreshing drinks and observing wildlife. Many of these lodges come with additional amenities such as swimming pools, where you can take a dip while soaking in the panoramic landscape. The on-site dining experiences are equally impressive, featuring delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

For travelers on a tighter budget, Queen Elizabeth National Park also offers simpler, yet charming tent camps. Nestled in the trees, these camps provide a cozy and intimate environment without the frills of luxury lodges. Picture waking up to the sunrise and the sounds of the wild—lions roaring or elephants trumpeting—right outside your tent. Evenings are spent around a campfire, sharing stories and experiences with fellow travelers under the starlit sky. This budget-friendly option allows you to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the park while enjoying a memorable and authentic safari experience. Each accommodation choice in Queen Elizabeth National Park allows you to experience the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife in its unique way, making your visit truly unforgettable.

Here are our partner lodges that will provide the best accommodation experience while exploring Queen Elizabeth National park.

Kasenyi Safari Camp:

Rating: Mid-range
Price range: $390 pp single

Kasenyi Safari Camp is a nice place to stay if you’re exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s in the northern part of the park, making it easy to see lots of animals. You can see lions, hippos, leopards, and more. The camp has eight tents that overlook a pretty lake called Lake Bunyampaka. The tents have bathrooms and private decks. The main area is a cool place to hang out and eat.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge:

Rating: Luxury
Price range: $580 – $1410

Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a fancy place to stay near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s on the edge of the park, so you can see the beautiful landscape and even go looking for chimpanzees. The lodge has eight cottages with nice views. Some overlook the savannah, and others overlook the gorge. There’s a new spa and pool too.

Elephant Plains Lodge:

Rating: Luxury

Elephant Plains Lodge is a fancy lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s on top of a hill, so you can see the park and Lake George. You can easily visit places like Kasenyi Plains to see lots of animals. The lodge has a cool name because it’s near the equator line. You can get there by flying for an hour and then driving for two hours.

Katara Lodge:

Rating: Intimately simple

Katara Lodge is a simple and cozy place to stay near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s on a farm overlooking the park. There are eight small houses where guests can sleep. The lodge is proud of being good to the environment. They use solar power and rainwater to help the Earth. The lodge is a bit far from the airport, but you can still get there by flying and driving.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp:

Rating: Simple Luxury
Price: $270 

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a nice place to stay if you want peace and quiet in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s near a river where you can see hippos and elephants. The camp is simple but comfy. There’s a big space for eating and hanging out. Animals sometimes come near the camp, so it’s exciting.

Enjojo Lodge in Ishasha:

Rating: Simple African

Enjojo Lodge is a hidden gem near Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s near where lions like to climb trees. The lodge is on a big piece of land with lots of trees and a small lake. There are six cottages and one bigger house where guests can stay. The lodge is good for seeing wildlife and birds.

The Bush Lodge:

Rating: Safari Camp

The Bush Lodge is in the middle of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s a special place for seeing animals and going on chimp treks. The lodge is small and cozy. There’s a big tent where everyone eats and hangs out. At night, you can have dinner under the stars. Animals might visit the lodge, which is exciting.

Marafiki Safari Lodge:

Rating: Medium Range
Price: $70 – $350 pp/Fb

Marafiki Safari Lodge is a nice place to stay on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can see Lake George from your tent. The tents are on raised floors, so you can see far. The lodge is good for people who want a nice safari but don’t want to spend too much money.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s convenient location makes it a popular choice for Ugandan safaris. Whether you prefer a private road trip or public transportation, you’ll find getting there a breeze. Its proximity to other wildlife destinations like Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks makes it an ideal addition to your itinerary.

By Road

If you want to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are different ways to get there. One way is by road. The park is not too far from Kampala, which is the capital city of Uganda. It’s about 388 kilometers or 241 miles southwest of Kampala. That’s not too long of a journey. Also, if you’re interested in visiting other parks nearby, Queen Elizabeth National Park is close to them too. For example, it’s only 103 kilometers or 67 miles from Kibale Forest and 135 kilometers or 84 miles from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. So, if you’re planning a safari and want to see different wildlife destinations, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a good choice.

Public vs. Private Transport

When you decide to go by road, you can choose between public or private transport. Public buses are a reliable option. They run regularly, so you can easily catch one to get to the park. But if you prefer more flexibility and control over your travel schedule, you might want to consider using a private vehicle. With a private vehicle, you can stop whenever you want and explore different places along the way. This can be especially helpful if you’re planning to visit other parks before or after Queen Elizabeth National Park.

By Air

Another way to get to Queen Elizabeth National Park is by air. The nearest airport to the park is Kasese Airport. It’s only 48 kilometers or 30 miles away. So, if you prefer flying instead of driving, this is a convenient option. There are scheduled flights that connect to Kasese Airport from Kihihi Airport, which is near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is great if you want to combine your visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park with a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Flying can save you time and make your journey more comfortable, especially if you’re short on time or want to avoid a long road trip.