GUIDE ON APOKA SAFARI LODGE IN UGANDA

Apoka Safari Lodge Overview & Where Is It Located?

Kidepo Valley National Park is a pristine wilderness cradled within a depression between the Morungole Mountains on the east and Napore Mountains on the west. Perched atop a kopje in the valley, offering spectacular views for miles around, is the Apoka Safari Lodge. A rustic luxury safari holiday accommodation, the lodge is a series of structures made from rough-hewn wood and canvas erected on stilts, with a thick thatched roof supported on a framework of bamboo.

Spend time in the lounge or on the viewing platform watching wildlife drink from various watering holes. Some of the more curious kongoni antelopes of Kidepo Park might climb the kopje for a closer look at the tourists, while the resident family of side-striped jackals and buffaloes roams around. You can also watch the wildlife activity at the watering hole from the swimming pool that was carved out of the rock.

Key Takeaways

• Standing on a kopje offering spellbinding views of the surrounding wilderness
• Comprising of a series of wood, canvas, and thatched roof structures for a rustic ambiance
• Lounge and viewing platform overlooking watering holes frequented by wildlife coming to drink
• Swimming pool carved out of the rock for taking dips and napping in loungers
• Sightings of resident kongoni, buffaloes and jackals roaming the lodge environs

What To Expect At Apoka Safari Lodge Accommodation?

Key Takeaways

• Premier Safari Tier 1 Experience. Total of 10 thatched cottages with rough-hewn furniture, affording a rustic feel
• Choice of rooms with a large double bed or twin singles which are spacious enough for 2 extra beds
• Ensuite bathroom featuring rock-lined shower stall, bathrobes, single or twin vanities, and outdoor bathtub on the patio
• Private verandah for relaxing and reveling in the marvelous views
• Solar panels used to heat water for showers and lower carbon footprint

The Apoka Safari Lodge offers vacationers a total of 10 cottages. Placed at a short distance from each other, the cabins are constructed of dark wood and have a rustic feel, with rough-hewn furniture. Choose from the 6 cottages with double beds and 4 cottages with twin beds, which are spacious enough to accommodate 2 additional guests each. Area rugs add to the warmth of the room, while mosquito netting suspended from the ceiling offers protection from bugs. Ensuite bathrooms have single or twin vanities, with a shower stall lined with rocks. There are also bathrobes for your use.

For a relaxing soak, step out on the patio to the alfresco natural stone bath. Or, take a siesta on the verandah outside. Enjoy views of the savannah of Kidepo Valley National Park (best time to go) and its denizens, and listen to the songs of some of the 475 bird species that live here. You will be pleased to know that the lodge operates on eco-friendly principles, warming your bathwater with solar heaters.

Things To Do (Activities & Tour Attractions) & Why Visit Apoka Safari Lodge On Kidepo Valley Safari?

Key Takeaways

• Game drives in the reserve to spot lions napping on the kopjes and herbivores munching on grasses
• Nature walks to view the smaller denizens of the wild including small animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and other creatures
• Traveling to explore the Kanangorok Hot Springs across the Kidepo Sand River
• Visiting the local Karamoja community and participating in their regular activities
• Spending time at the lodge enjoying the fabulous views of the golden and green plains dotted with trees abounding with wildlife

The stunning panoramas of the Kidepo Valley National Park are unbroken by crowds of other visitors, providing utter tranquility and a sense of peace. The sight of the surrounding rolling plains of green and gold grasses, interspersed with rocky crags and a sprinkling of trees, is a vision that will stick with you long after you return home. To explore the area at closer range, you can take a game drive tour timed for early morning and late afternoon when it is much cooler. Pass regal lions and leopards lazing on the kopjes or tree branches, watching over their realm, as buffaloes munch on the grasses, unconcerned by your presence. You may also pass elephants taking a mud bath or zebras and gazelles concealed in the long grasses.

Look out for the birds that adorn the stark landscape with their brilliant hues. If you are lucky, you may spot cheetahs, and it is the only park in Uganda that has them. You can also go on walking safaris in Kidepo, for an introduction to the smaller creatures of the bush, including insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Or, travel to the Kanangorok Hot Springs across the Kidepo Sand River. A cultural visit to the Karamoja community will be another memorable activity during your trip in Uganda.

How Is The Dining At Apoka Safari Lodge?

Key Takeaways

• Dining area located within the lounge area
• Delicious meals cooked and served by the in-house chef, orders accepted for unique dietary preferences
• Selection of traditional Ugandan and global dishes along with vegetarian and barbecued preparations
• Small bar area for ordering alcoholic drinks and other beverages
• Enjoy meals while watching animals grazing on the abundant grasses and drinking from the watering holes

The lounge doubles as the dining area, where the lodge serves delicious meals cooked with care by the camp chef. Enjoy watching animals grazing on the abundant grasses outside as you tuck into local Uganda and international cuisine, vegetables, and barbecued fare. The lodge also takes orders for special dietary preferences and serves drinks from the bar. House drinks are included in your rooming price with the exception of premium brands. Bush breakfasts, private romantic dinners and picnic lunches can be organized upon request.