MalaMala Rattray's Camp

Set deep in the Kidepo Valley National Park, Apoka Lodge blends seamlessly among the endless hills and rocky outcrops.  With only 10 guest rooms, this is intimate and remote at its best. Kidepo is Uganda's most isolated National Park, located in the northern reaches of the country where the light is golden, the wildlife abundant and the skies are enormous. Elephants roam through the camp, lions perch on the nearby boulders as if posing for their close-up, and massive herds of buffalo are a part of the landscape

Apoka lodge is built in the traditional manner:  canvas-walled rooms with high thatched roofs and big breezy windows open to the views.   All rooms feature private outdoor bathtubs - deep tubs surrounded by big boulders - looking out over the landscape.  The decor is neutral and natural:  a palette of cream, stone and oatmeal allows the impressive scenery to take precedence and a massive rock-hewn pool brings respite to the hot sunny afternoons.

Guides, all from the local area, lead activities including walks, game drives in open vehicles and interpretive visits to the local Karamong villages or the secluded homestead of the fascinating hunter-gatherer Ik people. As a showcase of the Natural World at its best, Kidepo is tremendously rich in all areas:  cultural, wildlife, landscape and flora.  Apoka Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore this beautiful area, boasting gentle staff, knowledgeable guides, a creative menu and lots of exceedingly comfortable areas to flop.

Chalets

The 10 chalets at Apoka are all of the same standard and there are 4 twins and 6 doubles.

They have been built with comfort in mind. Everything is handmade by local craftsmen, everything is large and capacious. 10 expansive chalets with natural canvas walls surround a rocky kopje with endless views across the savannah. With inside sitting rooms and private verandas there are plenty of places to relax, read and sprawl. Big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, hand-woven woolen carpets, oversized dressing gowns…you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing. Step outside to a sheltered terrace and slip into your own outdoor stone bathtub, big enough to fit the whole family.

Game Drives

Two game drives a day are included in our daily rates and are usually done in the morning and in the late afternoon.

We use open-topped Landcruisers. Our guides will discuss with guests what they hope to see and will tailor the outing based on these discussions.

Food and drink (included) are always brought on a drive and guests can stop and enjoy a drink and a snack in the bush.

Guests are very likely to get up close and personal with lions, elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, waterbuck, roan antelope, jackson's hartebeest, warthog, among many other savannah species. The birdlife is also excellent and the park boasts well over 80 species.

Bush Walk

Guided walks out in the bush, learning about flora and fauna. Follow the tracks, walk with zebra and giraffe, step in the footprints of elephant on a dry riverbed. The excursions can be long or short (some can be full day excursions) and are tailored to the individual group.

Bush Breakfast

After a dawn game drive, instead of returning to the lodge for breakfast, why not set up under the shade of a giant kigelia tree and have breakfast in the bush.

Cultural excursions

Visit a local Karamajong village with an interpretative guide whose family still lives there. Learn the traditional ways of life, speak with the elders, participate in the storytelling and dancing. These visits are authentic immersive experiences, not put on for the tourist.

For more information on the lodge, click HERE