2025 Top Guide to Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Discover the best safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park for 2025-2026: luxury, midrange & budget options, comparison table, prices, and insider tips on where to stay for lions, Kazinga Channel boat safaris & chimp tracking.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is Uganda’s most popular and diverse safari destination, welcoming over 100,000 visitors every year.

Famous for its tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel, and dramatic explosion craters, the park offers an unforgettable African safari experience.

Choosing the right place to stay is crucial—your lodge is not just where you sleep, but the base for game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and sunset sundowners overlooking the savannah.

Whether you’re searching for safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the best lodges in Queen Elizabeth NP, luxury retreats with infinity pools, authentic tented camps under the stars, or budget-friendly options for backpackers, this complete guide covers every option for 2025–2026.

Why Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s Top Safari Destination

Spanning 1,978 km² between Lake Edward and Lake George in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve packed with biodiversity.

Home to 95 mammal species (including the Big Four—lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), 610 bird species, and ten primate species, the park offers classic savannah plains, volcanic craters, lush forests, and wetlands.

Key highlights:

Kazinga Channel – one of Africa’s best boat safaris
Ishasha sector – famous tree-climbing lions
Kyambura Gorge – underground forest with habituated chimpanzees
Kasenyi Plains – prime lion and kob territory
Mweya Peninsula – scenic hub with panoramic views

With easy access from Kampala (5–6 hours drive) or domestic flights to Mweya or Kasese airstrips, it’s no wonder travelers repeatedly ask: where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Types of Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation ranges dramatically to suit every budget and travel style:

Luxury Lodges – 5-star service, private plunge pools, gourmet dining
Midrange Lodges – excellent comfort and value, often with great views
Budget Lodges & Hostels – clean, simple, backpacker-friendly
Tented Camps – authentic safari atmosphere, canvas under the stars
Campsites – for self-drive and overland travelers

Let’s explore the best options in each category.

Luxury Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Mweya Safari Lodge (Iconic & Most Famous)

The grand dame of the park. Perched on the Mweya Peninsula with sweeping views over the Kazinga Channel.

54 rooms: standard, deluxe, suites, presidential cottage
Infinity pool, spa, excellent restaurant
Direct access to boat launch site
Activities: game drives, boat cruises, chimp tracking
Best for: First-time visitors wanting classic luxury with convenience
Approximate rate: $280–$550 ppn full board (high season)

2. Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Volcanoes Safaris – Eco-Luxury)

Stunning eco-lodge overlooking Kyambura Gorge with dramatic escarpment views.

8 elegant bandas with private balconies
Community and conservation-focused (women’s coffee project, wetland restoration)
Spa, yoga deck, excellent cuisine
Perfect base for chimpanzee habituation experiences
Best for: Honeymooners and eco-conscious travelers
Rate: $450–$750 ppn

3. Elephant Plains Lodge (New & Spectacular)

Opened in 2022 on the Kasenyi side with unobstructed views over Lake George and Rwenzori Mountains.

8 spacious cottages + 2 family cottages with private star beds
Large pool, superb food, intimate atmosphere
Prime lion-tracking area
Best for: Photographers and families wanting space
Rate: $380–$680 ppn

4. Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Classic Tented Luxury)

The top choice in the remote Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions.

10 spacious tented rooms along the Ntungwe River
Eco-friendly, solar-powered
Private bush dinners and sundowners among fig trees
Exclusive, intimate, superb guiding
Best for: Romantic getaways and lion enthusiasts
Rate: $380–$620 ppn

5. Mazike Valley Lodge (Boutique Newcomer 2025)

Brand-new hillside lodge with only 6 suites overlooking the park.

Private plunge pools, outdoor showers, 270° views
Ultra-exclusive feel
Rate: $600–$900 ppn

Midrange Lodges – Best Value for Money

Enganzi Game Lodge

On the rim of the western rift valley outside the park (10 min to Katunguru gate).

Beautiful hilltop location, infinity pool
Spacious cottages with verandas
Excellent food and friendly staff
Rate: $140–$220 ppn

Buffalo Safari Lodge

North of the park with views toward Rwenzori Mountains.

Cozy rondavels and safari tents
Good pool and restaurant
Rate: $120–$200 ppn

Park View Safari Lodge

New property with panoramic crater views.

Modern rooms, great value
Rate: $110–$180 ppn

Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge

Popular tented camp with both budget and midrange bandas.

Riverside location, authentic feel
Great for self-drive travelers
Rate: $90–$180 ppn

Elephant Hab Lodge

Near Kasenyi with lake views.

Thatched cottages, swimming pool
Family rooms available
Rate: $100–$170 ppn

Budget Lodges & Hostels

Simba Safari Camp

Long-standing favorite on the edge of the park.

Dorm beds, simple twin rooms, and bandas
Pool, lively bar, good food
Best budget base for Kasenyi game drives
Rate: $15 dorm – $80 double full board

Pumba Safari Cottages

Clean, simple cottages near Katunguru gate.

Very affordable, friendly owners
Rate: $50–$90 ppn

Irungu Forest Safari Lodge

Quiet forest setting outside the park.

Rate: $60–$100 ppn

Mweya Hostels (UWA-run)

Inside the park – cheapest beds actually within boundaries.

Dormitory and private rooms
Rate: $20–$60 ppn

The Bush Lodge (Budget Section)

Tented rooms right on the Kazinga Channel.

Amazing location for the price
Rate: $70–$120 ppn

Tented Camps & Campsites

Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (tented section) – best midrange tents
Ishasha River Camp – community-run, authentic, remote
Kingfisher Lodge Kichwamba – escarpment tents
Campsites: Mweya (UWA), The Bush Lodge, Simba – $10–15 per person

Best Areas to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park

1. Mweya Peninsula

Pros: Central, Kazinga Channel views, boat launch, restaurant, airstrip

Best lodges: Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge

2. Kasenyi Plains Area

Pros: Best lion sightings, kob breeding grounds

Best lodges: Elephant Plains, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Simba

3. Ishasha Sector (Southern Park)

Pros: Tree-climbing lions, remote wilderness feel

Best lodges: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha River Camp

4. Kyambura & North (Kichwamba Escarpment)

Pros: Chimpanzee tracking, cooler climate, dramatic views

Best lodges: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Enganzi, Kingfisher

Comparison Table: Top Safari Lodges in Queen Elizabeth NP (2025)

Lodge	Price (ppn FB)	Location	Luxury Level	Pool	Best For	Kazinga View
Mweya Safari Lodge	$280–550	Mweya	★★★★☆	Yes	First-timers, convenience	Yes
Kyambura Gorge Lodge	$450–750	Kyambura	★★★★★	Yes	Honeymoon, eco-luxury	No
Elephant Plains Lodge	$380–680	Kasenyi	★★★★★	Yes	Families, photography	Lake George
Ishasha Wilderness Camp	$380–620	Ishasha	★★★★☆	No	Tree-climbing lions	River
Enganzi Game Lodge	$140–220	Outside North	★★★☆☆	Yes	Value midrange value	Escarpment
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge	$90–180	Mweya side	★★☆☆☆	No	Authentic tented feel	Channel
Simba Safari Camp	$50–120	Kasenyi	★☆☆☆☆	Yes	Budget & backpackers	No

How to Choose the Perfect Lodge for Your Safari

Prioritize Your Must-See Wildlife
→ Tree-climbing lions? → Ishasha
→ Classic Big Game + boat safari? → Mweya/Kaseny
Decide Your Budget
Luxury: $300+ ppn
Midrange: $120–250
Budget: under $120
Consider Family Needs
Family cottages: Elephant Plains, Buffalo Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp
Think About Views
Kazinga Channel: Mweya Safari Lodge, Bush Lodge
Crater/Rwenzori: Park View, Enganzi
Romantic/Honeymoon?
Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness, Mazike Valley

Typical Amenities in Queen Elizabeth NP Lodges

Most midrange+ have swimming pools
Wi-Fi available in main areas (speeds vary)
Solar or generator power (some load-shedding)
Mosquito nets, fans, en-suite bathrooms
On-site restaurants (full board usual)
Mosquito-proofed rooms/tents

Activities Offered by Lodges

Almost every lodge can arrange:

Morning & afternoon game drives
Kazinga Channel boat cruise (highly recommended!)
Chimpanzee tracking or habituation in Kyambura
Lion tracking research experience (Kasenyi)
Birding walks
Community visits (e.g., Katwe salt lake, agandi village)
Night game drives (outside park boundaries)

Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

Dry Seasons (Best Wildlife Viewing)

June to September
December to February
→ Animals congregate around water, easier lion sightings

Shoulder/Rainy Seasons (Greener, Fewer Crowds)

March to May
October to November
→ Lush scenery, baby animals, lower rates (up to 40% off)

Lodge Prices in Queen Elizabeth NP – What to Expect (2025)

Luxury: $280–$900 per person per night (full board + activities)
Midrange: $120–$280 ppn
Budget: $50–$120 ppn
Park entrance: $40 per person per 24h (separate)

Prices are highest December–February and July–August. Many lodges offer resident rates and special offers April–May.

FAQs about safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park

What are the best luxury lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, and Ishasha Wilderness Camp consistently rank highest.

What is the best budget lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP?

Simba Safari Camp and Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (budget tents) offer the best value.

Where should families stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Elephant Plains Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, and Kasenyi Safari Camp have family cottages and pools.

How much does accommodation in Queen Elizabeth NP cost?

From $15 dorm beds to $900 ultra-luxury suites. Most international visitors spend $150–$400 per person per night.

Which lodges have the best Kazinga Channel views?

Mweya Safari Lodge and The Bush Lodge offer direct frontage.

Can you camp inside Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Yes – public campsites at Mweya and several private lodge campsites.

Final Thoughts – Book Your Dream Safari Lodge Today

Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers one of Africa’s most varied and rewarding safari experiences, and the right lodge makes all the difference. Whether you dream of waking to hippos outside your tent, sipping champagne as elephants cross the plains at sunset, or simply stretching your budget without missing the magic—there’s a perfect option waiting.

Ready to turn your Uganda safari dream into reality?

Contact us today for exclusive 2025–2026 rates, availability, and personalized itinerary planning. We specialize in crafting seamless Uganda safaris that combine Queen Elizabeth National Park with gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls, or Kibale Forest.

Let us help you choose and book the best safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park for your dates and budget. Your African adventure starts here.