Elephant Plains is a brand new luxury lodge located on the most spectacular view point in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perched 941 metres above sea level, high upon the western escarpment of the Albertine rift in the north east of the park, the lodge offers panoramic views stretching for miles over the huge open grasslands to lake George.
Set in 80 acres of pristine wilderness, only 2 minutes to the park gate, no where else here can you sleep closer to the equator (N*S 0.0,25.172) with views of the equator monument visible from all around the lodge. Nestled next to beautiful lake Kikorongo this is where the open plains merge into the crystal waters and seeing large numbers of Elephants coming to drink from the water, hence the lodges name.
A short drive to the Kasenyi plains offers open savannah filled with various wild animals. This area has fantastic game viewing, a huge number of grassland birds and is a major breeding ground for the Ugandan Kob which readily attract lions and other big cats to the area. The open plains and large number of wildlife mean photographic safaris are extremely rewarding.
Guest accommodation is in 6 spacious double/twin en-suite cottages with large private verandas and huge glass windows to take advantage of the incredible views. An additional 2 family cottages offer accommodation in 2 separate en-suite bedrooms with plenty of space for up to 5 people. All the cottages have large bath tubs as well as showers and are spaced out along the hill top offering privacy and tranquillity. All the rooms overlook lake Kikorongo where from your veranda you can see elephants and buffaloes come to drink.
The main area provides an extensive lounge with comfortable couches and intimate seating areas for you to enjoy a Ugandan gin and tonic and take in the wonderful views under the cooling breeze rolling in off lake George. The Bar is well stocked, with a wine cellar and has bistro style seating for a more informal experience. The spacious restaurant has an outside dining deck with 270 degree views serving an international menu inspired by local flavours, all presented with the warmest hospitality from our professional team.
The lodge also has a large eco friendly swimming pool for guests to cool off at the end of the day and continue to take in the amazing views offered from everywhere around the lodge.
Being situated in the protected area of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Elephant Plains Lodge is highly committed to the conservation of nature and culture. The lodge uses solar powered electricity in order to minimize the impact on the environment and is constructed with materials from the local area all with a story behind them which is unique and true to Ugandan culture. The cottages are thatched using local brown savannah grass that not only blends into the surroundings but absorbs the heat and acts as a cooling system that is needed so close to the equator. The black granite stones used on the walk ways are from the Mukubu river which flows from the Rwenzori mountains.
