Apoka Safari Lodge
In Uganda’s far northern reaches on the border with South Sudan, Apoka Safari Lodge is one of only a couple of accommodations in Kidepo Valley National Park. Remote, and tranquil with excellent scenery and zero crowds.
Apoka Safari Lodge Highlights
Kidepo Valley National Park is perhaps Uganda’s least travelled wildlife destination. It is secluded in the far north of the country and way off the beaten tourist route in the southwestern territories. This is a great advantage for Apoka Safari Lodge, which is one of only a few lodges operating in the park, and is positioned most scenically on an elevated rocky outcrop overlooking the expansive grassland and hills on the horizon. The use of natural stone, heavy timber, and earthy colours and textiles combine to bring the indoors and outdoors together, and build a soothing retreat in this spectacular, secretive environment.
- Apoka has 10 thatched bedrooms with rich wooden floors, doors, beds, and headboards, and characterful handmade furnishings.
- Each room has a private veranda with staggering views iconic of the area, and en suite bathrooms with tropical shower and stone bathtub, both outside.
- The main thatched lodge area has a swimming pool built into the natural rock, elevated and looking over the open landscape.
- A shady sitting room and dining area are covered by natural thatch and arranged on a high-sited viewing deck that has the best views in the house.
Apoka Safari Lodge Game Viewing and Activities
Kidepo Valley National Park is less travelled because of its remote location, not because of a lack of wildlife. In fact, it has supreme safari quality. There are around 500 species of birds (half the country’s total), and all the exciting big game of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lion, giraffe, elephant, leopard, buffalo, zebra, and various antelope characterise game drives and offer endless gratification when watching from poolside at Apoka. The Kidepo River is an oasis in the semi-desert landscape, offering incredible beauty and attracting birds and wildlife, while characteristic rugged mountains rise up in the distance. Verreaux’s eagle, pygmy falcon, and Egyptian vulture are only a few of the excellent birds of prey seen in the park, so bird watchers are advised to be armed with binoculars and bird books at all times! Another characterising component of Kidepo is its traditional cultural presence: the Karamojong and the Ik people.
