Our family trip to Kidepo Valley National Park, which took 14 hours by road—including all the stops for refreshments and stretching—is a story for the ages. All the built-up anticipation reached so many emotional peaks that by the time we arrived, we were already full.
Roughly 410 km from Kampala City, the journey took us through a dramatic storm. Fortunately, Karuma Dam was open, allowing us to witness the powerful, foamy waters surge below. Eventually, we made it to the farthest corner of Uganda, Kabong District in the northeast.
Mara Safari Lodge, even under the cover of night, is breathtaking. Surrounded by endless savannah grasslands and numerous species of acacia trees, it feels like a living canvas, perfect for dreaming big and deep.
The story behind Mara Lodge is equally captivating. We met Samuel Akera and Cavine Anek, the directors and founders of the lodge. With extensive experience in the development sector, they crafted a vision to support their early retirement, and that vision became Mara Safari Lodge. Already committed to conservation through tree planting across Uganda, tourism became an extension of their entrepreneurial drive. Mara holds many meanings, including a common greeting: “How are you?” – a name that beautifully reflects the lodge’s spirit.
The view from the lodge is almost too much to absorb at once. As the sun rises, it lights up the mountains bordering South Sudan and Kenya, revealing lion paw prints from the night before and ashes from the previous night’s bonfire. With friendly staff and a crisp, fresh atmosphere, Mara Lodge offers ideal accommodation. The rooms are tucked into nature. They are clean, well-arranged, and free of unnecessary clutter.
The game drive. As the third-largest game park in Uganda, Kidepo gave us over three hours of exploration. There are two valleys here: Narus in the south and Kidepo in the north. The northern side has more wildlife due to its consistent water sources, but we ventured through Narus Valley.
The animals are abundant, each with its own story.
Waterbucks, for instance, are said to have been the first to sit on toilets—hence their white-ringed behinds.
Zebras wear their white-and-black coats to regulate temperature, and their stripes are as unique as fingerprints.
Buffaloes appeared and reappeared, gracefully moving through the tall grass like royalty.
Elephants, always majestic, crossed our path slowly led by the matriarch guarding her young. We paused, giving them the space they needed.
Giraffes, elegant and gentle, fed calmly from the treetops.
And the warthogs, our beloved ‘Pumbas’, with their upright tails and twitchy movements, were surprisingly endearing.
Kidepo Valley National Park is deeply inspiring. It’s the ideal destination for a family holiday, and a rare chance to experience a part of Uganda many never explore, mainly because of the distance.
But it’s worth every hour.
It’s close to paradise.
