Katara Lodge is perched at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the great rift valley escarpment. This is with uninterrupted views of the savannah, Lake Edward, and the Virunga and Rwenzori mountain ranges.
Katara Lodge is located 16 km away from Katunguru gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda’s premier safari destination. It is also one of the most biodiversity reserves in the world. The park’s varied habitats include the open savannah, dense papyrus swamps, crater lakes, the extensive Maramagambo forest, and the forested Kyambura Gorge. These are home to almost 100 mammal species and over 600 bird species.
More About Katara Lodge
Katara Lodge is located on the Kichwamba escarpment, which was formed as a result of volcanic activity. The area boasts 72 explosion craters and several undulating hills and valleys, which together provide very beautiful scenery. The lodge is within a 6-hour drive from Kampala.
Katara Lodge is keenly aware of the delicate and precious nature of the park and the flora and fauna shared with it. The lodge, therefore, prides itself on offering a luxury safari experience while minimizing any impact on the environment.
The materials used in the construction of the lodge were all gathered locally from renewable sources. The lodge uses extensive rainwater harvesting, heats all its water using solar water heaters, and uses ultra-low flush toilets throughout the lodge. Similarly, all lighting and electrical outlets are solar-powered and use low-energy CF or LED bulbs. The saltwater swimming pool further reduces their reliance on harmful chemicals.
Some call Katara lodge ‘an oasis of excellence’ because of one thing, this beautiful lodge comes with a full bathtub. That would be a treat after a long day out on game drives, or chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Nothing like soaking in a hot tub in the wilderness.
Accommodation at Katara Lodge
Katara Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers accommodation in eight luxurious thatched cottages. These are on a beautiful stretch of hills overlooking the open savannah in a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Each spacious cottage was hand-crafted using locally available materials and carved into the hillside by the Katara village community.
The regular cottages at Katara Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park have one large open sleeping and sitting area. This is fitted with a double bed and a four-poster star bed that can be wheeled out onto the veranda to sleep directly under the starlit African sky. But this is only recommended during dry seasons.
The bathrooms are luxuriously fitted – the romantic roll-top bath, or the invigorating rain shower, provide a perfect way to unwind after a thrilling day on safari.
The family cottage has two separate bedrooms with a shared sitting area and bathroom. It has a double bed in one bedroom, and two beds (one is 3 x 6 ft and the second is 4 x 6 ft) in the other bedroom which can accommodate up to three small children. In addition, the family cottage comes with a small private sitting area outside with a swing couch and two hammocks.
Tour Activities Around the Lodge.
Katara Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park offers many activities, which include game drives, bird watching, and the famous launch cruise along the Kazinga channel.
Don’t miss chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge, and forest walks in Kalinzu forest or Maramagambo forest, all of which provide truly memorable wildlife experiences.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wonderful park with incredible biodiversity. Its stunning territory includes open savannah, dense papyrus swamps, crater lakes, the extensive Maramagambo forest, and the forested Kyambura Gorge. While at the park some of the activities you can enjoy include: –
- chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- chimp tracking or forest walks in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
- game drives through Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Launch cruise on the Kazinga channel
- guided nature walks in the Maramagambo forest
- sightseeing and beautiful scenery viewing
- community visits
Uganda arguably features the best game-viewing opportunities found within the savannah parks on the African continent. Expect the allure of completely remote locations and an unrivaled guest experience. Guests are advised to complement their wildlife safaris to Uganda with a gorilla trekking safari, and an amazing and life-changing experience for the ultimate escape.