Best Safari Lodges in Uganda 2025/2026 – Luxury to Budget Guide

Best Safari Lodges in Uganda: Discover the best safari lodges in Uganda for gorilla trekking & Big Five safaris. Luxury, mid-range & budget options in Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls & more. Book your 2025/2026 Uganda safari lodge now!

Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the most biodiverse safari destinations on the planet. Home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, over 1,000 bird species, the Big Five, and dramatic landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to vast savannahs, Uganda offers an intimate and authentic wildlife experience that rivals Kenya or Tanzania — often at a fraction of the cost.

Choosing the best safari lodge in Uganda can make or break your trip. The right Uganda safari accommodation places you minutes from gorilla trekking launch points, overlooks elephant-filled plains, or sits on the banks of the Nile with hippos grunting at sunset.

This comprehensive guide covers the top safari lodges in Uganda across every major national park, segmented by budget, unique experiences, and traveler type — perfect for anyone searching for where to stay on a Uganda safari in 2025 or 2026.

Best Safari Lodges in Uganda by National Park

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Trekking Heaven

Bwindi is the undisputed king of gorilla trekking. All lodges here are strategically located near one of the four trailheads (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo).

Luxury Picks:

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Arguably the most luxurious lodge in Uganda. Private stone cottages with fireplaces, butler service, and panoramic views over the virunga volcanoes. Rates ~$900–$1,500 pp/n all-inclusive.
Gorilla Forest Camp (Sanctuary Retreats) – The only lodge inside Bwindi park boundaries. Tented suites with rainforest views and frequent gorilla visits right in camp.
Mahogany Springs Lodge – Stunning private bandas with huge terraces overlooking the Munyaga River. Excellent food and warm service (~$450–$650 pp/n).

Mid-Range Favorites:

Buhoma Lodge – Consistently top-rated on TripAdvisor. Spacious cottages, great location 5 minutes from briefing point.
Silverback Lodge – Elevated position with sweeping forest views, cozy fireplaces.

Budget Option:

Buhoma Community Rest Camp – Clean bandas and tents run by the local community. From $80–$150 pp/n.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Big Game & Boat Safaris

Uganda’s most visited park offers tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, explosive craters, and the Kazinga Channel boat safari.

Luxury:

Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Dramatic converted coffee storehouse on the edge of Kyambura Gorge with infinity pool (~$500–$800 pp/n).
Mweya Safari Lodge – Iconic location on the peninsula with panoramic Kazinga Channel views. Recently renovated.
Katara Lodge – Stunning hillside cottages with private plunge pools overlooking the savannah.

Mid-Range:

Elephant Plains Lodge – Newer property near Kasenyi plains with spacious cottages and excellent game viewing from deck.
Kasenyi Safari Camp – Great value on the crater rim.

Budget:

Enganzi Game Lodge – Simple but clean rooms, good food, close to the park gate.

3. Murchison Falls National Park – The Mighty Nile & Waterfalls

The Nile explodes through a 7-meter gorge here — one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.

Luxury:

Paraa Safari Lodge – Historic lodge on the northern bank with pool overlooking the river. Classic safari vibe.
Nile Safari Lodge – Beautiful wooden chalets south of the river with private decks.

Mid-Range:

Twiga Safari Lodge – Excellent location near the falls, family rooms available.
Pakuba Safari Lodge – Airy rooms, swimming pool, central location.

Budget:

Fort Murchison – Tented camp with budget rooms outside the park (~$100 pp/n).

4. Kibale Forest National Park – Primate Capital of the World

Home to 13 primate species including habituated chimpanzees.

Luxury:

Kyaninga Lodge – Log cabins perched above a turquoise crater lake. One of the most beautiful settings in Uganda.
Ndali Lodge – Another stunning crater lake property with romantic cottages.

Mid-Range:

Primate Lodge – Right inside the park. Forest cottages and luxury sky-tree house.
Turaco Treetops – Newer property with stylish canvas tents and great views.

Budget:

Kibale Forest Camp – Comfortable safari tents in the forest (~$120–$180 pp/n).

5. Kidepo Valley National Park – Wild & Remote

Ranked by CNN as one of Africa’s top parks, Kidepo feels like the Africa of 50 years ago.

Luxury:

Apoka Safari Lodge – Wilderness Safaris’ flagship property. Huge rooms, private plunge pools, jaw-dropping views over the Narus Valley.

Mid-Range/Budget:

Kidepo Savannah Lodge – Kidepo Savannah Lodge is a Simple but comfortable canvas tents with excellent guiding.
Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp – Hilltop location with epic sunsets.

6. Lake Mburo National Park – Perfect Add-On Near Entebbe

The closest savannah park to Entebbe — ideal for short safaris.

Best Options:

Mihingo Lodge – Luxury infinity pool overlooking a waterhole frequented by leopards.
Rwakobo Rock – Cozy cottages built around giant boulders.
Mantana Tented Camp – Classic tented experience with great walking safaris.

Safari Lodges in Uganda by Budget Category

Luxury Safari Lodges Uganda (USD 500+ per person/night all-inclusive)

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Apoka Safari Lodge
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Kyaninga Lodge
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Mid-Range Safari Lodges Uganda (USD 250–500 pp/n)

Mahogany Springs
Buhoma Lodge
Elephant Plains Lodge
Primate Lodge
Katara Lodge

Budget Safari Lodges Uganda (Under USD 250 pp/n)

Buhoma Community Camp
Enganzi Game Lodge
Kibale Forest Camp
Kidepo Savannah Lodge

What Makes a Great Safari Lodge in Uganda?

The best places to stay on safari in Uganda share these traits:

Location, location, location – Minutes from park gates or trekking points
Eco-friendly design – Solar power, rainwater harvesting, local materials
Community involvement – Revenue-sharing with locals
Experienced guides – Many lodges have resident naturalists
Stunning views – Over rivers, craters, mountains or plains
Excellent food & service – Farm-to-table meals, warm Ugandan hospitality

Unique Experiences You Can Have From Uganda’s Top Lodges

Gorilla trekking from your doorstep (Bwindi lodges)
Boat safaris on Kazinga Channel & Nile (Queen Elizabeth & Murchison)
Chimp habituation experience (Kibale)
Night game drives (Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo)
Hot air balloon safaris over Murchison Falls
Cultural visits to Batwa pygmies or Karamajong warriors
Walking safaris & horseback riding (Lake Mburo)

Best Time to Book Safari Lodges in Uganda

Peak Season (June–September & December–February)
Dry weather = best gorilla & wildlife viewing. Book lodges 12–18 months ahead, especially Bwindi luxury properties.
Shoulder Season (March–May & October–November)
Green landscapes, fewer crowds, lower rates. Many lodges offer 20–40% discounts.

How to Choose the Right Uganda Safari Lodge For You

Which animals are your priority? (Gorillas → Bwindi, Big Five → Queen Elizabeth/Murchison)
Budget per person per night?
Traveling with kids or elderly? Look for family cottages and easy access.
Romantic getaway or group trip?
Do you want to be inside the park or just outside?

Sample 10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary With Lodges

Day 1–2: Arrival → Murchison Falls (Paraa Safari Lodge)

Day 3–4: Kibale Forest (Primate Lodge) – chimp tracking

Day 5–6: Queen Elizabeth NP (Elephant Plains Lodge) – lions & boat safari

Day 7–9: Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Mahogany Springs) – 2 gorilla treks

Day 10: Depart via Entebbe

Total cost estimate: $4,800–$7,500 pp depending on lodge level.

Uganda Safari Lodges – Quick Comparison Table

Lodge	Park	Category	Price pp/n	Gorilla Trek	Big 5	Pool	Highlights
Clouds Mountain	Bwindi	Luxury	$900+	Yes	No	No	Most exclusive gorilla lodge
Apoka Safari Lodge	Kidepo	Luxury	$800+	No	Yes	Yes	Remote wilderness experience
Kyambura Gorge Lodge	Queen Elizabeth	Luxury	$600+	No	Yes	Yes	Dramatic gorge views
Mahogany Springs	Bwindi	Mid-Luxury	$450	Yes	No	No	River views, great food
Elephant Plains	Queen Elizabeth	Mid-Range	$350	No	Yes	Yes	New, excellent location
Primate Lodge	Kibale	Mid-Range	$300	Chimp	No	No	Inside the park

FAQ – Uganda Safari Lodge Questions Answered

Q: What are the best safari lodges for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

A: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Mahogany Springs consistently rank highest.

Q: What is the most luxurious safari lodge in Uganda?

A: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Apoka Safari Lodge tie for the title depending on whether you prefer rainforest or savannah.

Q: Are there budget lodges inside Ugandan national parks?

A: Very few. Most budget options are just outside park boundaries, but Buhoma Community Camp and Primate Lodge (budget rooms) are exceptions.

Q: Do Uganda safari lodges include meals and activities?

A: Luxury and most mid-range lodges are full-board or all-inclusive (meals + 2 activities/day). Budget lodges are usually bed & breakfast.

Q: How far in advance should I book gorilla trekking lodges?

A: 12–18 months for peak season (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb). Gorilla permits sell out fast.

Ready to Book Your Dream Uganda Safari?

Whether you’re looking for luxury safari lodges in Uganda, intimate mid-range hideaways, or authentic budget experiences, Uganda has it all — without the crowds of East Africa’s more famous destinations.

Contact us today for personalized Uganda safari packages including lodge bookings, gorilla permits, internal flights, and 4×4 transport. Let us craft your perfect itinerary with the best safari lodges in Uganda for 2025/2026.