Where to Stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Choosing where to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most critical decision for your safari. Most travelers assume they can book any lodge and see everything. This is a mistake. The park is massive. It covers nearly 2,000 square kilometers. If you book a lodge in the north (Mweya) but want to see tree-climbing lions in the south (Ishasha), you face a difficult two-hour drive each way on dirt roads. You will spend your safari in a car, not watching wildlife. This breakdown helps you choose the right base for your specific goals. It covers the best options for luxury, value, and budget travelers in 2026.
Understand the Sectors
Before you look at prices, you must understand the map. The park is split into three main accommodation zones.
1. Mweya Peninsula & North. This is the busiest area. It sits between Lake Edward and Lake George. It is best for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and game drives on the Kasenyi Plains. If it is your first time in Uganda, stay here. You are close to the main gate and the boat launch.
2. Ishasha Sector. This area lies far to the south. It is famous for tree-climbing lions. It is much quieter than Mweya. If you want to see the lions in the fig trees, you must spend at least one night here. Driving from Mweya for a day trip is exhausting and leaves you little time for tracking.
3. Kyambura Gorge & Escarpment. This area sits on the eastern edge of the park. The lodges here are perched on high cliffs with incredible views. It is the best base if your main goal is tracking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge.
Luxury Lodges($450+ Per Night)
Mweya Safari Lodge (Mweya Sector)
Mweya Safari Lodge is the most famous hotel in the park. It sits on a peninsula surrounded by water. The location is unbeatable. You can watch elephants drink from the Kazinga Channel while you eat
breakfast. The lodge is large and feels like a classic hotel. It has a large infinity pool, a business center, and air-conditioned rooms.
The Verdict: This is the best choice for families or travelers who want reliable, classic luxury. It is very convenient because the boat cruise starts right at the lodge dock. However, it is a large property, so you might share the lobby with many other tourists.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Kyambura Sector)
This lodge was built from an old coffee processing plant. It is full of character and history. It sits on the edge of the Kyambura Gorge. The cottages are private and stylish. They offer personal butler service and distinct luxury that feels modern yet African. The main highlight is the access to the gorge. You can walk from your room to the trekking point to see chimpanzees.
The Verdict: Choose this if you want privacy and style. It is perfect for couples. It is farther from the main game drive circuits, but the chimpanzee experience is unmatched.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Ishasha Sector)
This is the only luxury camp located inside the southern park boundaries. You sleep in large canvas tents right on the Ntungwe River. You can often see elephants bathing in the river from your tent porch. It is an eco-camp, meaning it uses solar power and blends into the forest. The shower creates a true bush feel with hot water brought to your tent on request.
The Verdict: This is for the wildlife lover who wants immersion. You are sleeping in the middle of the animal territory. It is quiet, wild, and romantic. It is not for those who need concrete walls and air conditioning.
Mid-Range Lodges($150 – $350 Per Night)
Enganzi Game Lodge (Escarpment Area)
Enganzi sits on the Rift Valley escarpment. The view is its biggest selling point. You look down over the vast park plains. The cottages are huge and built on stilts. The main area has a large deck where you can enjoy a drink at sunset. The drive to the park gate takes about 15 minutes.
The Verdict Enganzi offers luxury views at a mid-range price. The steep stairs to the rooms can be tough for elderly travelers, but the space and scenery are excellent value.
The Bush Lodge (Kazinga Channel Area)
The Bush Lodge is fantastic for travelers who want to be close to nature on a budget. They offer “bandas,” which are permanent tents with thatched roofs. You get a real bed and a private outdoor shower. The walls are canvas, so you hear the hippos and hyenas at night. The staff is known for being friendly and efficient.
The Verdict: This is widely considered the best value in the park. It is clean, safe, and feels adventurous. It is a great middle ground between camping and a hotel.
Park View Safari Lodge (Kyambura Area)
This lodge is located near the main road but offers high-quality cottages with glass windows and balconies. It has a swimming pool, which is rare for this price range. The rooms are modern and spacious. It is very close to the Kyambura Gorge for chimp trekking.
The Verdict: A solid choice for travelers who want a pool and modern amenities without paying Mweya prices.
Budget & Camping(Under $100 Per Night)
Simba Safari Camp
Simba Safari Camp offers basic rooms and dormitories. It is well-run and has been open for many years. It is located just outside the park gate. The rooms are simple but clean. They have a restaurant that serves hearty meals. It is popular with backpackers and student groups.
The Verdict: This is a reliable place to sleep. It is not luxurious, but it works well if you plan to spend all day out in the park and just need a bed.
UWA Public Campsites (Mweya and Ishasha)
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages public campsites inside the park. These are for travelers with their own tents and gear. The facilities are very basic. You will have a pit latrine and a shared fire pit. You must bring all your own food and water.
The Verdict Camping inside the park is an incredible experience because animals often walk through the campsite at night. However, you need to be an experienced camper. It is not recommended for first-time safari goers unless you are with a guided tour operator who sets up the camp for you.
Quick Decision Guide
| Lodge Name | Price Tier | Best For | Has Pool? | Location |
| Mweya Safari Lodge | Luxury | Families & Views | Yes | Mweya Peninsula |
| Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Luxury | Chimpanzees | Yes | Kyambura Gorge |
| Ishasha Wilderness | Luxury | Nature & Lions | No | Ishasha Sector |
| Enganzi Game Lodge | Mid-Range | Scenery | No | Escarpment |
| The Bush Lodge | Mid-Range | Adventure Value | No | Kazinga Channel |
| Simba Safari Camp | Budget | Backpackers | No | Kichwamba |
Planning Your Stay: Expert Advice
Mix Your Stay for the Best Experience
Do not try to see the whole park from one lodge. The best strategy is to spend two nights in the Mweya or Kyambura area to see the boat cruise and chimps. Then, move south and spend one night in Ishasha to see the tree-climbing lions. This cuts down your driving time and lets you enjoy both ecosystems.
Book Early for High Season
The best lodges fill up fast during the dry seasons. These are from June to September and December to February. If you want a room at Mweya Safari Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp, you should book at least six months in advance.
Check the Meal Plan
Most lodges in the park operate on a “Full Board” basis. This means your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the price. Drinks are usually extra. Double-check this when you book. If you are going on a full-day game drive, ask your lodge to pack a lunch box for you the night before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lodge is best for seeing tree-climbing lions?
The best lodge for seeing tree-climbing lions is Ishasha Wilderness Camp. It is located inside the Ishasha sector, where the lions live. Staying here puts you minutes away from the fig trees where the lions rest, saving you hours of driving.
Is it safe to stay in unfenced lodges?
Yes, it is safe. Lodges like The Bush Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp are unfenced to let wildlife move freely. However, they have armed rangers who patrol the grounds at night. You will always be escorted by a staff member when walking to your room in the dark.
How far is Mweya Safari Lodge from Ishasha?
The drive from Mweya Safari Lodge to the Ishasha sector takes about two hours. The road is unpaved and can be bumpy. It is possible to do a day trip, but it makes for a very long day in the car. It is better to split your stay between the two areas.
Do the lodges have Wi-Fi?
Most mid-range and luxury lodges have Wi-Fi, but it is usually only available in the main lounge or reception area. The signal can be slow and unreliable due to the remote location. Do not expect to stream videos or make video calls easily from your room.
Can I get hot water in the budget camps?
Yes, most budget camps and hostels provide hot water. In eco-camps, this might be bucket showers where staff bring hot water on demand. In established hostels like Simba Safari Camp, they have solar-heated showers. Always ask about the hot water schedule when you check in.
What is the price difference between high and low season?
Luxury lodges often drop their prices significantly during the rainy months (April, May, and November). You can save up to 30% on accommodation by traveling during these “Green Seasons.” Wildlife viewing is still good, though the grass is taller.
Are there family rooms available in the park?
Yes, Mweya Safari Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, and Park View Safari Lodge all offer family cottages or interconnecting rooms. These are designed to accommodate parents and children together. Children under 12 often get discounted rates on meals and bedding.
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