Elephant Plains Lodge, Queen Elizabeth | Timbuktu Travel
Queen Elizabeth

Elephant Plains Lodge

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Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Elephant Plains Lodge

Where the world splits in two and tusked giants come to drink beneath your window.

Perched 941 metres-above-sea-level on the Albertine Rift's western escarpment, Elephant Plains Lodge claims one of Uganda's most spectacular viewpoints. Set on 80 acres of pristine wilderness within Queen Elizabeth National Park, the lodge sits so close to the equator that the monument is visible from every angle. With Lake Kikorongo on its doorstep where elephants gather each evening to drink, and panoramic views stretching across the Kasenyi Plains to Lake George, this is what being in the wilderness is all about. The lodge's grass-thatched cottages blend seamlessly into the landscape, while solar power and locally-sourced materials keep the environmental footprint to a minimum.

From $390 per person/per night
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Property details

The property

The extensive lounge features comfortable seating areas, perfect for enjoying Ugandan gin and tonics whilst cooling breezes roll in from Lake George. The spacious restaurant boasts an outdoor dining deck with 270-degree views, serving an international menu inspired by local flavours. An eco-friendly swimming pool provides the perfect spot to cool off whilst continuing to take in those spectacular views. Everything runs on solar power, keeping operations properly sustainable.

The rooms

Six spacious double or twin en-suite cottages feature large private verandas with floor-to-ceiling glass windows maximising those jaw-dropping views. Two family cottages offer separate bedrooms accommodating up to five people. Each cottage comes with large bathtubs, showers, and those all-important vantage points for wildlife watching. The grass-thatched roofs aren't just for show – they provide natural cooling whilst blending perfectly into the savannah setting.

Activities

Game drives through the famous Kasenyi Plains offer fantastic viewing opportunities - this is prime Uganda kob breeding territory which attracts impressive numbers of predators. Boat safaris on the nearby Kazinga Channel provide waterside drama in a leisurely fashion. Venture into Maramagambo Forest for guided nature walks where chimpanzees hide in the trees, or explore the legendary Bat Cave where thousands of Egyptian fruit bats shelter alongside hunting pythons.

What you'll love

What you'll love

The equator monument is visible from everywhere around the lodge – you can literally sleep straddling the world's middle line whilst watching elephant herds drink from Lake Kikorongo.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

The Kasenyi Plains are known as the 'Kobs Mating Ground' where hundreds of Uganda kobs attract hungry lions. Ask your guide about the best early morning spots for predator action.
Something to think about

Something to think about

At nearly 1000 metres altitude, it can get surprisingly chilly in the evenings and early mornings - pack a warm layer for those sundowner drinks and dawn game drives.

Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

One of East Africa's gems, boasting breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.