4 Best Hotels in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

A stone’s throw from the Equator, high on the western escarpment of the Albertine Rift, sits Elephant Plains, a few minutes’ drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park. Eight bright, roomy cottages with large private verandahs balance privacy with envy-inducing views of Lakes George and Edward shimmering in the distance. Water babies will love the cottages’ large bathtubs, showers, and eco-friendly infinity swimming pool, the perfect antidote to adventures in the Equatorial sun. Professionally curated crafts and African-inspired furniture adorn a sprawling lounge, restaurant and exterior dining area that offer spectacular vistas in every direction. Cottages (two of which are family-sized) are thatched with Savannah grass and walkways and fashioned from granite from the nearby Mukubu river.

Steeped in classic safari style, this intimate eco-friendly camp will make you feel as if you have stumbled onto the set of Out of Africa. Located on the banks of the Ntungwe River, in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rooms are constructed from canvas, net, and wood, reminiscent of old-school safari tents but oozing with luxurious comfort (and recently upgraded). For those wanting to escape modern life, it's perfect. Uganda Exclusive Camps really set the standard for responsible tourism in Uganda. It's not unusual to spot wildlife while in camp: Colobus and Vervet monkeys in the trees and Henry the Hippo in the shallows. The sense of being surrounded by wild things is perhaps the greatest privilege of all (the 3-hour walk along the river, accompanied by rangers, is highly recommended). Hot water needs ordering in advance and Wi-Fi is limited, but complimentary massage, sunset gin and tonics by the campfire next to the river and dinners prepared by an award-winning chef are served on white linen under the stars, so life still feels privileged. Best lodge for seeing tree-climbing lions. Full board includes house drinks and a complimentary massage.

Big groups love the location of this "hotel-in-the-bush," situated on the Mweya peninsula overlooking Kazinga Channel (a popular watering hole for big game), in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Staying here means you're well placed for early-morning game drives or the unmissable wildlife launch cruise; the lodge has its own fleet of smart boats just for this purpose. Choose from accommodations to suit all tastes: simple en suite rooms; deluxe rooms with a/c; suites and cottages; and a few stylish safari tents. An infinity pool overlooks wildlife gathered on the banks of the Kazinga Channel, a health club, massage area, business center, and vast gift shop ensure you need never leave. The manicured lawns and shrubbery may feel too tame for safari aficionados, but the professional staff and central location means Mweya is still the busiest property in the park.

Expect to be met by your personal butler on arrival at the converted coffee station overlooking Queen Elizabeth National Park. This masterpiece of design continues to be "reimagined" by owner Praveen Moman and his multidisciplinary team to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary. Kyambura’s eight luxury bandas (four deluxe and four standard) are named after individual Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees and overlook the forested gorge (great for birders), or the rolling savanna of the National Park (complete with passing elephants). Each privately-situated banda is decorated in contemporary Afrochic style; your personal space is doubled with generous private balconies; don’t skimp on the outdoor shower. Full board includes a complimentary massage in the spa adjacent to the lodge’s salt water swimming pool. Guest stays directly support Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust’s sustainable community projects such as the Kyambura Gorge Eco-tourism Project and Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative.