Queen Elizabeth National Park spans 1,978 km² of southwestern Uganda and is the country’s most visited safari destination. Its popularity is partly due to its proximity to Uganda’s gorilla trekking hubs, but also reflects its status as one of East Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas.
The park is a landscape of striking contrasts—featuring expansive freshwater lakes, saline crater lakes, lush equatorial rainforests, and open savannah plains, all set against the majestic backdrop of the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to four of Africa’s famed Big Five, with elephants and buffalo frequently spotted, and lions seen with reasonable regularity. With over 610 recorded bird species—the highest of any national park in East Africa—it’s a paradise for birdwatchers as well. Given its rich wildlife and varied ecosystems, the park and its surroundings offer a wide range of safari accommodations. Here are 10 of the best Queen Elizabeth National Park Lodges.
1. The River Station
The River Station is a top-quality lodge set on the southern bank of the Kazinga Channel in the Kyambura Game Reserve, right next to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. It offers 10 comfortable tented cottages and access to some of the park’s best safari areas.
Guests can explore the nearby crater lakes, track chimpanzees, visit a hyena den, follow lion cubs, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the low-traffic zone of the park. A unique experience here is sailing on a traditional dhow boat—the first of its kind in Uganda—along the Kazinga Channel.
The lodge is elegant yet relaxed, and together with its charming sister property, Honey Bear Bush Camp, it is the only accommodation inside the Game Reserve. This means guests often have the whole area to themselves. Every room has a private plunge pool, and there’s a safari spa overlooking a waterhole—perfect for a peaceful massage with a view.
2. Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Kyambura Gorge Lodge is the most luxurious lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It sits at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains on a former coffee farm.
Located on the edge of Kyambura Gorge—a sanctuary for endangered chimpanzees—the lodge supports conservation through the Kyambura Gorge Eco-tourism Project, launched in 2009. With help from the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, the lodge works closely with local communities to protect the environment and wildlife.
Over 5,000 trees have been planted to restore lost forest. Local farmers are trained in beekeeping and use beehive fences to keep elephants away from crops, reducing human-wildlife conflict. The lodge also supports the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative, helping women grow organic coffee and earn income by selling it to safari lodges.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge combines luxury with real impact, offering guests an unforgettable stay that supports nature and local people.
3. Enganzi Game Lodge
Enganzi Game Lodge is a comfortable and affordable mid-range option located on an escarpment overlooking the northeastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its elevated position offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley.
The lodge has 8 well-furnished rooms, available in various types—single, double, twin, and triple—making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Guests have easy access to many key safari areas within the park, including game drives and boat trips.
After a day of exploring, guests can relax in the lodge’s swimming pool while taking in the breathtaking landscape. With warm hospitality, beautiful scenery, and great value, Enganzi Game Lodge is a solid choice for visitors looking for comfort and adventure on a budget.
4. Mweya Safari lodge – Deluxe Room
Mweya Safari Lodge is one of the most popular lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It sits on a scenic peninsula in the park’s northern section, offering sweeping views over the Kazinga Channel and the distant Rwenzori Mountains—famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon.”
The lodge is built in a classic safari style, using natural wood and thatch, and blends beautifully with its surroundings. All rooms and cottages offer stunning views of the water or the surrounding landscape.
Mweya Safari Lodge features 46 rooms in total, including 28 deluxe rooms. These deluxe rooms offer extra space, comfort, and easy access to the lodge’s main facilities, making them a great option for travelers looking for an upgraded stay in the heart of the park.
5. Elephant Plains Lodge
Elephant Plains Lodge is a luxurious lodge perched on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge boasts six generously sized cottages and two exquisite luxury suites, each blending modern comfort with the timeless elegance of traditional African design.
Guests can indulge in fine dining at the beautifully appointed restaurant, where every meal is complemented by panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
Whether dining indoors or on the open veranda, you’ll be immersed in nature’s beauty. After a day of exploration, unwind by the inviting swimming pool—a serene oasis overlooking the breathtaking landscape.
6. The Bush Lodge
Surrounded by Queen Elizabeth National Park and set along the Kazinga Channel, The Bush Lodge offers one of the most authentic and affordable safari experiences in the region.
This mid-range lodge blends beautifully into its wild surroundings, where animals often wander through camp and the calls of hippos and hyenas fill the night air.
The lodge is designed to offer both privacy and immersion in nature, creating a relaxed outdoor atmosphere with excellent food and warm, friendly service. Guests can choose from several accommodation types, including 12 self-contained bandas with private terraces and river views, two self-contained safari tents ideal for families, and non-self-contained tents with shared facilities for budget travelers.
7. Pumba Safari Cottages
Pumba Safari Cottages is an excellent budget-friendly accommodation option in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge consists of five cottages; each designed for comfort and relaxation.
Cottages can be configured as single, twin, double, or triple rooms upon request. Every bed is fitted with essential mosquito nets, and each cottage features a private bathroom with warm, relaxing showers. Guests can unwind on their private verandas, complete with cozy seating—perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings and observing Uganda’s incredible wildlife, even after returning from a safari.
8. Elephant Hub Lodge
Elephant Hab Lodge beautiful mid-range safari retreat located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, perfectly positioned near the breathtaking Kyambura Gorge, an area known for its frequent elephant sightings.
Nestled within natural elephant habitat, the lodge offers guests a unique and immersive wildlife experience. One of the highlights is the beautiful swimming pool, where guests can often witness elephants grazing nearby.
The lodge features spacious, thoughtfully designed cottages, each offering panoramic, unobstructed views across the savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
9. Katara Lodge
Katara Lodge is a semi-luxury lodge set on the slopes of Kichwamba Mountain, with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The lodge has eight chalets, built with local materials and canvas that can be rolled back to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Seven of the chalets are for couples or solo travelers, and one is designed for families. Each regular chalet has a large bedroom and lounge area with a comfortable double bed, a unique star bed that can be rolled out onto the veranda for sleeping under the stars, a small dining space, and cozy chairs.
The bathroom includes a toilet, twin sinks, a rain shower, and a roll-top bathtub. The family chalet has two bedrooms (one double and one twin), a shared bathroom and lounge, and a veranda with a swing and hammocks—perfect for relaxing.
10. Marafiki Lodge
Marafiki Safari Lodge is a beautiful mid-range lodge set on a hillside, offering amazing views of Lake George and the wide plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge was carefully built by local craftspeople using eco-friendly materials from the area.
By staying here, you’re helping to support the surrounding community. Guests can also enjoy cultural experiences like storytelling, village walks, and traditional dance performances. Accommodation includes private bandas made from eucalyptus poles and canvas.
For those looking for more luxury, there are three safari tents, each with its own bathroom and a private outdoor shower—perfect for enjoying the sky and fresh air in total privacy.
