Apoka Safari Lodge
Apoka Safari Lodge is located on a picturesque “koppie” (small hill) with endless views overlooking the Narus Valley in the southwestern sector of the Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo is Uganda’s most remote park, bordering Sudan to the north, the Napore Mountains to the West, and the Morungole mountains to the East. The Kenyan border is just 5 kilometres from the park’s eastern boundary. Travellers who make the long journey north would agree that Kidepo is also the most magnificent park and ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses.
Staying in this luxury lodge is a peaceful and private experience. Wildlife is viewed from the privacy of your veranda, your beautiful private outdoor stone bathtub and of course up close: on foot, or in one of the open-top Land Cruisers. The rooms have been built with comfort in mind and everything is handmade by local craftsmen. Apoka has 10 expansive rooms with natural canvas walls, big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets draped with mosquito nets, sitting rooms, hand-woven woollen carpets, extra-large plush towels, and over-sized dressing gowns. You may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing.
While you’re here, enjoy game drives to view the abundant wildlife in Kidepo, walk with zebras, visit the Karamojong village to learn about their traditional way of life, enjoy sundowners in the arms of a massive fig tree, and sit and watch a breeding herd of elephant frolicking in the mud.
Why we like it here
It is possibly the most eco-lux lodge in Uganda and the owners are deeply committed to sustainability and doing the right thing.
Each cottage at Apoka Safari Lodge is built using locally sourced wood, natural canvas, and the decor is handmade by local craftsmen.
The lodge has a deep and cool swimming pool carved out of rock, from where you will have sweeping views of the Narus Valley and the vast savanna.
Apoka has established an ongoing relationship with the village of Lokorul, on the outskirts of the Kidepo Valley National Park and it is from here that they employ staff almost exclusively. Visits to the village are on offer to the guests so as to learn about the local culture. In return, the tourism dollars have contributed to the village building a clinic and Apoka has facilitated regular visits with a doctor in the region.
Kidepo is home to an amazing array of animal including around 80 species of mammals – 28 of which are not found in any other Ugandan National Park, including cheetah.
You can go on a walking safari and enjoy birding here.
Due to its remote location, there are no crowds.
Things to be aware of
There are no fences on the property which means that wild animals can be found roaming around the grounds of the lodge. It is strongly advised that you get an attendant to accompany you when moving about the camp at night.
The lodge has been built in a rocky area, so caution is required while walking.
Despite the abundance of animals and a heavy population of the Big Four, there are no rhinos in Kidepo.
Apoka is not recommended for very young children (5 and under) especially as the lodge is built amongst rocks and cliffs, and due to the fact that there are wildlife wandering around the property.