The River Station – Kazinga Channel – Kyambura Game Reserve 

The River Station is a secluded riverside retreat that captures the spirit of adventure and discovery in the wild landscapes of Uganda. Nestled on the banks of the Kazinga Channel, The River Station is set in the private Kyambura Game Reserve and is a luxurious option providing guests with an authentic bush experience away from the crowds and close to the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

With just 10 luxuriously appointed tented rooms with private plunge pools overlooking the channel, easy access to Kyambura Gorge to trek to see chimpanzees, and the surrounding crater lakes just a short sundowner drive away – the River Station is a true escape into the wilderness.

Location

The River Station is located on the banks of the Kazinga Channel in the private Kyambura Game Reserve close to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation

Accommodation at The River Station is in 10 beautifully decorated tented rooms with proper beds, a sitting area, large ensuite shower room, and outdoor plunge pool and day beds and an outdoor shower.

The main area has an expansive sitting and bar area with a separate dining area inside.  Outside there is further sitting areas on wooden decking with a swimming pool overlooking the river – often herds of elephant come down to drink in front of the pool and hippos can be seen in the river.

With added luxuries like private plunge pools in every room and a safari spa perched over a water hole for a massage-with-a-view – this new lodge from Wildplaces is highly recommended.

Activities and Wildlife

With in-house resident guides, guests can explore the 7 crater lakes, track chimpanzees, find a hyena den, follow lion cubs and enjoy the privacy of the low-impact zone.  And when the afternoon sun is hot and the breeze ruffles the water, climb aboard the dhow – a first in Uganda – and sail the waters of the Kazinga Channel.

Boat Safari – a cruise down the famous Kazinga channel in one of our specially modified safari boats. A canopy provides shade, 4 swivel seats ensure optimal game viewing to get all the best angles, and a cushioned lounging area in the bow. The Kazinga Channel is a highlight, with enormous populations of elephant swimming and frolicking in the shallows and hippo galore. Nile Crocodiles, Buffalo and other ungulates are common sites. Birding is exceptional including a great variety of water bird species.

Chimp Tracking in Kyambura Gorge – the stunning Kyambura Gorge is a little over 10km in length and 100m deep. The gorge, in drastic contrast to the surrounding savannah is inhabited by a dense riparian rainforest and his home to one large community of Chimpanzees. Descend into the gorge on foot with a team of expert Chimpanzee tracking guides. The wild chimpanzees are comfortable around people and after an hour you will climb your way out and head back to camp by boat. Other than Chimpanzees, expect to see Colobus and Red-Tailed Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Hippo, Elephant and a variety of birds.

Game Drive – within the exclusive Kyambura Game Reserve as well as across the Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on conditions, wildlife movements and your preferences, your guide will discuss the best area for the drive with you. Expect to see Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Waterbuck, Bushbuck & Warthog among many others. As always in Uganda, a great variety of birdlife will also be spotted, with opportunities to see Lesser Flamingo in one of the many crater lakes.

Night Drive – after dark provides some of the best opportunities for predator sightings, as well as the chance to see some of the unusual and lesser seen nocturnal creatures that only reveal themselves at night. Using a spotlight, look out for the distinctive reflection of pairs of eyes watching you from the bush. As well as the typical animals one might spot on a game drive, expect to see leopard, lion, genets, mongoose, scrub hare, yellow winged bats, night jars, owls and much more.

Bush Walks – immerse yourself in a raw wildlife experience with a professional walking guide to interpret the bush. Examine spoor, track animals, taste wild fruits and smell wild flowers with chances to get up close and personal with a variety of game. There are many walking routes to choose from savanna walks, forest walks and of course walking some of the stunning crater rims.

Dhow Sailing – the Mona Lisa – shipped in from the Kenyan Coast – offers one of the most unique wildlife experience in East Africa. There is nothing quite like sailing up silently to a herd of elephant playing in the channel. Or perhaps witnessing the sun lower behind the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains, while lounging on the deck, cocktail in hand.

Conservation and Community

The River Station is committed to sustainable, low-impact tourism and works closely with local communities to ensure that tourism benefits both people and wildlife. The lodge provides employment and training opportunities for local residents, while its operations are designed to minimise environmental impact. Guests staying at The River Station play a role in supporting conservation and community development in this remote and fragile landscape.

THE RIVER STATION IN OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE IS CHILD FRIENDLY – CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 YEARS STAY FREE