Highlights

• Perched on the Rift Valley escarpment with panoramic views over Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori mountains
• Nine canvas-walled cottages that fold open onto the park below, with roll-top baths and rain showers
• Solar-powered eco-lodge using rainwater harvesting, low-flush fittings and a saltwater pool
• Easy access to game drives, the Kazinga Channel launch cruise and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge
• Forest walks in Kalinzu and Maramagambo forests, home to over 600 bird species

You Should Know

• Rates are charged per person
• Check child policy with our safari specialists before booking, as activities such as chimpanzee tracking carry minimum age limits set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority

The Details

Location

Katara sits on the escarpment above Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The elevated position looks out over open savannah, Lake Edward and, on clear days, the Rwenzori range. The park itself covers a mix of habitats, including papyrus swamps, crater lakes, the Maramagambo Forest and the forested Kyambura Gorge, with close to 100 mammal species and more than 600 recorded birds.

Accommodation

There are nine cottages, hand-built from locally gathered materials. Canvas walls can be folded away so the view of the park below becomes part of the room. Each cottage has an ensuite bathroom with a roll-top bath and a rain shower, and a private balcony facing the savannah.

The lodge runs on solar power throughout, heats its water with solar heaters and uses low-energy LED and CF lighting. The swimming pool is saltwater rather than chlorinated, which cuts the chemical load on the surrounding environment.

Dining

Meals are served in the main restaurant and at the poolside lounge, both of which share the same view across the escarpment. The kitchen also arranges breakfast or brunch out in the bush and sundowners at the Cupid Lakes.

Activities

Guided game drives run into Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of lion, elephant, buffalo and the park's resident antelope. The Kazinga Channel launch cruise is a short drive from the lodge and delivers reliably close sightings of hippo, Nile crocodile and waterbirds.

Chimpanzee tracking takes place in the Kyambura Gorge, and forest walks can be arranged in the Kalinzu or Maramagambo forests. Closer to home, the lodge runs bird-watching outings, a cultural experience with the Banyaruguru community and a visit to the Katara Women Agro project.

Price Includes

• Accommodation on a per person basis
• Meals at the lodge
• Use of the saltwater pool and poolside lounge
• Activities are quoted separately, our safari specialists will confirm the inclusions on your chosen itinerary