At Queen Elizabeth Cottages, every moment is an invitation to explore, connect, and discover. From cultural immersion to nature adventures, our activities bring you closer to the heart of Uganda.
Birdwatching
In this activity, all you need is slow down, relax, and open your senses to the rhythm of nature. Birdwatching at Queen Elizabeth Cottages is more than a pastime it’s peaceful and meditative connecting you with the world around you.
As you walk through crater lake or Kazinga Channel, a colorful world awakens. From the skies to the water’s edge, you’ll witness an incredible variety of bird species.
Keep your eyes and ears open for sights like lesser and greater flamingos, martial eagles, Verreaux’s eagle owls, Papyrus canary and Papyrus gonolek, pink-backed pelicans and African Boradbill.
Whether you’re a passionate birder or simply a nature lover, birdwatching is an invitation to observe and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
Boat ride Kazinga
Experience the magic of wildlife in its most natural form — calm, raw, and incredibly alive. At Queen Elizabeth Cottages, one of the most unforgettable moments you can witness is the daily ritual of animals gathering along the water’s edge.
As you observe quietly, this scene unfolds like a live documentary. Crocodiles lie on the warm riverbanks, soaking up the sun, while groups of baboons move quickly around, grooming each other, the air and trees are full of birds — from graceful herons and African fish eagles to bright kingfishers diving for fish.
Every animal moves completely at ease, giving you a rare chance to witness the quiet rhythm of life in the wild.
Chill activity
Sometimes, the best kind of adventure is just taking it easy and at Queen Elizabeth Cottages, we’ve made that part of the experience.
Start your day by relaxing on the terrace, with wide views of the Rwenzori Mountains, deep gorges, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a good book in a hammock or simply close your eyes and unwind.
If you feel like doing something, walk just five minutes to take a dip in the pool to cool off, or to a nearby wellness spot for a massage, sauna, or steam a great way to recharge.
As evening comes, gather with friends or other guests for a barbecue or bonfire on the cliffside, with stars lighting up the sky above you.
With views in every direction, it’s the perfect time to slow down, connect, and just enjoy the moment.
At Queen Elizabeth Cottages, you set the pace whether you want total relaxation, a bit of adventure, or both.
Chimp track
Wake up with the sunrise and get ready for one of the most exciting and meaningful experiences at Queen Elizabeth Cottages — tracking chimpanzees in the famous Kyambura Gorge.
Just a short trip from your cottage, this green, forested valley is full of life and sound. It’s home to loud, smart, and often shy chimpanzees that move in family groups.
With an expert guide, you’ll walk into the gorge to begin your search. The path is wild and full of thick trees, vines, and echoing calls it feels like a true adventure. Stay alert finding the chimps takes patience and a little luck.
Coffee tour
Join us for a hands-on coffee tour that brings you into the heart of Uganda’s coffee culture.
We’ll start with a scenic visit to small farms in the hills, especially lively during harvest time. You’ll meet local farmers and see how the beans are picked, sorted, and dried in the sun.
Next, follow the journey from bean to cup. Learn how the beans are roasted, ground, and brewed using traditional methods. You’ll even get to roast and make your own cup of coffee using fresh beans and local tools.
This is more than just tasting coffee it’s about the smells, the stories, and the care that goes into each step. Whether you’re a big coffee fan or just curious, you’ll leave with a deeper respect for the process.
To finish, enjoy a delicious local meal made with fresh ingredients. It’s a great way to connect with the community, enjoy the flavors of Uganda, and take home more than just memories — every cup tells a story.
Farming and Community gathering
At Queen Elizabeth Cottages, we’ve built more than just a place to stay . we’ve created a space where people come together. Visitors, neighbors, and locals connect here in meaningful ways, sharing stories, meals, and experiences that leave lasting impressions.
Our village is rich with knowledge, culture, and abundance, especially when it comes to the land. Thanks to fertile soils and a warm climate, we grow everything from coffee, vanilla, and cocoa to a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables many of which end up freshly prepared on your plate during your stay.
We love welcoming guests into the rhythm of local life. You’ll have the chance to walk through the farms, meet the farmers, and learn how our food is grown, harvested, and prepared. From hand-picking vanilla pods to discovering how traditional Ugandan meals are cooked over fire, every step is hands-on and full of flavor.
We even invite you to try your hand at brewing local banana beer or millet porridge, a taste of the everyday joy that flows through our community.
This isn’t just about food , it’s about connection, sustainability, and experiencing the genuine warmth of village life.
Gorge Walk
While exploring the diverse landscape around Kyambura, we came across a spot tucked away near the edge of Kyambura Game Reserve. Here, a group of local farmers maintain beehives, strategically placed in the heart of the wild. A small branch of the Kyambura River winds gracefully through the area, creating a life-giving corridor that supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
The beehives rest peacefully beneath the trees, surrounded by savannas species. The air is alive with the gentle hum of bees moving from blossom to blossom, collecting nectar from this biodiverse environment.
It produces something truly special: wild honey.
Guests are invited to visit this serene site, learn about beekeeping practices, and even sample the honey straight from the source. It’s a sweet, authentic experience that connects you directly to the land, the people, and the natural rhythms of Kyambura
Bee Farming
While exploring the diverse landscape around Kyambura, we came across a spot tucked away near the edge of Kyambura Game Reserve. Here, a group of local farmers maintain beehives, strategically placed in the heart of the wild. A small branch of the Kyambura River winds gracefully through the area, creating a life-giving corridor that supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
The beehives rest peacefully beneath the trees, surrounded by savannas species. The air is alive with the gentle hum of bees moving from blossom to blossom, collecting nectar from this biodiverse environment.
It produces something truly special: wild honey.
Guests are invited to visit this serene site, learn about beekeeping practices, and even sample the honey straight from the source. It’s a sweet, authentic experience that connects you directly to the land, the people, and the natural rhythms of Kyambura
QENP Game drive
One of the most unique things about Queen Elizabeth National Park is how freely the animals roam. Unlike many parks, it’s open to nearby villages and farmlands, so wildlife moves naturally across the land.
As you travel to the park from our cottages or nearby towns you might see elephants crossing the road or hippos resting in roadside pools. In the early mornings or evenings, hyenas sometimes appear near the bushes.
Here, people and wildlife share the same space. Locals have learned to live alongside the animals, creating a rare and respectful balance. It’s not just a safari it’s a living landscape where nature and community are deeply connected
Hot springs, Rwenzori, Equator lines
A bit further from the park, just minutes from home, there’s a bunch of activities to explore in totally different landscapes. On the way to Kasese town, you’ll pass the Equator line , a fun spot where you can see some cool natural effects. Keep your eyes out for wildlife too, since animals often show up along the road. Kasese has old mines to check out, a big river where you can relax, have a picnic, or even take a swim. It’s also a popular place for locals coming to enjoy the nearby hot springs. If you keep driving, you’ll reach the edge of Rwenzori National Park, where you can take a walk through beautiful scenery or go deeper into the park to spot horned chameleons, lush plantations, and, if you’re lucky, hornbills.
Salt Lake discovery
Explore a unique part of Queen Elizabeth National Park with a visit to the local salt lakes — where nature, tradition, and community meet.
Learn how salt forms naturally in crater lakes and how local families have harvested it for generations using age-old techniques. Walking through the salt mining village, you’ll see this hands-on process up close.
You might even spot flamingos in the salty waters or cattle grazing nearby a rare scene of wildlife and people living in harmony. Fun fact: meat from this area is known for its rich flavor, thanks to the salty grass the animals eat.
This visit isn’t just about beautiful views it’s a real glimpse into daily life shaped by the land.
Transparent lake, swimming and Kayaking
The Kyambura region is dotted with stunning crater lakes, formed by ancient volcanoes and surrounded by dramatic landscapes. These peaceful spots are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
One lake, known for its crystal-clear water, is ideal for swimming and kayaking — a refreshing break on a hot day. Whether you’re cooling off after a hike or floating under the sky, it’s pure relaxation.
Getting there is part of the fun. Walk or bike along scenic trails through farms and forests, with chances to spot birds, butterflies, and monkeys along the way.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the view it’s a quiet, beautiful place to unwind, whether you’re on your own or with loved ones.
Twin lake crater walk
Take a peaceful walk to one of Kyambura’s beautiful twin crater lakes, hidden in the rolling hills until you reach the edge and then, the view takes your breath away.
The trail leads you through green fields of banana plants, their wide leaves swaying gently in the breeze. It’s like walking through a living painting, with birds singing and monkeys sometimes seen in the trees.
The calm, quiet setting is perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or just enjoying nature.
At the lake, you’re rewarded with still water, steep forested walls, and a deep sense of peace , a moment you won’t soon forget.
