GUIDE ON KATARA LODGE IN UGANDA

Katara Lodge Overview & Where Is It Located?

Katara Lodge is a modest bush holiday stayover located about 16 kilometers from the Katanguru Gate entrance to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Guests arriving at the lodge will be enchanted by its picturesque setting on the edge of the Uganda’s Great Rift Valley escarpment. Well-landscaped gardens surround the structures of the lodge, which include a sprawling lounge that overlooks the vast savannah plains, with Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.

Safari vacationers will be delighted to learn that the lodge is constructed with eco-friendly, sustainable materials and operates with careful respect for the environment of Queen Elizabeth Park. Rainwater is harvested for use, while solar panels generate power for electricity and heating water. The accommodation boasts a saltwater swimming pool, which is both therapeutic and reduces the need for harmful chemicals. Loungers and hammocks set up around the pool allow for relaxation in the peaceful ambiance of the lodge’s environs. A separate wading pool is perfect for kids to play under the watchful eye of their parent guardians.

Key Takeaways

• Sited at a distance of 16 kilometers from the Katanguru Gate leading to Queen Elizabeth Park
• Beautifully-landscaped property with lush gardens overlooking the savannah grasslands
• Constructed out of sustainable materials harvested from the park environs
• Solar panels for generating power for lighting and heating water
• Saltwater swimming pool without harmful chemicals, loungers and hammocks set up around the pool

What To Expect At Katara Lodge Accommodation?

Key Takeaways

• Value Safari Tier 3 Experience. Total of 8 bandas constructed out of canvas and mesh
• Large double bed with mosquito netting, a closet for unpacking, and seating arrangement
• Four-poster star bed for wheeling out onto the terrace and sleeping under the stars
• Ensuite bathroom with a bathtub, rain-shower area, low-flush toilet, and twin vanities
• Family cottage with 2 bedrooms for larger groups of guests

Katara Lodge has just 8 spacious thatched-roof bandas for safari touring guests, one of which is a family cottage for household travelers visiting Queen Elizabeth Park (best time to go). Each cottage is constructed of stone at the back, while the front has canvas and mesh panels for an immersive safari experience. A large double bed with mosquito netting graces each room, along with a small closet for unpacking, a seating area, and a small dining arrangement for two if need be. The room also has a four-poster star bed, which you can wheel out to the balcony at night to sleep under the starlit African sky. During the day, the balcony is perfect for lazy siestas. The ensuite bathroom includes a bathtub, low-flush toilets, rain-shower area, and twin vanities.

Things To Do (Activities & Tour Attractions) & Why Visit Katara Lodge On Queen Elizabeth Safari?

Key Takeaways

• Traveling to the Kyambura Lodge to spend time with the fascinating chimpanzee families
• Boat cruises on Kazinga Channel to view aquatic bird species, elephants on the banks drinking, and resident hippos grunting and crocodiles basking
• Scenic tours atop the Mweya Peninsula
• Day tripping out to the Ishasha Sector to see the unique tree-climbing lions
• Excursions to the salt pans for an understanding of salt mining techniques

Those looking for a brief escape from the tranquility of the lodge are welcome to explore the many attractions in the reserve. Safari out to Kyambura Gorge to spend a precious hour with the habituated chimpanzee family that lives there (read on primate safaris in Uganda), or perhaps pre-book with AfricanMecca a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Here, you can view some of the aquatic bird species while hippos grunt warnings and crocodiles keep a watchful eye out for an easy meal. If you enjoy scenic views, the Mweya Peninsula is another location to explore.

The wildlife during your game drive safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is legendary, and it’s well known for being home to 95 species of animals and over 600 species of avian life. Four of Africa’s Big Five can be seen here, with only the rhino being absent. Perhaps one of the most incredible sights is the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Take a full day safari trip out to the area for stunning views of lions perched on the branches of fig trees, enjoying the reprieve of some cool shade amid hot afternoon sun. Nature walks, visits to the local communities, or an excursion to the salt pans for insight into salt mining are other interesting things to do here during your safari in Uganda.

How Is The Dining At Katara Lodge?

Key Takeaways

• Dining area and bar located within the lounge area
• Indoor and outdoor dining options, meals served on the terrace on request
• Boma fire lit in the evenings for enjoying sundowners and fabulous sunsets
• Serves delicious meals including a selection of barbecued and grilled dishes
• Serves mostly a la carte meals

Safari guests can expect delicious a la carte meals to be served in the lounge, which also has a dining area and bar. The lodge provides both indoor and outdoor dining options, with breathtaking views of the landscape. In the evenings, a boma is lit out on the deck so that guests can sip on sundowner drinks as twilight descends on Queen Elizabeth National Park. The evening BBQ is always a hit at Katara Lodge.