Kyambura Gorge Lodge

We recommend Kyambura Gorge Lodge for travelers who want to experience several very different sides of Queen Elizabeth National Park without constantly moving camps. The lodge’s position on the edge of the Kyambura Gorge allows you to move easily between open savanna, river systems, and dense forest, all from one base. The setting feels calm and grounded rather than theatrical, with wide views across the plains and a design that stays quietly in the background of the landscape.

What stands out to us is the range of experiences available from here. Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge adds a true on-foot forest experience to a savanna-based safari, while game drives in the surrounding areas and the Kasenyi sector offer chances to see elephants, buffalo, and the region’s well-known tree-climbing lions. Guests can also join a lion monitoring experience, spending time with researchers in the field and gaining insight into conservation work happening behind the scenes. A boat safari along the Kazinga Channel provides yet another perspective, with close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife along the water.

Equally important is how the lodge balances activity with time to slow down. Each stay includes a complimentary massage per guest, which we find makes a real difference after long drives or trekking in the gorge. There is no pressure to fill every hour, and the lodge works well for travelers who value space between outings—time to sit, watch the plains below, and absorb where they are. For us, Kyambura Gorge Lodge works best as a thoughtfully paced stop that combines wildlife, conservation, and quiet comfort in a way that feels natural rather than overproduced.