Elephant Plains Lodge Reviews, Activities, Rates and Safari Packages

Elephant Plains is a brand new luxury lodge located on the most spectacular view point in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Perched 941 metres above sea level, high upon the western escarpment of the Albertine rift in the north east of the park, the lodge offers panoramic views stretching for miles over the huge open grasslands to lake George. Set in 80 acres of pristine wilderness, a short drive to the park gate, nowhere else here can you sleep closer to the equator.

Nestled next to beautiful lake Kikorongo this is where the open plains merge into the crystal waters and seeing large numbers of Elephants coming to drink from the water, hence the lodges name.

A short drive to the Kasenyi plains offers open savannah filled with various wild animals. This area has fantastic game viewing, a huge number of grassland birds and is a major breeding ground for the Ugandan Kob which readily attract lions and other big cats to the area.

The open plains and large number of wildlife mean photographic safaris are extremely rewarding.

Activities at Elephant Plains lodge

1. Game drives in the Kasenyi Plains

The northern sector of the national park is called Kasenyi, or better known as the “Kobs Mating Ground”.

In this open savannah area you will find hundreds of Uganda kobs. The kob is an elegant antelope, similar to the impala, which lives in harems up to twenty females, leaded by one dominant male.

Consequently, it is not exceptional to encounter a hungry lion in this area, waiting for his chance to pounce on one of the unsuspecting animals.

Big herds of buffaloes, giant forest hog, warthogs, monitor lizards and sometimes a lonely elephant can be seen during a game drive in Kasenyi as well.

2. Wildlife viewing at Mweya Peninsula

The Mweya Peninsula is one of the best places to startNyamunuka Crater Lake your game drive from. The forested area offers a great variety of game tracks and at the same time it hides many narrow natural trails, created by the inhabitants.

A game drive in this area will give you a fair chance of finding the elusive leopard and watching herds of elephant.

Also waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas and the giant forest hog are regularly seen around the Mweya Peninsula.

As it is located closely 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.

Many bird species like the Black Bee-eater, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and Malachite Kingfisher inhabit this isolated peninsula as well.

3. Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel

This famous 32 kilometers long channel is a natural link between Lake Edward and Lake George and is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos.

A boat trip 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.

Occasionally you may see an elephant coming to quench his thirst. Moreover, the Kazinga Channel is a true birders paradise as it is home to hundreds of (water) bird species.

You may spot Pelicans, Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, Cormorants and the bright coloured Saddle-billed Stork.

4. Exploration of the Crater Lakes

One of the most scenic parts is the impressive crater area in the northwest region of the park.

Formed by volcanic activity thousands 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 spectacular, with large flocks of flamingos, but also buffaloes and other wild animals come to drink here.

5. Chimp tracking in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve

A real Tarzan territory can be found in the northeast of the national park. This is where the savannah grassland suddenly ends into an impressive gorge of 100 meters deep and 16 kilometers long.

The 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 walking safari takes you along the river, deep down into the heart of the gorge. Follow the sounds of the chTree climbing lion in Ishashaattering chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys and other primates.

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.

6. Forest Walks in Maramagambo Forest

A part of Queen Elizabeth National Park consists of tropical rain forest including the legendary Maramagambo Forest.

It is one of the largest forests in Uganda, with different walking trails traced out. A guided nature walk will lead you through the lush primary forest, home to a large number of primates, butterflies and bird species.

Baboons, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and even chimpanzees can be hiding in the trees or down in the bushes.

Deeper into the forest you will find the Bat Cave, a large cave which serves as a shelter for thousands on Egyptian Fruit Bats and several pythons that prey on these bats.

Nearby is also the tranquil, picturesque Blue Lake. As the name implicates, it is famous for the intense blue colour of the water.

7. Finding tree climbing lions in Ishasha

Follow the road to the southwest of Queen Elizabeth National Park and you will enter the remote plains of Ishasha.

The landscape slowly changes as you pass large herds of Uganda kobs, topis and buffaloes, grazing peacefully in the savannah highlands.

In the far end, the winding Ishasha River forms the natural border between Uganda and DR Congo. Here you will find hippos at the shores, lazy drifting with the stream.

The birdlife enriches the trees along the river, while curious colobus monkeys and baboons often come to take a look at the visitors.

The highlight of this area, however, is the tree climbing lion, who likes to take a nap in the upper branches of huge fig trees. So keep your eyes open when your guide takes you for a search along one of the circuits in the southern sector.

8. Cross the Equator

A popular photo stop is the Equator. The spot where this imaginary line crosses the national park is marked by two large circles.

Not far from the Equator is the Queen’s Pavilion. This was a temporary shelter to host Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their visit in 1954.

Five years later a permanent pavilion was built for the visit by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. A new information centre on the site includes internet facilities and a coffee shop.

Elephant Plains lodge rates

1. Cottages

All prices are per person, per night.

2. Meals

3. Game drive

4. Extra services

Elephant Plains lodge Safari packages

1. 3-Days Luxury Wildlife Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This 3-days scheduled safari, with weekly departures from Kampala, is a perfect option if you have limited time available, but want to explore Uganda at its fullest.

The package includes;

1. Shared return transport from Kampala (min. 6 people)
2. Experienced English speaking driver/guide
3. Mouthwatering and filling meals including a bush breakfast or dinner
4. 2 nights at Elephant Plains Lodge.
5. Game drive and safari boat cruise
6. Traditional performances by the Bakojo tribe
7. 2 departures per week on Wednesday and Friday

2. 4-Days Family Safari Package

Take your family on a journey of discovery in one of Uganda’s most beautiful national parks. Together you will explore the Kasenyi plains teemed with wildlife.

Enjoy a forest walk in Maramagambo Forest and take a family picture at the Uganda equator. This tour is a unique safari package for the whole family.

The family package (2 adults and 2-3 children) includes;

1. Private transfer to/from Kampala
2. 2 nights at Elephant Plains Lodge in the family cottage
3. Mouthwatering and filling meals including a bush breakfast or dinner
4. Exciting game drive and boat safari
5. Forest Walk in Maramagambo Forest
6. Visit to the Uganda Equator
7. Special children discount: 40% of the adult price!

3. 5-Days The Best of Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari

Experience the best of Queen Elizabeth National Park in a 5-days safari.

Follow the hidden tracks in the green savannah plains, make an unforgettable boat safari and track chimpanzees in the beautiful gorge of Kyambura Wildlife Reserve.

You will spend a night in a tented camp surrounded by wildlife, while trying to find the famous tree climbing lions of Ishasha.

The package includes;

1. Private return transport from Kampala (min. 2 people)
2. 3 nights in Elephant Plains Lodge (twin room) based on full board
3. 1 night in Ishasha-Ntungwe River Camp (safari tent) based on full board
4. Game drives, boat safari and crater lakes exploration
5. Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge
6. Visit to the remote Ishasha sector, famous for the tree climbing lions
7. Mouthwatering and filling meals including a bush breakfast or dinner

Elephant Plains lodge reviews

Adong Milly: Best place to be in Queen Elizabeth National Park, excellent views of the park, just loved the whole experience.

Steven Musoke: Amazing staff! The view of the Queen Elizabeth Park was very very nice. The staff here work ver hard to make your stay here exceptional.

Clean and very nice accomodations, a great infinity pool, to the exceptional meals – where you always have options.

Somitra Saxena: We had a wonderful experience at this top notch lodge. Service, location and rooms were of high quality.

Lillian was outstanding and our personal butler and she absolutely made sure all needs were met (e.g., shoes were cleaned on our return from safari, pack hot coffee for me as I like it).

Forgot to mention that laundry service was free – didn’t see that any of the other 5 luxury lodges we stayed at.

Arinda Grace: Absolutely beautiful place with amazing staff especially David. The views are spectacular. The food ohhhh. Over all we enjoyed our stay. Would definitely recommend.

Julia Dvirnik: May 2021 and it was magical. The staff were all so attentive, friendly and kind. Huge shoutout to David.

The food was delicious and drinks/cocktails were unreal and the lodge it self was beautiful. Highly recommend, you will love it! Thank you to all the staff.

Rutger Redeman: After three years we still feel like we definitely have to leave a perfect review. We got there by accident after a Safari.

We felt really welcome and everbody was super nice and we got some good food, we could use the pool with incredible view and use the facilities to clean ourselfs up. Really stylish and beautiful place with super nice people.

Ros Charles: A wonderful lodge. Beautiful setting, large comfortable rooms, delicious food and, most importantly, friendly, cheerful and attentive staff… The turn down service with the bed decoration was a lovely surprise, thank you Yvonne!

Wambogo Jonathan: It’s a very beautiful place to be so clean and conferable beds.

Others

1. Inclusions/Exclusions

1. Price are inclusive of VAT
2. Prices include in house drinks and laundry
3. Prices excludes transfers, entrance and activity fees for Queen Elizabeth National Park
4. Prices include USD 5 for the community projects

2. Seasons

1. Low seasons

1st March– 31st May and 1st October – 30th November

2. High seasons

1st January – 28th February, 1st June – 30th September and 1st December – 31st December

3. Discounts

Stay at any two of our lodges in one circuit and receive a special discount on the total invoice.

Stay at Primate Lodge and Elephant Plains Lodge in one circuit  and receive 5% discount on the total invoice for each lodge

Stay for 3nights at any of our lodges and receive 40% discount on the 3rd night

Stay for 4nights or 5nights at any of our lodges and receive 50% discount on the 4th night or 5th night

Terms and Conditions

1. Child policy

1. Children below 3 years stay free of charge
2. Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing room with either 1 or 2 adults
3. Age limit of 8 years for Primate Lodge Kibale and Elephant Plains Lodge

2. General information

1. Prices are in United States Dollars (USD)
2. Prices are PER PERSON PER NIGHT
3. Prices are subject to change without notice.

3. Booking terms and conditions

1. A deposit payment of 25% of invoice amount is required to confirm a booking
2. Balance is required at least 35 days before the date of accommodation
3. The booking office reserves the right to cancel bookings not paid for within this period.
4. The management reserves the right to release the rooms on non-arrival of guests after 06.00 pm unless prior notification is received of planned late arrival.
5. No bookings may be re-assigned except with written acceptance of the booking office.

4. Cancellation policy

Bookings are considered cancelled only when received in writing by the Central Reservations Officer.

The following cancellation charges apply to reservations at our lodges:

1. 35-25 days prior to arrival: 10% charge     
2. 24-10 days prior to arrival: 25% charge     
3. 09-03 days prior to arrival: 50% charge     
4. 48 hours or less prior to arrival: 100% cancellation fees/no show/full charge    

To cancel a booking, kindly send your request to info@ugandalodges.com

Lodges reservations

Address: Mutungo Hill, Plot 1001, Block 243, Biina Road, Kampala, UGANDA

Tel: +256 (0)393 267 153 / (0)701-426 368 / (0)772-426 368

Email:  info@ugandalodges.com

Web:  www.ugandalodges.com