Overlooking the expansive Narus valley, Nature stands the new Kidepo Savannah Lodge. It was opened at the start of last month (June 2017) as a very welcome addition to Kidepo Valley National Park’s accommodation options. Until its opening, visitors to Kidepo Valley National Park had only three options including the high-end Apoka Safari Lodge, Ngamoru Wilderness Camp ( a mid-range facility ) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) bandas for budget travelers.
What does the new Kidepo Savannah Lodge offer?
Overlooking the distant mountain ranges that form the border between Uganda with South Sudan, the new lodge is a wonderful inclusion for budget and mid-range clients. The ‘budget’ option is a non self-contained tented option – identical to what Nature Lodges offers in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. Don’t be fooled by the look; the tents are comfortably equipped with beds, beddings and make use of one ablution block with showers and flush toilets. The more upgraded or mid-range option comes with the large self-contained safari tents. These tents are placed on platforms, with the guest having access to their own private toilet and shower unit.
Kidepo Savannah Lodge has a restaurant that is open to patrons for meals and drinks.
Meals and drinks with beautify scenery in the wild
“Should you have any groups in Kidepo National Park, you are welcome. Send them to us for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or … when thirsty – feel free to pop in for a cold drink. You’ll be amazed by the view!” joyous retorts the company spokesman. Kidepo Valley National Park, which has been twice featured by CNN Travel – once as the 3rd best park in Africa and as one of Africa’s most remote featured parks. When you close your eyes and think of Africa; the landscape, the jagged hills, the golden grasses, the savannah plains dotted with wildlife and fauna, the soft glowing light and more – that is Kidepo.
What do I do when in Karamoja?
In terms of activities, visitors can expect to visit the Karamojong people who neighbor the park in their nearby Manyattas to learn about their traditional way of life and possibly experience some traits of their culture. Safari goers can also trek up Mount Morungole to meet Uganda’s smallest tribe – the Ik people. The Ik hunted and gathered inside Kidepo Valley National park but were relocated over 50 years ago to create the park. They then migrated to the Morungole Mountains where they can be found today.
A hike up the mountains to meet the Ik, with beautiful scenery is not for the faint-hearted. However, a trail has been developed by the US Forestry Service. When you get to an Ik village, you get to learn and appreciate their humble cultural traits. On the grassy plains, safari goers will be in for abundant wildlife namely lions, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, zebra, possibly Africa’s largest herds of buffalo, hartebeest, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog and a lot more. African wild dogs have also been known to cross into the park from South Sudan.
Why won’t you check it out? Book a safari to Kidepo Valley National Park with us to have this experience.
