Photography by: Gio&More (@GiovanniOkot)
Tucked away in the heart of Uganda’s most renowned national parks, Elephant Plains Lodge and Primate Lodge Kibale redefine the safari experience with their unparalleled blend of comfort, exclusivity, and proximity to nature. Whether perched on the escarpments of Queen Elizabeth National Park or hidden within the lush rainforests of Kibale, these lodges offer travelers an immersive encounter with East Africa’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.
The lodge’s elevated position provides guests with a sweeping outlook across the plains, extending towards Lake George, creating an ever-changing spectacle of wildlife and scenery.
Designed to offer a tranquil and exclusive retreat, the lodge features spacious, elegantly designed cottages, each with a private veranda. Whether sipping morning coffee while watching elephants roam in the distance or enjoying a sundowner as the African sky turns golden, every moment at Elephant Plains feels like a scene from a nature documentary.
For those drawn to the mysteries of the rainforest, Primate Lodge Kibale offers a front-row seat to one of Uganda’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters—chimpanzee tracking. Situated in the heart of Kibale National Park, the lodge is a sanctuary for travelers eager to explore one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa.
Primate Lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings, offering guests a stay that is both intimate and environmentally conscious. The lodge’s luxury cottages are strategically positioned within the forest, allowing visitors to wake up to the calls of primates and the melodies of tropical birds. Beyond chimpanzee trekking, Kibale’s dense jungles offer guided walks to discover other primate species, including red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Birdwatchers will revel in the park’s staggering diversity, with over 370 recorded bird species. At night, the forest takes on a new character, and guided nocturnal walks reveal a world of bush babies, owls, and other nocturnal creatures.
Both Elephant Plains Lodge and Primate Lodge Kibale are part of The Great Lakes Collection, a rebranded identity that unifies a series of carefully curated safari lodges dedicated to delivering exceptional, sustainable tourism experiences in East Africa. Formerly operating under Uganda Lodges the collection represents a fresh chapter in the company’s journey, emphasizing a commitment to luxury, conservation, and community empowerment.
The rebranding is not just about a name change it symbolizes an evolution in service, experience, and destination development. By consolidating our lodges under one brand, the company aims to create a seamless journey for travelers, offering accommodations that reflect the unique landscapes and wildlife of each region while upholding the highest standards of hospitality.
As part of its growth, The Great Lakes Collection is set to unveil Pabidi Lodge, a new sanctuary in Budongo Forest, adjacent to Murchison Falls National Park. This upcoming lodge will offer a unique blend of rainforest luxury and adventure, with ten spacious tented suites, a honeymoon villa, and modern amenities designed to enhance the guest experience.
Pabidi Lodge’s location places guests at the heart of one of Uganda’s richest ecological zones, known for its thriving chimpanzee population and diverse bird species. Visitors will have the opportunity to embark on guided chimpanzee treks, forest walks, and game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, making it an essential addition to any Ugandan safari itinerary.
The Great Lakes Collection’s footprint now extends beyond Uganda, with the launch of Mwamba Lodge in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. Nestled within the Randilen Wildlife Management Area, Mwamba Lodge introduces travelers to one of Tanzania’s most spectacular safari destinations, known for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
The lodge features eight luxurious rooms, with plans for expansion to include a villa, offering a mix of exclusivity and adventure. From expertly guided game drives to intimate bush dining experiences, Mwamba Lodge embodies the essence of an African safari while providing the comfort and hospitality that defines The Great Lakes Collection.
With its rebranding, expansion, and unwavering commitment to conservation, The Great Lakes Collection is redefining what it means to experience a safari in East Africa. Whether it’s the sweeping savannah views of Elephant Plains, the enchanting rainforests of Primate Lodge Kibale, or the upcoming adventures at Pabidi and Mwamba Lodge, travelers are invited to discover the wild luxury that awaits across these exceptional destinations.