Budget Lodges In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Budget accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park ranges fromsafari tents, simple rooms and bandas to comfortable cottages.

Breakfast is likely included, but lunch and dinner will be separate.

Many of the options below will also offer hot showers, electricity, mosquito nets and Wi-Fi in central areas. 

Budget lodges are a fantastic way to meet like-minded travellers as the facilities and social spaces are usually shared.

If you are an eco-conscious traveller, budget accommodation is a good choice as these places often make use of solar power and local materials and ingredients, and they are usually community-run and locally supplied.

There are five regions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the best budget accommodations are based in the Mweya Peninsula, Ishasha Sector, and Kyambura Game Reserve.

The Mweya Peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel is the most central location, while Kyambura and Ishasha are more remote but are home to more unusual wildlife.

Kyambura Gorge is the only place in QENP where you can trek to see chimps, and the Ishasha Sector is one of the few places in Africa where you will find the famed tree-climbing lion.

Set overlooking the Kazinga Channel, for a budget lodge, Tembo is an excellent central location.

The lowest cost options are the standard rooms available as singles, doubles and twins. The simple but pleasant rooms are self-contained and include air conditioning.

For a slightly higher price, guests can stay in self-contained cottages, which will offer more privacy and space.

Breakfast is included, and lunch and dinner are at an affordable price.  The restaurant serves continental and local dishes, and the bar has a good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Boasting panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel, this resort is another fantastic budget stay for those who want to be central to the action.

Many animals can be viewed going for a drink right in front of the resort, such as elephants, hippos, hyenas, forest hogs, and baboons.

They offer self-contained rooms, bandas, cottages and a DIY campsite for those who wish to sleep under the stars.

Breakfast is included, and lunch and dinner are comprised of international and local dishes.

One of this resort's perks is the consistent electricity and hot water for showers and charging electronics. 

On the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, situated on the Kikorongo lake's shore, Simba Safari Camp is another great budget option, especially for travellers that don't mind sharing. 

Simba Safari Camp also boasts fantastic views of Lake Edward, the Kasenyi Plains and the Kazinga Channel.

Simba Safari camp's cheapest accommodations are large dormitory-style rooms, followed by self-contained rooms and cottages. DIY camping is also possible here.

The rooms and cottages are all en-suite and come with a mosquito net, hot water and a fan for warmer days.

The dormitories and campsites have shared bathroom facilities.

The restaurant is pleasant, and customer service is highly rated by past guests. Free Wifi is available in communal areas. 

Located just 2km from the Ishasha Gate, Enjojo Lodge is a green oasis. They offer accommodation to suit every budget, but safari tents, bamboo huts and DIY camping will be the least pricey option.

Some Safari Tents and bamboo huts are non-self-contained and share toilet and shower facilities, and the campsite is a simple affair with a kitchen area, outside shower and toilets. Firewood and water are included.

This lodge is a great option for the eco-conscious traveller.  The lodge is entirely powered by solar, food is grown in the vegetable garden, and only local materials and labour were sourced.

Meals are served in an open plan lounge and dining area, and guests can choose B&B, half-board and full-board. Lunch is an À la carte menu, while dinner is a set three-course meal.  

Located in the Kyambura Game Reserve, Pumba Safari Lodge is in prime position for the best of both worlds. 

Go for a game drive and boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for the full safari experience, or head down into the Kyambura Gorge forest for a completely different experience and trek to see the parks only chimpanzees.

Five cosy cottages filled with local arts and crafts are perfectly pleasant. They are all en-suite and include hot showers heated by solar and firewood. The rooms also have electricity so that you can charge your electronics overnight.

The restaurant boasts the reserve's stunning views from its elevated position and serves a delicious array of local and continental dishes.