“Uganda is mostly known for its mountain gorilla tourism and most people visiting Uganda will include a gorilla trekking experience in their itinerary. It is possible to go on an Uganda gorilla tour as an add-on to an East African safari in Kenya or Tanzania, but Uganda has lots more to offer, so consider visiting some of the savannah reserves and tracking chimpanzees as well. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a variety of activities such as chimpanzee trekking in Kyambara Gorge and a boat trip on Kazinga Channel. The wildlife is diverse and one of the highlights is the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the park. Murchison Falls National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing as well as spectacular scenic beauty. You can take a boat trip on the Nile River to the famous Murchison Falls or to the delta. The latter is particularly rewarding for birders, and sightings of the prehistoric shoebill are very common in this area. More remote is Kidepo Valley National Park. This park offers a true wilderness experience and is home to many species that don’t occur elsewhere in the country, including the graceful cheetah. Primate lovers should visit Kibale National Park as it offers the most reliable chimpanzee trekking in the country, and a special habituation program is available for visitors wanting the spend a full day with their closest relatives.”
What can I expect from an African safari in Uganda?
“Variety is key on a Uganda safari. Each park in the country offers a very different experience and set of activities. The country is immensely beautiful, with many scenic highlights and landmarks such as Murchison Falls on the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park, the volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga National Park, a true rainforest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and a string of Rift Valley lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wildlife viewing in the savannah reserves is not as overwhelming as in some of the top safari countries, but there is a good variety of animals to be seen. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks offer excellent boat trips to supplement the game drives. Most visitors to the country will track mountain gorillas and many will also track chimpanzees. A minimum level of fitness is required and one must be prepared for strenuous hiking on slippery mountain slopes through thick forest vegetation. The country receives quite high rainfall throughout the year, and although most rain happens in the afternoon, you might well get wet on occasion. Uganda is a top destination for slightly adventurous visitors enjoying wildlife viewing as well as a bit of hiking.”
Unforgettable Moments in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the North-Eastern corner of Uganda. She stands at 914m -2,750m above sea level and has two beautiful rivers, the Kidepo river and the Narus river that dry off during the dry seasons leaving small spots of water for the wildlife to drink from. It is ranked among the best African wildernesses, with an over 700km drive from Kampala, Kidepo is a savannah rugged home away from home. If you are looking for that real African rugged feel and some alone time in the wild, a honeymoon in Kidepo is an amazing choice.
So, why should your honeymoon be in Kidepo?
Kidepo Valley National Park was ranked by CNN travel site as the second-best national park in Africa. In that article, Kidepo was portrayed as possibly ‘the most beautiful park in all Africa’ and this is for valid reasons. The park contains at least 86 mammal species, including over 4,000 buffalo and thousands of elephants and zebras. Kidepo is as beautiful as any wilderness can be, with her plains and Narus valley and mountainscape of Mount Morungole, the landscape alone will amaze you. As far as the eye can see, it is quite a site of the Northern savannah spotted by all kinds of wildlife.
Being far off in the corner of the country brings has its advantages, Kidepo attracts few numbers tourists compared to the other parks which leaves for that intimacy and alone time you very much need. The lodging areas are often less crowded which gives you the flexibility to be real honeymooners and less reserved. Have dinner upon the massive stones overlooking the entire game park as you watch the sun go down or a picnic in the safe parts of the park with nothing but you and the wild.
Kidepo is the most remote game park in Uganda but that does not apply to her luxury lodging for her visitors. Yes, it is your honeymoon and would love to spend it in a honeymoon worthy environment, so don’t worry about accommodation.
Apoka Safari Lodge
Right inside the game park is Apoka Safari Lodge with everything handcrafted by local craftsmen. There are 10 spacious rooms standing upon the rocky Kopje area offering you a view of the wilderness as far as the eye can see. The most alluring part of this unique lodging area is the stone bathtub and swimming pool carved from the rock itself with an open view of Kidepo game park! How very original and authentic. At Apoka, you can have your breakfast or meal outside as part of the wild experience.
Kidepo Savannah Lodge
For that honeymoon that is a bit low key and mostly based on adventure, this is the perfect lodge to stay. With 12 large beautiful self-contained safari tents raised on decks, they all have private verandas with a perfect view of the savannah where you can chill, read a book and sip on some chilled wine all afternoon.
Kidepo is a wonder. There is a lot to do and see. The Narus Valley, Kidepo valley, Kanangorok Hot Springs, Mount Morungule are all dotted with elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions among others. While on the trip, take a chance to enjoy the rich culture of the Karamojong people and communities. There are a number of traditional dancers in the area for entertainment like the Emuya dance of the Nyangai.
