Elephant Plains Lodge is a luxury safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier big game destination. The lodge is perched 941 metres above sea level, high upon the western escarpment of the Albertine Rift in the northeast of the park.
Elephant Plains Lodge offers panoramic views stretching for miles over the vast open grasslands to Lake George. The lodge is also a short drive to the open savannah plains of Kasenyi that are filled with various wild animals like buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, lions, Kobs, hyenas, etc…
Highlights
- Luxurious lodge in Uganda’s premier big game park
- Six spacious double/twin ensuite cottages
- Two family cottages
- Extensive lounge with comfortable couches and intimate seating areas
- Spectacular views over the vast open grasslands
- Spacious restaurant, well-stocked bar, large eco-friendly swimming pool
- Big game viewing by 4X4 & boat
- Chimpanzee tracking and night drives
- Sensational bird watching – 612 species recorded!
Accommodation At Elephant Plains Lodge
Guest accommodation at Elephant Plains Lodge consists of six spacious double/twin ensuite cottages. The cottages feature large private verandas and huge glass windows to take advantage of the incredible views. Elephant plains also have two family cottages that offer accommodation in two separate ensuite bedrooms with plenty of space for up to five people.
All the cottages feature large bathtubs as well as showers. They are spaced out along the hilltop offering privacy and tranquility. All the rooms overlook Lake Kikorongo where from your veranda you can see African buffalo and African elephants come to drink.
Facilities At Elephant Plains Lodge
The main area at Elephant Plains Lodge offers an extensive lounge. The lounge has comfortable couches and intimate seating areas. Here you can enjoy a Ugandan gin and tonic and take in the wonderful views under the cooling breeze rolling in off Lake George.
The lodge also has a well-stocked bark, with a wine cellar. The bar has bistro style seating for a more informal experience. The restaurant at Elephant Plains Lodge has an outside dining deck with 270 degree views. It serves an international menu inspired by local flavours, all presented with the warmest hospitality from our professional team.
The lodge also has a large swimming pool that is eco-friendly. It is a great place for guests to cool off at the end of the day. Or continue to take in the amazing views offered from everywhere around the lodge.
Sustainability
Elephant Plains Lodge is highly committed to the conservation of nature in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge uses solar-powered electricity to minimize the impact on the environment. It is also constructed with materials from the local area, all with a unique story behind them that is true to Ugandan culture.
The cottages are thatched using local brown savannah grass, which not only blends into the surroundings but also absorbs the heat and acts as a cooling system that is essential so close to the equator. The black granite stones used on the walkways are from the Mukubu River, which flows from the Rwenzori Mountains or the Mountains of the Moon.
Activities To Do While Staying At Elephant Plains Lodge
1. Safari Game Drives In The Kasenyi Plains
The northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park is called Kasenyi. This sector is better known as the breeding ground for Uganda Kobs, Uganda National Animal. In this open savannah area you’ll find hundreds of kobs.
You will also encounter lions in this area waiting for chance to pounce on one of the unsuspecting animals. Big buffalo herds, giant forest hog, warthogs, waterbucks, hyenas, and elephants can be seen during a game drive in Kasenyi as well.
2. Wildlife Viewing At Mweya Peninsula
The Mweya Peninsula is a perfect place to start your game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The forested area has a variety of game viewing tracks. A game drive here will give you a fair chance of finding the elusive leopard and watching herds of elephant.
Also warthogs, banded mongoose, waterbucks, hyenas and the giant forest hog are often seen. As it is located near to the shores of the Kazinga Channel do not be surprised when you encounter a hippo grazing peacefully between the bushes, in the early morning or evening.
Also, several bird species like the Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Black Bee-eater and Malachite Kingfisher inhabit this isolated peninsula.
4. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
This famous 32 km long channel is a natural link between Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is said to contain the world’s densest concentration of hippos.
A boat cruise will offer you the opportunity to view hundreds of hippos laying lazy in the water or plunge timidly when you pass. Crocodiles will be found motionless at the shores and also buffaloes and waterbucks come to the water to cool off.
You might also see African elephants coming to quench his thirst. Moreover, the Kazinga Channel is a true birders paradise as it is home to hundreds of water birds. You may spot Fish Eagles, Pelicans, Cormorants, Kingfishers, and the bright coloured Saddle-billed Stork.
5. Explore The Crater Lakes
One of the most scenic parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the striking crater area in the northwest region of the national park.
Formed by volcanic eruptions 1000s of years ago, you can now explore a series of dramatic craters and dry calderas in the hilly landscape, offering stunning views of the park and its surroundings. The birdlife is remarkable, with large flocks of flamingos, but also buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, and other wild animals are encountered here.
6. Chimpanzee Tracking In Kyambura Gorge
Found in the northeast of the park, Kyambura is where the savannah grassland suddenly ends into an impressive gorge of 100 m deep and 16 km long.
Its steep slopes are formed by the water of the Kyambura River and make a beautiful contrast with the valley that is covered by lush riverine forest. A hiking tour here takes you along the river, deep down into the heart of the gorge.
You follow the sounds of the chimps and monkeys. Or try to catch a glimpse of the colourful forest birds, while you find your way through the thick bushes, with a blanked of dense forest canopy raising high above you.
7. Forest Walks In Maramagambo Forest
The legendary Maramagambo Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the largest forests in Uganda. The forest has several walking trails.
And a guided nature walk here will offer you an opportunity to encounter a large number of primates, butterflies and bird species. Deeper into the forest you’ll find the Bat Cave, a large cave which shelters thousands on Egyptian Fruit Bats and African Rock python. Nearby is also the tranquil, picturesque Blue Lake.
8. Finding Tree Climbing Lions In Ishasha
Follow the road to the southwest of Queen and you’ll enter the remote plains of Ishasha. The landscape slowly changes as you pass topis, large herds of Uganda kobs,and buffaloes, grazing quietly in the savannah grasslands.
In the far end, the meandering Ishasha River forms the natural border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here, you’ll find hippos at the shores, lazy drifting with the stream. The birdlife enriches the trees along the river, while curious colobus monkeys often come to take a look at the visitors. However, the highlight of this area, is the tree climbing lion, who likes to lounge in the upper branches of huge fig trees. So keep your eyes peeled when your guide takes you for a special game drive here.
9. Cross The Equator
A popular stopover for photo-shoots is the Equator. The spot where this imaginary line crosses the park is marked by two large circles. Near the Equator is the Queen’s Pavilion, which was established as a temporary shelter to host Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their visit to the park in 1954. Five years later a permanent pavilion was built for the visit by the Queen. A new information centre on the site includes a coffee shop and internet facilities.
Elephants Plains Lodge Rack Rates 2023
| Rwanda | Uganda | |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Species | Mountain Gorilla | Mountain Gorilla |
| Best Gorilla trekking destination | Volcanoes National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Mountain Gorilla Population | Around 33% of the mountain gorilla population | About 50% of the mountain gorilla population |
| Number of habituated gorilla families | 12 gorilla families | 22 gorilla families |
| Number of gorilla permits | 96 gorilla permits | 176 gorilla permits |
| Cost of a gorilla permit | USD 1500 | USD 700 |
| Trekking time | Approx. 1 to 6 hours | Approx. 2 to 6 hours |
| Time allowed with gorillas (excluding trekking time) | One hour | One hour |
| Gorilla trekking age limit | 15 years | 15 years |
| Max guest per trek | 8 guests | 8 guests |
Inclusions / Exclusions
- Price are inclusive of VAT
- Prices include in house drinks and laundry
- Prices excludes transfers, entrance and activity fees for Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Prices include USD 5 for the community projects
Seasons
- Low seasons: 1st March– 31st May and 1st October – 30th November
- High seasons: 1st January – 28th February, 1st June – 30th September and 1st December – 31st December
Child Policy
- Children below 3 years stay free of charge
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing room with either 1 or 2 adults
- Age limit of 8 years for Elephant Plains Lodge
General Information
- Prices are in United States Dollars (USD)
- Prices are PER PERSON PER NIGHT
- Prices are subject to change without notice.
A Sample of our Queen Elizabeth National Park tours
The safari tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use them as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our safari expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
