Photography by: Gio&More (@GiovanniOkot)

This gem, perched on the great rift valley escarpment overlooking the Queen Elizabeth National Park, is more than just a place to stay. It is a breathtaking base from which to explore Uganda’s premier, bio-diverse park and it offers guests a unique experience that blends luxury, nature and adventure.

Suspended Between Sky and Savanna

It’s strategic location on the escarpment probably offers you the best panoramic views of the savannah below, Lake Edward and the majestic Rwenzori mountains, incomparable to any other lodge in the area. The lodge’s elevated position also offers a stunning vantage point for spotting wildlife and for soaking in the spectacular landscape and sunsets whether you are in the saltwater pool, at the poolside lounge, in the restaurant, on your private balcony or even as you take a shower.

Katara is a luxury eco-lodge with nine spacious cottages hand-crafted from local materials with canvas walls that can be folded away for uninterrupted views of the national park stretching out below. The luxuriously fitted ensuite bathrooms have a romantic roll top bath and an invigorating rain shower that provide a perfect way to unwind after a thrilling day on safari or a recuperating base after a hike from the Rwenzoris.

Seven of the cottages have an open-plan bedroom, living area and balcony, and an open-air bathroom. For those seeking the unique experience of sleeping under the African sky, there is a star bed, that can be rolled out onto the balcony for this unforgettable stargazing experience.

To cater for families, we have two family cottages, each with two bedrooms and enclosed bathrooms to offer privacy. Both cottages have private balconies. One of the family cottages has a private swing-bed and two ensuite bathrooms while the other is handicap-friendly with shared bathroom facilities and located close to the restaurant and pool.

We are keenly aware of the delicate and precious nature of the park and the flora and fauna we share it with. At Katara Lodge we pride ourselves on offering a luxury safari experience while minimizing any impact on the environment. We use extensive rainwater harvesting, all water is solar heated, and toilets are ultra-low flush. All lighting is solar powered, and our saltwater swimming pool further reduces our reliance on harmful chemicals.

The Lodge’s restaurant serves a delectable array of dishes, blending local Ugandan flavours with international cuisine. Ingredients sourced from the lodge’s organic garden and nearby farmers ensure fresh and healthy meals. Guests can enjoy their meals in the open-air dining area, which overlooks the park, providing a picturesque backdrop. Guests staying longer than two nights can even have a bbq by the pool as the sun sets.

Katara Lodge is a 20-minute drive away from the main entrance of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and 55 minutes from the Kasese airfield.

Activities one can undertake include game drives, bird watching, the famous launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge, forest walks in the Kalinzu or Maramagambo forests, or flying over the park in a hot air balloon. All activities provide truly memorable wildlife experiences and incredible opportunities for nature photography. Also available are community organised activities like village or agro walks, scenary viewing – the area has several crater lakes with beautiful scenary. We also organise bush meals by the crater lakes for a truly rejuvenating and relaxing experience.