Untamed North: Kidepo by Air

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred you to Mabamba Lodge. After settling in, enjoy an afternoon forest walk with your guide, adding to your bird list before dinner.

The following morning, after breakfast, head out by boat in search of the iconic shoebill stork. In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria with a sundowner.

After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your scenic charter flight to the far north of Uganda. The approximately two-hour flight offers breathtaking aerial views as you journey towards Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and spectacular wilderness areas.

Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to Apoka Safari Lodge. After settling in, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch while taking in the dramatic landscapes that surround you.

Later in the afternoon, head out on your first game drive through the park’s vast savannah plains, where large buffalo herds, elephant, giraffe and predators roam against a backdrop of rugged mountain ranges.

Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxed night under the African sky.

Rise early to the quiet of the Kidepo wilderness and enjoy a light refreshment before departing on your morning game drive into the park. In the cool early hours, wildlife is active across the wide savannah plains and rocky outcrops. With views framed by dramatic mountain ridges, your guide will search for lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe and the unique antelope species that make Kidepo so special. Birdlife is also abundant, with species such as ostrich, kori bustard, vulturine guineafowl and striking raptors often seen along your route.

Return to Apoka Safari Lodge for a relaxed breakfast, taking in the views from the lodge’s elevated position while reviewing your morning sightings.

The late morning and early afternoon are at your leisure — enjoy a peaceful break at the lodge, relax by the pool or simply soak up the wilderness atmosphere before lunch is served.

In the late afternoon, head out again for your afternoon game drive as the golden light of sunset softens the landscape. Wildlife becomes more active in the cooler hours, offering fresh viewing opportunities and excellent photographic moments while you explore new areas of the park with your guide.

After your drive, return to the lodge for time to freshen up before dinner is served in the restaurant, rounding off another unforgettable day in one of East Africa’s most remote and wild safari destinations.

Start your day early with tea or coffee before setting out on your morning game drive. The park comes alive at sunrise, and this is a perfect time to spot Kidepo’s diverse wildlife, including lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hartebeest, oribi, and Uganda kob. Your guide will point out interesting animal behaviours and track wildlife across the wide savannah and acacia‑dotted plains. Birding is excellent during this drive, with species such as Secretary bird, Northern carmine bee-eater, and Lilac-breasted roller often visible along your route.

Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast, enjoying the lodge’s elevated views over the surrounding plains. Take some time to unwind afterward — perhaps relax on your veranda, and soak up the peaceful Kidepo wilderness.

After a leisurely morning, lunch is served at the lodge, giving you a chance to recharge for your afternoon activities.

In the late afternoon, depart once again on a guided afternoon game drive. Wildlife is often more active as temperatures cool, offering fresh sightings and excellent photography opportunities. Depending on the day, you may encounter predators returning from their daytime rest or herds of plains game grazing in the golden light. Your guide may also take you to vantage points or riverbeds where animals congregate, enhancing the experience.

Return to Apoka Safari Lodge at sunset, freshen up, and enjoy dinner in the lodge’s restaurant, sharing stories of the day’s sightings under the vast Kidepo sky.

Begin your day early with a warm cup of tea or coffee before setting out on a morning game drive. Kidepo’s mornings are perfect for spotting wildlife as predators are still active and herbivores move across the savannah. Your guide will lead you to the best areas to see animals like lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, hartebeest, oribi, and Uganda kob, while also pointing out smaller creatures and bird species that make this park so unique. Photographers will appreciate the soft morning light over the dramatic mountain backdrop.

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, taking time to relax on your veranda or enjoy the lodge’s peaceful surroundings. The late morning and early afternoon are yours at leisure — you can review your photos, relax by the pool, or simply soak in the wilderness around Apoka.

After lunch at the lodge, prepare for your afternoon game drive. Wildlife becomes more active again as temperatures drop, giving you another opportunity to explore different areas of the park. Keep an eye out for rare sightings such as caracal or African wild dog, or observe the fascinating behaviours of elephants and other plains game.

Return to the lodge at sunset to freshen up and enjoy dinner in the restaurant, completing another full day immersed in the wild beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park.

Enjoy your final morning game drive at Apoka Safari Lodge, taking in the sights and sounds of Kidepo one last time. After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out. You will then be transferred to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Entebbe.

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Airport Guesthouse for your overnight stay, giving you a comfortable place to rest before your onward journey.

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey