The River Station

Perched on a scenic bluff high above the Kazinga Channel, The River Station is one of the most spectacular places to stay in the Queen Elizabeth National Park area. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed by sweeping views, peaceful surroundings, and the sounds of Africa all around you.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t need to go far to see wildlife — elephants might stroll past the breakfast table, and hippos can be heard grunting in the channel below. Yet, for those who love to explore, the lodge opens the door to all the wonders of Kyambura Wildlife Reserve — a beautiful wilderness of open savanna, gentle hills, and seven stunning crater lakes.

Owned and managed by Wildplaces Uganda, one of the country’s most respected eco-lodge brands, The River Station is sophisticated yet unpretentious. It offers the perfect mix of comfort, style, and nature. With its smaller sister property, Honey Bear Bush Camp, it stands as the only accommodation inside the Kyambura Game Reserve — giving guests the rare chance to have this peaceful paradise almost entirely to themselves. This is where luxury meets wilderness, and every stay feels both personal and unforgettable.

Location and Getting There

The River Station is located in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, part of the greater Queen Elizabeth National Park ecosystem in western Uganda. The reserve is famous for its wildlife, birdlife, and unique crater lakes, some of which attract elegant flocks of lesser flamingos.

To reach the lodge, guests can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kasese Airstrip, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive through rolling countryside, tea plantations, and open plains. The road journey from Kampala or Entebbe by car takes about 6 to 7 hours, making it an ideal stop on a western Uganda safari circuit linking Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi.

Once you arrive, the beauty of the Kazinga Channel stretches before you — water shimmering in the sunlight, distant calls of birds, and the golden grasses of the savanna below.

Accommodation and Facilities At River Station

The River Station features ten beautifully designed rooms, each combining elegance and simplicity. Built with natural materials and soft tones that reflect the colors of the water and sky, the design blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

Each room offers:

A spacious ensuite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers
A private plunge pool where you can cool off while watching elephants wander below
A veranda with sweeping views over the channel and the plains
Comfortable beds draped in mosquito nets and fine cotton linen
Thoughtful touches like handmade décor, soft lighting, and wooden finishes

The rooms are private, peaceful, and open to nature — ideal for travelers who want a quiet, luxurious retreat after a day in the wild.

The main lodge is a masterpiece of design — elegant, calm, and full of natural light. Decorated in gentle watery hues, it features an open-plan restaurant, bar, and lounge area that lead onto a terrace overlooking the water. Every corner invites you to relax — whether by the pool, in the shade of the gardens, or beside the firepit under a blanket of stars.

Guests can also enjoy:

A large swimming pool with panoramic views
A spa and massage room built above a waterhole — offering a true “massage-with-a-view” experience
Complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, and laundry service
A restaurant serving fresh, locally inspired dishes and fine wines
24-hour room service and friendly, professional staff ready to make you feel at home

Everything about The River Station is carefully thought out — luxurious but never overdone, stylish yet grounded in nature.

Activities At The River Station

The River Station offers many activities for all kinds of travellers — from wildlife lovers to people who want quiet time by the water.

1. Game Drives

Set out early with an experienced guide to find lions, elephants, buffalo, warthogs and many antelope species. Morning and evening drives give different animal sightings and great light for photos.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking

Visit Kyambura Gorge, the “Valley of the Apes,” to track chimpanzees. Walk down into the green canyon with a guide and listen for their calls. This is a special, up-close forest experience.

3. Dhow Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Board the traditional dhow — a first on the Kazinga Channel and Uganda— and sail along the water. The dhow cruise is calm and quiet, perfect for watching hippos, elephants drinking at the bank, crocodiles, and many water birds. The breeze, the water, and the wildlife make this a very peaceful and memorable trip, especially at sunset.

4. Boat Safaris

If you prefer a motorboat, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel to see large numbers of hippos, crocodiles and water birds. Boat safaris are great for close wildlife viewing from the water

5. Walking Safaris & Birding

Take guided walks around the crater lakes and the reserve to find small mammals, track signs, and many bird species — flamingos, kingfishers, herons and bee-eaters among them. Guides know where to find the best birds.

6. Fishing

Try catch-and-release fishing or a relaxed sail on the channel. These are gentle, family-friendly activities — perfect for sunset and slow afternoons.

7. Night Drives & Game Walks

Join a guided night drive or an escorted game walk to see nocturnal animals and learn about tracks and signs. Guests are always guided and escorted for safety.

8. Cultural & Community Visits

Visit local villages, watch traditional craft making, or learn about coffee and banana farming. These short visits support local families and give real insight into life near the park.

9. Wellness & Relaxation

Back at the lodge, enjoy a massage at the safari spa perched above a water hole, relax by your private plunge pool, or swim in the main pool while watching wildlife on the plains below.

Why Stay at The River Station

The River Station is more than a lodge — it’s an experience that connects luxury and wilderness in perfect balance.

It’s the only lodge inside Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, offering total privacy and incredible wildlife right on your doorstep. Whether you’re watching elephants from your veranda, sailing on the channel, or enjoying dinner under the stars, every moment feels special.

For those traveling through western Uganda — from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, or Lake Mburo — this is an essential stop. It’s both a place to rest and to rediscover your sense of wonder.

If you’re looking for something unique, elegant, and close to nature, The River Station delivers it all — a true game-changer on Uganda’s safari circuit.