A luxury safari experience with minimal impact on the environment
An excellent option for those who want to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, Katara Lodge is on Great Rift Valley escarpment and from the property there are splendid views of the savannah; Lake Edward and the Rwenzori mountains beyond. The property is 16km from the national park’s Katunguru Gate.
The eight elegant thatched cottages were built by the local Katara community into a hillside overlooking open savannah of the national park. The cottages have wooden floors, thatched roofs and canvas sides that can be folded for magical views of the park below. Each has a double bed which can be wheeled onto the veranda if guests prefer to sleep under the African stars (in the dry season). The en-suite bathrooms have a bath and shower. With an emphasis on minimal impact on the environment, Katara Lodge has a rainwater harvesting system; uses solar water heaters and low-flush toilets. Lighting and electrical outlets are solar-powered, using low energy CF or LED bulbs. A saltwater swimming pool reduces the lodge’s reliance on chemicals.
Aside from game-related activities offered in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Katara Lodge also serves as an ideal base for taking part in the Chimpanzee Habituation experience and forest walks in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Best places to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park Trip Inspiration
When to go to Uganda
Find out the best time to visit Uganda with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is classed at the dry season in Uganda, it is one of the best times to visit. Wildlife spotting is good at this time of year is there is less vegetation to obstruct your view.
February
The dry season in February is one of the best times to visit. Wildlife spotting is good at this time of year as there is less vegetation to obstruct your view and a great time for trekking to see chimps, mountain gorillas and migratory birds.
March
The start of the wet season brings lush green foliage and animals giving birth to their young. Visitors should expect heavy rain showers, with some causing issues with the roads so journeys can be longer and bumpier.
April
The wet season in April brings lush green foliage. Visitors should expect heavy rain showers, trekking mountain gorillas will be slower and slippery but they will still be lurking in the mist.
May
The wet season continues into May, with similar conditions to March and April.
June
June is the start of dry season, it is one of the best times to visit Uganda, with large mammals gathering around watering holes game is easily spotted.
July
The dry season continues into July and remains one of the best times to visit Uganda, with game is easily spotted and abundant.
August
The dry season continues into August and remains one of the best times to visit Uganda, with conditions similar to July.
September
September is a good time to visit, with excellent opportunities to observe gorillas as vegetation remains low. Although always expect some rainfall on your trip.
October
October has excellent opportunities to observe gorillas as vegetation remains low. Although always expect some rainfall on your trip.
November
The wet season begins again, with national parks turning lush green as heavy rain showers fill the skies. For birders this is an excellent although wet time to visit Uganda to see migratory birds.
December
Expect some rainfall in December, but wildlife spotting is generally good at this time of year. It's a great time to trek to see chimpanzees, mountain gorillas as well as migratory birds.
Speak to a Uganda expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair