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The River Station
The River Station Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National park
Perched on a scenic bluff above the Kazinga Channel, The River Station is one of the most stunning lodges near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
From arrival, you are greeted by sweeping views, tranquil surroundings, and the vibrant sounds of Africa. Wildlife is never far away — big bush elephants may wander past your breakfast table, and hippos can be heard grunting in the channel below. For those eager to explore, the lodge provides easy access to Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, open savanna, and seven sparkling crater lakes.
Owned by Wildplaces Uganda, a leading eco-lodge brand, The River Station blends comfort and style with a deep connection to nature. Alongside its sister property, Honey Bear Bush Camp, it is the only lodge inside Kyambura Game Reserve, offering guests rare privacy and the feeling of a wilderness all to themselves.
Highlights
- 11 beautifully appointed rooms with ensuite bathrooms and private plunge pools
- Positioned on a bluff above the Kazinga Channel with panoramic wildlife vistas
- Refreshing outdoor showers connecting you with nature
- Dedicated massage room and spa overlooking a waterhole
- Beautiful main lodge decorated in muted watery hues reflecting the surroundings
- One of only two accommodations in the entire Game Reserve
The River Station Lodge Gallery
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 finished.
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.
