Set on the edge of a Crater Lake, this tree house lodge grew out of the forest, at one with nature. The delicate use of local rock, gum poles, wood, rope, organic furniture and rich textures blend with forest smells, a crackling fire conjuring a magical atmosphere to remember. Much effort and imagination went into the creation of Jacana Safari Lodge, which comes as no surprise when you consider its prime locality and the visionary mind of the man behind its creation.
A winning combination Queen Elizabeth National Park is rich with bird-life, boasting one of the highest numbers of endemic species in the world; whilst the delicate style and comfort of Jacana encompasses the very best Eco friendly accommodation available in the area.
Accommodation:
With only seven luxury chalets, each curtained in the embrace of dense foliage, guests are assured a peaceful and restorative stay. All the exclusive log chalets (such as ‘The Lion Room’) have a unique theme of their own, are spacious and designed to please the eye and provide maximum comfort. They have proper running showers and flushing toilets, are tastefully furnished and have a superb, enclosed veranda with large panoramic windows offering picture-perfect views of the Crater Lake. Al fresco from the privacy of your room’s balcony or enjoy a chilled sun-downer or early morning tea and coffee served by your personal waiter.
Facilities:
Are well provided and thought out. The Virunga Lounge, a popular focus for late night adventure stories about Africa, has large lounging sofas and the focal point is the huge fireplace. A mixture of soft pastel shades, rope lashing and rock shapes merge to form a soothing form giving this open plan lounge a cosy atmosphere. Set close by and in the same warm style is the dinning room and the main bar.
Set aside on a lower level is the ‘Tembo Bar,’ which literally hangs over the crater lake’s emerald waters, whilst a further bar called the ‘Fish Eagle Bar’ and a jetty nestles on the water’s edge. This is where a special dinner referred to as ‘The Captain’s Table’ is launched. Candle lit dinners with style a specially designed pontoon is utilised for such occasions, specifically designed for these calm waters. The Fish Eagle Bar is also popular with guests looking for a little privacy away from their rooms to enjoy ‘sundowners’.
There is a gorgeous swimming pool with a ‘swim up’ bar as well as a sauna, perfect for soothing you after a hot and dusty game drive!
Activities:
Forest/Crater & Bird watching walks:
There is no better way to explore the surrounding terrain by foot! Let Jacana’s naturalist escort you and enjoy the superb bird, butterfly watching opportunities in Queen Elizabeth National Park as well as the stunning views, nooks and crannies that make up this bio diversified landscape. Hikes into Queen Elizabeth National Park spectacular gorges also will bring you a completely new perspective on this wildlife haven! Views of the distant ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and the ‘Blue Mountains also offer a stunning backdrop for some of the most remarkable photographic opportunities you will ever experience.
Gondola & Lake Canoeing:
Queen Elizabeth National Park is dotted with crystal clear crater lakes and no better is that which Jacana Safari Lodge is located on. Jacana Safari Lodge has available canoes and small pontoons that are perfect for exploring this haven, be it alone or accompanied further adrift by the lodge’s resident naturalist.
Game Drives:
With the return of stability and security indigenous species to the area are increasing in leaps and bounds! Most plains game including giraffe, Cape buffalo, large herds of elephant, wart hogs, cheetah, lion and antelope including the indigenous Kob can readily be seen. Stunning views take in vast savannah land dotted with crater lakes, swamps of floating Fit tree forests and papyrus lined rivers. Ask for an accompanying ranger if you are in self-drive or better still let the camp organise a 4 x 4 vehicle and driver/guide. The camp will supply drinks and packed lunches on request.
The Bat Caves:
Secretive caves close to Jacana Safari Lodge are literally teeming with bats in addition to providing a safe haven for nesting birds and shy antelope such as Dikkers, as well as leopard. If you are feeling energetic and have a thirst for adventure then this excursion is just for you!
The Launch Trip:
This boating bonanza lets you game view by water whilst taking you down the channel which divides Lake Edward and Lake George (two of Africa’s largest lakes with the exception of Lake Victoria). Teeming with huge groups of hippo, crocodile and bird-life, its banks offer a safe, drinking haven to herds of elephants and hordes of other wildlife that visit it’s banks throughout the day. Launch trips are run once during morning hours and twice in the afternoon, daily.
Sundowner Cruise:
Never is wildlife more active than at dawn or dusk, so this cruise is a must for those who want to observe wildlife at the peak of activity. The existence of game evolves around Queen Elizabeth National Park massive expanse of water, which provides sustenance and stability to its abundant wildlife. From the safe confines of a boat you can comfortably observe, photograph and marvel at the natural ‘goings on’ that take place at the end of each day – out in the bush!
Chimpanzee viewing:
Few people know that the Cyambura George in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers the best opportunities to view chimpanzees, close up, in East Africa. This area of the park has long been an established as a stable environment for chimps where the family groups have been able to safely settle and increase in numbers. Our naturalist will be delighted to accompany you and teach you about these amusing and intriguing primates.
Village and cultural visit:
No adventure is complete without learning about the region’s culture and its people. A visit to a local fishing village will give you unique insight into the way of life for the indigenous clans of the area, their traditions, culture and daily survival.
Fishing:
Kick back and relax on the Crater Lake by Jacana Safari Lodge and do a little fishing! Jacana Safari Lodge will supply you with rod, tackle and bait. More for fun than anything else, you’re safe in these calm waters and it’s a great way to take in the surrounding scenery and ‘breath’ the tranquillity of the surrounds.
Weddings:
Its everyone’s dream to ‘tie the knot’ in an exotic destination. Because of the professionalism and high standard of services maintained at Jacana Safari Lodge, perhaps the most exotic and capturing wedding location of all is now available to you. Simply e-mail us or use our on-line enquiry facilities for further information. The tranquillity and exclusivity of Jacana Safari Lodge also makes it the perfect honeymoon retreat with a difference.