Overview
Queen vistas
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.
Eight thatched cottages, including a two-bedroom family cottage, are strung out along the hillside, each handcrafted using locally available materials and carved into the hillside by the Katara village community.
Katara Lodge is 16km from the Katunguru Gate of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it a great base for exploring the park and the many activities it offers, including game drives, bird watching, cruises along the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge and forest walks.
Facts
At a glance
-
Eight cottages
-
Swimming pool
-
Restaurant and bar
-
Fire pit and lounge
Experiences
-
Game drives
Venture into the Queen Elizabeth Nation Park, more simply known as 'Queen', to seek out fascinating wildlife including elephants, buffalos, topis, waterbucks, leopards and its famed tree-climbing lions.
-
Kazinga Channel cruises
The Kazinga Channel is a 32km long channel that links Lakes Edward and George. Boat trips down the channel last 3-4 hours. Its waters are home to a dense population of hippos and Nile crocodiles, and attract fascinating birdlife and species to its edges.
-
Chimpanzee trekking
Visit the Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Fores to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor.
Footprint
Katara is aware of the delicate and precious nature of the park and prides itself 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 lodge uses extensive rainwater harvesting and heats all water using solar heaters. Similarly, all lighting and electrical outlets are solar powered and use low energy CF or LED bulbs. The saltwater swimming pool further reduces reliance on harmful chemicals.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra


Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.