4-Days in the remote, rugged Kidepo Valley Park in Uganda
4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari in remote, unvisited Uganda
Experience the 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari, which reveals an Africa you may have thought was no longer there. It’s like the Africa you imagine, but even better. Some people have even called Kidepo Valley Park a “lost Eden.”
This park reminds you of Africa described by authors like Karen Blixen and Ernest Hemingway—the Africa of the past that still exists in the remote and rarely visited Kidepo Valley Park, where time seems to have stood still.
It’s no surprise that CNN Travel has recognized Kidepo Valley Park as one of the Best Parks in Africa. It is home to large herds of buffaloes and elephants and a thriving lion population. Wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas believes that the real Lion King resides in Kidepo Valley Park and is named Spartacus.
Ranked as one of the top safari destinations in Africa, Kidepo Valley Park captivates with its rugged and breathtaking scenery. The abundance of wildlife alone makes it worth visiting. With its surrounding mountains and rugged semi-arid valleys, Kidepo Valley Park will remind you of Ernest Hemingway’s “Green Hills of Africa.”
Embark on this 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari and discover another side of Africa—an extraordinary journey that takes you back to the Africa of the past.
The setting for your 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari
One thing that grabs know is the stunning and rugged scenery all around. At the end of the game drive, it is time for that old safari tradition – the sundowner. This is a custom that goes back to the British Colonial Days and when gin and strong tonic water were used to prevent Malaria. In Uganda, the sundowner traditions of drinks as the sun sets and African night begins are often celebrated with Uganda Waragi and, instead of Tonic Water, Krest Bitter Lemon Soda.
Often, sundowners on Safari are in the Bush, which adds the Safari Hakuna Matata – No-Worries on Safari life. A sundowner on Safari in Kidepo Valley Park is another memorabthosextra that you will always remember.
Safari Sundowners do not have to be Gin and Tonic. Things have changed since the early days of Safari Life. A glass of Wine, Beer, or other drink can be had. Most often, sundowners are accompanied by snacks like samosas.
Your 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari Highlights!
- Fly with Aerolink: AeroLink uses Grand Caravan Planes.
- Stay at Apoka Safari Lodge: Apoka Safari Lodge is one of the best Safari Lodges in Uganda.
- Game Drives: Go on game drives in an Apoka Safari Lodge particular Safari vehicle.
- Visit a Karamajong Manyatta: Get to know the Karamajong people by visiting one of their villages.
- Visit the Ik People: Climb the stunningly scenic and remote Mount Morungole to spend time with the Ik people.
- Activities can be adjusted: We can adapt the Safari to meet your wishes.
- Airport drop-off and Pickup: Your airport drop-off and pickup are included.
This 4-day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari can be included with Primate Trekking in Uganda.
Your 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari in Detail
Day-1-Fly to Kidepo Valley Park with Aerolink Safari Airline
Apoka Safari Lodge for your 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari:
Apoka Safari Lodge is a special place located within Kidepo Valley National Park. It offers unique accommodations in ten spacious safari tents that local artisans make. Each tent has its private verandah with stunning views of the savannah. You can also relax in an outdoor stone bathtub on a sheltered terrace. You’ll find comfortable beds with mosquito nets inside the tents, and the floors are covered with soft woolen carpets. They provide plush towels and cozy dressing gowns for your comfort.
The main lodge has a cozy sitting room, a bar, and a dining area where you can enjoy delicious meals. A viewing tower also gives you a 360-degree view of the beautiful landscape around you. The lodge also has a swimming pool carved out of a massive rock formation, offering a unique and refreshing swimming experience. Trained local guides will accompany you on nature walks and exciting game-tracking adventures, sharing their knowledge about the area with you.
In addition, Apoka Lodge offers a range of activities and excursions to help you make the most of your time in Kidepo Valley Park. You can embark on thrilling game drives, guided nature walks, or cultural visits to nearby communities.
Overall, Apoka Lodge provides a luxurious and pampering experience in the heart of Kidepo Valley Park. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in the park’s beauty while enjoying top-notch accommodations and services.
Afternoon Game Drive with Apoka Safari Lodge:
At Apoka Safari Lodge, various activities are available for you to enjoy besides the game drive in the Narus Valley. Some of these activities include guided nature walks, cultural visits to nearby communities, bird watching, and stargazing. These activities allow you to explore the area’s diverse natural beauty and cultural richness.
Following safety precautions is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when going on a game drive. It’s recommended to listen to and follow the instructions of your experienced guide at all times. They know the wildlife’s behavior and will ensure your safety during the drive. It’s also advised to stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise, as this helps maintain a safe distance from the animals.
The Narus Valley is known for its abundant wildlife. You can expect to encounter large herds of buffaloes, which are impressive numbers. Additionally, you can spot iconic African animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and various antelope species. The valley’s swamps are home to small crocodiles, adding to the diversity of wildlife in the area. Your game drive in the Narus Valley promises exciting opportunities to observe and appreciate the region’s natural wonders.
The setting for your 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari
Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner
Day-2-Kidepo Valley Park – Game Drive – Manayata Visit:
A Bush Breakfast is a unique tradition during African safaris that you won’t forget. The staff at Apoka Lodge is excellent at serving a traditional Bush Breakfast in the wilderness. While enjoying your breakfast with a cup of Ugandan Arabica Bean coffee, you might even have unexpected visitors passing by.
Something unique about having breakfast in the Bush is that it just tastes better. The nostalgic feeling of toasting your bread over an open fire adds to the experience.
Like the sundowner, a bush breakfast is another memorable moment during your Safari. It’s part of the safari tradition and adds to the sense of discovery.
You can have a bush breakfast before or after your game drive, as the two activities naturally complement each other.
Afterward, you’ll return to Apoka Lodge for lunch.
Karamajong Manyatta Cultural Visit:
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a nearby Karamojong Manyatta. The Karamojong people are proud warrior-nomad-pastoralists who have a fascinating history. They considered cattle significant and used to raid other tribes to acquire more cattle.
The Ugandan government disarmed the Karamojong warriors, bringing stability and peace to the region. However, cattle still hold great significance for them, and they believe that cattle are their future.
Visiting the Karamojong Manyatta will provide you with a cultural experience and insights into authentic African life, specifically the Karamojong people in the Karamoja region of Uganda.
After the visit, you’ll return to Apoka Safari Lodge to enjoy the sunset and evening.
You will stay at the upmarket Apoka Safari Lodge, known for its luxurious accommodations.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day 3-Visit the Ik People on Mount Morungole
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most remote tribes in East Africa, the Ik people. They reside on Mount Morungole, approximately 2,750 meters above sea level. The Ik people are considered indigenous, and their name in their language signifies that they were the area’s original inhabitants. They have a population of around 13,000 and have recently gained representation in parliament through Hillary Lokwang, one of the two Ik university graduates.
You will embark on a scenic hike up Mount Morungole to reach the Ik community. The only way to access their villages is by foot, as there are no roads, only well-established paths. For many, this will be a fascinating day on their African journey as they learn about the Ik people, their unique culture, and their way of life. Unlike other regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, where cows are commonly used as dowry, the Ik acquire brides with beehives.
It’s worth noting that a book by Colin Turnbull called “The Mountain People” portrayed the Ik negatively, suggesting that they were incapable of love. However, this has since been disproven, and today, you will have the opportunity to experience a warm welcome from the Ik community and witness their capacity for love and hospitality.
The hike up Mount Morungole is not for those who are not physically fit. It is an escorted and guided 8-hour round trip, and the climb can be steep, adding to the day’s adventure.
To prepare for the hike, bring a packed lunch provided by Apoka Safari Lodge and an ample supply of bottled water (around 2-3 liters). Energy snacks like dried fruit can also come in handy.
You must carry a daypack, wear sturdy hiking boots, and dress in long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, which is recommended for better protection. Wearing a hat is also advisable. If you prefer, you can hire a porter to carry your daypack, making the hike more accessible, and a walking stick may provide additional support.
Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
Day-4-Fly back to Entebbe:
The 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari ends: On your last day at Apoka Lodge, you will have a special breakfast you won’t want to miss. Afterward, you can choose between a guided nature walk or a game drive, giving you one final opportunity to soak in the beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge, savoring the flavors and reflecting on your incredible experiences during your Safari. Sadly, all good things must end, but the memories and pictures you’ve captured will stay with you.
You will then take a flight back to Entebbe, so keep your camera ready to capture some fantastic aerial shots of Uganda, known as the “pearl of Africa.” Your flight departs at 3:00 pm and arrives in Entebbe at 4:30 pm.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your driver-guide, who will either assist you with your hotel accommodation or help you with your departure from Uganda, depending on your plans. This marks the end of your 4-Day Luxury Fly-In Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari at Kidepo Valley Park. If you choose, we can arrange transportation to your hotel in Entebbe for the night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch
Please Note: We can make arrival and departure hotel arrangements in Entebbe and include them in the Safari. Any part of this Safari can be adjusted to suit you.
Safari includes Flight to and from Kidepo Valley National Park, Lodging at Apoka Safari Lodge, all game drives, park entrance, nature walks, and cultural visits.
