Is Katara Lodge inside Queen Elizabeth National Park?

No, the lodge sits on the Great Rift Valley escarpment overlooking the park. Game drives and the boat cruise require a transfer into the park.

What makes the cottages eco-friendly?

The cottages are built from locally sourced renewable materials, powered by solar energy with solar water heating, and use rainwater harvesting and ultra-low-flush sanitation.

Can you do chimpanzee tracking from Katara?

Yes, Kyambura Gorge is within driving distance. Chimp tracking permits should be arranged in advance through Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Katara Lodge

A boutique lodge overlooking the Kazinga Channel from an elevated position outside the park. Known for its views, design, and excellent food.

Luxury$$$$(Luxury)Information verified online

Summary

What it is: Luxury in Katunguru
Where it is: Katunguru, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Best for: Luxury travelers, Couples, Honeymooners, Eco-conscious travelers, Travelers seeking a boutique lodge with wide views
Main activities: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP, Kazinga Channel boat cruise, Chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge, Forest walks
Price level: $$$$(Luxury)

Quick Facts

Region: Queen Elizabeth National Park
National Park: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Subregion / Sector: Katunguru
Category: Luxury
Price Level: $$$$(Luxury)
Best for: Luxury travelers, Couples, Honeymooners, Eco-conscious travelers, Travelers seeking a boutique lodge with wide views
Verified Visit: Information verified online

Activities

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NPKazinga Channel boat cruiseChimpanzee tracking at Kyambura GorgeForest walksSundowner at crater lakesCultural experiencesKatara Women's Group visitBird watching

About Katara Lodge

Katara Lodge sits on the Great Rift Valley escarpment overlooking Queen Elizabeth National Park, with views stretching across the savannah to Lake Edward and, on clear days, the Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge has 9 handcrafted cottages built entirely from local and renewable materials, with canvas walls that fold away to open the room to the surrounding landscape. Each cottage has a roll-top bath, rain shower, and en suite facilities.

The design reflects a commitment to low environmental impact. The property runs on solar power with solar water heating, uses rainwater harvesting systems, and operates ultra-low-flush sanitation. The building materials are locally sourced and renewable, and the construction supported local craftspeople. Katara also partners with a local women's group — the Katara Women's Group — whose craft products and cultural experiences are available to guests.

A saltwater pool and poolside lounge provide a place to rest between activities. Game drives into Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge, forest walks, sundowner excursions to nearby crater lakes, and cultural experiences round out the activity list. Katara is often chosen by travelers who want a boutique, eco-conscious property with a strong sense of place and wide-open views rather than a large-scale safari lodge.

Location & Region

Katara Lodge is located in Katunguru, part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park region in Uganda. It is situated within or near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

General area: Katunguru

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Drive Times

From Entebbe Airport6-7 hours
From Kampala6-7 hours
From Kasese Airstrip1-1.5 hours
From Mweya Peninsula30-45 minutes
From Fort Portal3-4 hours

Accommodation & Rooms

Handcrafted Cottage

One of 9 individually crafted cottages built from local materials, with canvas walls that fold away, roll-top bath, rain shower, en suite, and views across the Rift Valley escarpment.

Max guests: 2

Amenities

Saltwater poolPoolside loungeEn suite bathroomsRoll-top bathsRain showersSolar powerSolar water heatingRainwater harvestingUltra-low-flush sanitationWi-FiLaundry service

Highlights

9 handcrafted cottages from local renewable materials
Canvas walls fold away for open-air views
Roll-top baths and rain showers in each cottage
Saltwater pool and poolside lounge
Great Rift Valley escarpment location
Views of savannah, Lake Edward, and Rwenzori Mountains
Solar power and rainwater harvesting
Katara Women's Group cultural partnership

Who Is This Lodge For?

Luxury travelersCouplesHoneymoonersEco-conscious travelersTravelers seeking a boutique lodge with wide views

Advantages

Intimate scale with only 9 cottages
Strong eco credentials — solar, rainwater, renewable materials
Roll-top baths and fold-away canvas walls in every room
Panoramic escarpment views across savannah, lake, and mountains
Cultural partnership with local women's group
Saltwater pool — gentler than chlorine

Things to Know

The lodge is outside the park boundary, so game drives require a short transfer into the park
The escarpment position means the lodge is elevated — views are expansive but the park is below
Chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura Gorge should be booked in advance
The fold-away canvas walls are a design feature — rooms remain secure but feel open to the landscape
Crater lakes in the area are a scenic addition to any visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Dining

Meals are served in the main lodge area with views over the escarpment. The kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients and has earned a reputation for high-quality food. Private dining and sundowner arrangements can be made.

Prices can change depending on season, availability and booking conditions. Please contact the lodge or a trusted tour operator for current rates.

Lodges of Uganda is an independent lodge information platform. We are not the official website of the listed lodges unless clearly stated. Information may change and should be confirmed directly with the lodge or travel provider before booking.