Marafiki Safari Lodge is an ideally positioned accommodation offering a perfect blend of midrange and budget options near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perched atop a hill, the lodge provides guests with stunning panoramic views of the park, Lake George, and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. The lodge is thoughtfully constructed using local materials that harmonize with the natural surroundings, allowing the buildings to blend seamlessly into the lush, green landscape.

The lodge’s main building serves as the heart of the property, housing a restaurant, bar, and lounge area. Here, guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring both local and international dishes, alongside an extensive selection of beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The dining experience is elevated by the breathtaking views of the park and the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, making each meal a memorable occasion.

Accommodation Facilities

Marafiki Safari Lodge offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences, including self-contained tents and non-self-contained cabins, each uniquely named after an animal. These accommodations are designed to cater to solo travelers, families, and larger groups alike. The private tents are elevated above the ground and feature spacious verandahs, providing an ideal spot to relax and take in the mesmerizing sunsets over Lake George.

Each morning at the lodge begins with the soothing sounds of birdsong, setting the tone for a day of adventure. Guests are perfectly positioned to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a range of activities available, including game drives in the Kasenyi plains, boat cruises in Mweya, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, and forest walks in Maramagambo Forest, where a visit to the Bat cave is a highlight. For those planning longer excursions, the lodge’s restaurant offers packed lunches, ensuring guests are well-prepared for their day’s activities.

A Gem in the Heart of Nature

Marafiki Safari Lodge is more than just a place to stay—it’s a retreat that immerses guests in the natural beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park. With its comfortable accommodations, stunning views, and proximity to the park’s many attractions, the lodge offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Marafiki Safari Lodge provides the perfect base for exploring this remarkable part of Uganda.

Game drive in Queen Elizabeth Narrational Park

Embarking on game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an incredible opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife during your Uganda safari. The park provides three distinct game drive sessions: morning, afternoon, and night, each offering unique experiences and wildlife encounters.

Morning Game Drives: Dawn with the Wild

Morning game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park start early, at around 6:30 a.m., allowing you to witness the park’s inhabitants as they begin their day. This is an ideal time to spot a variety of animals as they catch their first meal, making it one of the most active periods for wildlife observation. The cool morning hours also provide a chance to see nocturnal creatures as they return to their dens after a night of hunting. During this drive, you can expect to encounter elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, oribis, impalas, lions, leopards, and a host of other magnificent animals. Typically lasting around four hours, the morning game drive concludes with a return to your lodge for a well-deserved breakfast.

Evening Game Drives: Twilight Predators

Evening game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park offer another thrilling experience, particularly for those interested in observing the park’s nocturnal predators in action. As the sun sets, species like lions, leopards, and hyenas become more active, hunting under the cover of darkness. This time of day provides a unique glimpse into the lives of these predators as they stalk and catch their prey. Additionally, night game drives offer the chance to see the park come alive in a different light, with sightings of nightjars, as well as more elusive creatures such as leopards and hyenas. The atmosphere of the park changes dramatically at night, making these drives a must for adventurous visitors.

Ishasha Sector: The Land of Tree-Climbing Lions

The Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is one of only two places in Africa where you can observe the rare behavior of tree-climbing lions. These lions are often seen lounging in the branches of acacia and fig trees, a behavior believed to help them avoid tsetse flies and escape the heat of the ground below. From their elevated perches, these lions can also keep a keen eye on potential prey. The Ishasha sector is not just about lions, though—it is also home to Uganda kobs, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, and a variety of antelope species. This unique landscape offers a rich and rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Experiential Game Drives: Lion Tracking

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers lion tracking, one of the most exhilarating activities available. This experiential game drive allows visitors to get up close to a pride of lions using a radio collar, which researchers use to monitor the lions’ movements and behavior. This hands-on approach offers a deeper understanding of how these majestic creatures live and interact with their environment. You’ll learn fascinating details about how lions mark their territories, using scent markings to ward off rival prides. Additionally, witnessing female lions on the hunt provides an intense and unforgettable encounter with nature at its most raw.

Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

A boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a highlight of any safari, offering an unforgettable experience along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway, linking Lake George and Lake Edward, is teeming with wildlife. As you glide through the channel, you’ll see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes gathering along the banks to drink and cool off. The waters are also home to one of Africa’s densest hippo populations, as well as Nile crocodiles basking on the shores. Birdwatchers will delight in the sight of numerous bird species, including the African fish eagle and pelicans. The boat cruise, typically lasting two hours, provides a unique perspective on the park’s diverse ecosystems and is a perfect complement to the land-based game drives, offering close-up views of animals in their natural habitat.