Overview
Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda’s most visited and diverse safari destination, famous for its stunning Rift Valley landscapes, tree-climbing lions, volcanic crater lakes, hippo-packed Kazinga Channel, and rich birdlife. Accommodations here range from boutique luxury lodges with infinity pools and sweeping views to cozy bush camps, family-friendly hotels, backpacker hostels, and rustic campsites. Most properties are found along the park’s northeastern edge (Kasese, Katunguru), in the Kyambura Gorge area, Ishasha sector (south), or on the scenic crater rims.
1. Luxury Lodges & Upscale Safari Camps
For travelers seeking the highest comfort, personalized service, gourmet dining, and incredible views—these are the top-tier picks:
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Volcanoes Safaris, Kyambura): Stylish boutique lodge, converted coffee store, luxury bandas with views of Rwenzori and the gorge, infinity pool, spa, gourmet cuisine, community projects.
- Mweya Safari Lodge (Mweya Peninsula): Classic luxury, panoramic Kazinga Channel views, swimming pool, spa, fine dining, family cottages, boat cruises from the lodge.
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Ishasha Sector): Exclusive tented camp on Ntungwe River, elegant furnishings, al fresco dining, close to tree-climbing lions.
- Katara Lodge (Kichwamba Escarpment): Thatched cottages, private decks with views over the park, open-air showers, infinity pool.
- Elephant Plains Lodge (Kasenyi Plains): New luxury, spacious cottages, large pool, big sky views, close to Kasenyi game drives.
- Park View Safari Lodge (Katara area): Luxury cottages, spa, pool, beautiful crater lake views.
2. Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps
Great for classic safari ambiance, comfort, and value:
- Engiri Game Lodge (Katunguru): Comfortable cottages and safari tents, bush setting, friendly staff, affordable rates.
- Buffalo Safari Lodge (Kazinga Channel area): Riverside cottages, good food, pool, family-friendly.
- Marafiki Safari Lodge (Kichwamba): Hand-crafted timber cottages, open-air bathrooms, crater views, affordable luxury.
- The Bush Lodge (Mweya/Katunguru): Eco-friendly tents and cottages, Kazinga Channel setting, relaxed and social.
- Simba Safari Camp (Katunguru): Budget-to-midrange, cottages and tents, great for groups and families, pool.
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (Kichwamba): Cottages with stunning views, good service, local cuisine.
3. Eco-Lodges & Community-Run Camps
For low-impact travel, sustainability, and local immersion:
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge: Solar power, reforestation and local partnerships.
- The Bush Lodge: Eco-practices, plastic-free, solar water heating.
- Katara Lodge: Eco-friendly design, community projects, local employment.
- Kazinga Channel View Resort: Locally owned, simple, supports local community.
- Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge: Eco-conscious, lakeside setting, local guides.
4. Family & Group-Friendly Options
Perfect for kids, groups, and longer stays, these offer extra space and flexibility:
- Mweya Safari Lodge: Family cottages, pool, kids’ menu, boat trips.
- Buffalo Safari Lodge: Family rooms, pool, game-viewing decks.
- Simba Safari Camp: Dorms, family cottages, group camping.
- The Bush Lodge: Family cottages, group tents, flexible meal plans.
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge: Multi-bedroom cottages, playground, child-friendly.
5. Budget-Friendly Camps, Hostels & Guesthouses
For backpackers, students, and those who want adventure and savings:
- Pumba Safari Cottages (Kichwamba): Budget rooms and self-catering, local food, friendly vibe.
- Simba Safari Camp: Dorm beds, camping, affordable meals, tours.
- Engiri Game Lodge: Budget tents and bandas.
- Kazinga Channel View Resort: Simple rooms, local meals, great location.
- Tembo Safari Lodge: Budget bandas, affordable, on Kazinga Channel.
- Queen Elizabeth Safari Hostel (Katunguru): Dorm beds, camping, communal kitchen.
6. Self-Catering Cottages & Private Villas
For those wanting to do their own thing or stay longer:
- Pumba Safari Cottages: Self-catering, ideal for families/groups.
- Queen Elizabeth Safari Hostel: Kitchen facilities for self-caterers.
- Airbnb/private villas: Options in Katunguru, Kasese, and crater rim.
- Park View Safari Lodge: Some units with kitchenettes.
7. Public & Private Campsites
For campers, overlanders, and adventurers:
- Simba Safari Camp Campsite: Shaded, secure, ablutions, near Kazinga Channel.
- Mweya Campsite: Inside the park, wild, with basic amenities (book via UWA).
- The Bush Lodge Campsite: Riverside, hot showers, bar/restaurant access.
- Kasenyi Safari Camp: Bush campsite, lake views, BYO gear.
- Community Campsites: Near Kyambura, Kichwamba, and crater lakes.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Park Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kyambura | Luxury Lodge | $350–$750 | Gorge views, spa, eco | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
| Mweya Safari Lodge | Mweya Peninsula | Luxury Lodge | $220–$500 | Channel views, pool, boat | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Ishasha Sector | Tented Camp | $250–$400 | Riverside, exclusive, lions | Yes | No | Yes | South Park |
| Katara Lodge | Kichwamba Escarpment | Boutique Lodge | $180–$350 | Crater views, eco, pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
| Elephant Plains Lodge | Kasenyi Plains | Luxury Lodge | $200–$400 | Big views, spacious, new | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| The Bush Lodge | Katunguru | Eco-Lodge/Camp | $70–$180 | Kazinga, tents/cottages, eco | Yes | No | Yes | Near Park |
| Marafiki Safari Lodge | Kichwamba | Mid-Range Lodge | $100–$200 | Timber cottages, crater view | Yes | No | Some | Near Park |
| Engiri Game Lodge | Katunguru | Lodge/Tented | $40–$100 | Cottages, tents, budget | Yes | No | Some | Near Park |
| Simba Safari Camp | Katunguru | Camp/Budget | $20–$80 | Dorms, family, camping, pool | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Pumba Safari Cottages | Kichwamba | Cottage/Hostel | $20–$70 | Self-cater, local feel | Yes | No | Some | Near Park |
| Kazinga Channel View Resort | Katunguru | Guesthouse | $15–$50 | Budget, local, channel views | Yes | No | Yes | Near Park |
| Mweya Campsite (UWA) | Mweya Peninsula | Campsite | $5–$15 | Wild, basic, inside park | Yes | No | Some | Inside Park |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and may vary by season or room type.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts accommodation for every traveler—from chic boutique lodges and eco-chic camps to family cottages, backpacker hostels, and simple wild campsites. Whether you want to wake to hippo calls on the Kazinga Channel, spot lions from your tent in Ishasha, or enjoy crater views with local hospitality, you’ll find a perfect base for Uganda’s most varied safari.
Book early for high season (June–September, December–February) for the best river views and availability.