Katara Lodge is situated on the Great Rift Valley escarpment with uninterrupted views of the savannah, Lake Edward and the Virunga and Rwenzori mountain ranges beyond. Katara Lodge is located 16km from the Katunguru gate of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda’s premier safari destination and one of the most biodiverse reserves in the world.
The park’s varied habitats, which include open savannah, dense papyrus swamps, crater lakes, the extensive Maramagambo Forest and the forested Kyambura Gorge, are home to almost 100 mammal species and over 600 bird species.
Katara Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the park and the many activities it offers, including game drives, bird watching, the famous launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge, and forest walks in the Kalinzu or Maramagambo forests, all of which provide truly memorable wildlife experiences.
They are keenly aware of the delicate and precious nature of the park and the flora and fauna they share it with. Therefore they pride themselves on offering a luxury safari experience while minimizing any impact to the environment.
The materials used in the construction of the lodge were all gathered locally from renewable sources. They use extensive rain water harvesting, heat all the water using solar water heaters, and use ultra low flush toilets throughout the lodge. Similarly, all lighting and electrical outlets are solar powered and use low energy CF or LED bulbs. The salt water swimming pool further reduces the reliance on harmful chemicals.
The lodge offers accommodation in eight luxurious thatched cottages on a beautiful stretch of hills overlooking the open savannah in a serene and relaxing atmosphere. There’s 7 regular cottages and two family cottages at the lodge.
Each spacious cottage was handcrafted using locally available materials and carved into the hillside by the Katara village community. The cottages combine wooden floors, grass thatched roofs and canvas that can be folded away for uninterrupted views of the park stretching out below. The water is heated using solar thermal energy. On a lucky day, you might be woken up by the trumpeting sound of the elephants in the savannah below.
Top activities include game drives, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, guided bush walks, and cultural village visits. 
Core Activities & Experiences:
Game Drives: Guided drives in open vehicles to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and hyenas in the national park.
Chimpanzee Tracking: Trekking to see primates in the Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Wildlife viewing from the water, often featuring hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
Guided Nature Walks: Guided treks through the Maramagambo Forest or surrounding areas.
Cultural Tours: Interpretive, guided walks around the local village and farmland to experience local life.
Bird Watching: Access to over 600 bird species found in the area.
Relaxation: Amenities include a swimming pool, a fireplace for evenings, a bar, and a restaurant.