Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge is nestled at the edge of the escarpment of the Rift Valley near Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. It is within the Rubirizi district outside the park. Several craters of Rubirizi surround the lodge within the Kicwamba community. Twin Lakes Safari Lodge stands at an elevation of 270 meters above sea level offering perfect views of sunset and sunrise over the horizons of Mount Rwenzori.
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge has one of the best scenic views of the Rwenzori ranges, lakes Edward and George, and the Kazinga channel. The lodge is made up of 9 spacious cottages offering a comfortable stay to travelers. These accommodation facilities can accommodate up to 22 guests. Each cottage is made from African local crafts that are blended with modern fashion. They are grass-thatched and local wood that is purchased from the locals. Additionally, each cottage has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold showers, flushing toilets, and a private veranda overlooking Queen Elizabeth Park. More so, Twin Lake Safari Lodge has several amenities like a swimming pool, Wi-Fi in all rooms, and a bar. If you are looking for one of the best places to stay around Queen Elizabeth National Park, you should consider Twin Lakes Safari Lodge. Here, your safari dreams come in handy.
What are the types of rooms available at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge?
There are several rooms available at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge that travelers can book and stay in for their safaris. They include;
- Single rooms
- Twin or double rooms
- Standard rooms
- Superior rooms
- Luxury honeymoon suites
- Family cottages
What are the activities done by tourists during their stay at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge?
While you stay at the Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, there are several activities you engage in. Some of these include;
Game drives
This is a primary activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park done to see savannah wildlife. Game drives are done in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy wildlife viewing. Wildlife encountered during game drives in the Queen Elizabeth National Park include lions, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, kobs, waterbucks, and many others. Game drives are done in sessions namely; the morning, afternoon, evening, and night.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is a primate activity that travelers engage in as they stay at Twin Lakes Lodge. The activity is done at either Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest. In these areas, there are several chimpanzee groups available for tracking. Like game drives, chimpanzee tracking can be done in the morning or the afternoon. There are about 16 chimpanzee trekking permits in Kyambura Gorge.
The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura Gorge is 100 USD for foreign nonresidents, 50 USD for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX for East African residents. These prices exclude park entrance fees (40 USD for foreign nonresidents, 30 USD for foreign residents, and 20,000 UGX for East African residents).
Boat cruise experiences
A boat Cruise excursion is another interesting activity one can do during their stay at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge. The activity involves the use of motorized boats that take you through waterbodies around Queen Elizabeth National Park. Boat cruise excursions are done on Lake Edward, George, and the Kazinga Channel. During a boat cruise, you encounter wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, hippos, monitor lizards, and many others.
Experiential activities
These experiential activities include lion tracking, mongoose tracking, and hippo census. These activities offer a close encounter with wildlife in high populations. This is why permits to engage in these activities are limited in number. If you are planning to stay at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge and do any of these activities, you may inform Native Africa Tours in advance to make sure your permit is reserved.
Community tours
Queen Elizabeth National Park is dotted with several communities that offer amazing community tours. Some of these communities are; Katwe Community, and Kasoga Community, Bunyaruguru Community. While in these communities, travelers engage in several activities like cultural dances, coffee roasting, banana brewing, folk songs, and many others.
Birding tours
Queen Elizabeth National Park is considered to be a birding haven for travelers interested in encountering many bird species. The park is home to over 600 bird species. Birding is done early morning and late evening since these are prime hours to see many bird species. Some of the bird species encountered in the park include the pied kingfisher, martial eagle, fishing eagle, pelicans, white-winged tern, African jacana, great blue turaco, and many others.
Nature walks
Nature walks or safari walks are done on foot. The activity is done under the guidance of a ranger who takes you through the park to see animals, plants, and birds. During nature walks, travelers must carry water bottles to keep hydrated. Additionally, they must have binoculars to be able to spot wildlife from a distance. Some of the wildlife encountered in this park include buffaloes, elephants, hippos, kobs, water bucks, warthogs, and many others.
How to access Twin Lakes Safari Lodge from Kampala / Entebbe?
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge is accessed by both road and air transport. While using road transport, you take about 5 to 6 hours to reach via the Kampala – Mbarara – Kasese Highway. On the other hand, by air transport, you board a domestic scheduled flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airstrip to the Kasese Airstrip or Mweya Airstrip. From here, you drive by road to the lodge for about 40 minutes or less.
