Affordable Stay at Apoka Bandas in Kidepo Valley National Park
Stay at Apoka Bandas In Kidepo Valley National Park, this is one of the most affordable accommodation options in Kidepo Valley National Park. Try the Apoka Bandas, located in the heart of the Protected Area right at the Park Headquarters/booking office. These Bandas are nestled on a hill that is adjacent to Narus Valley, overlooking a watering hole.
There are 15 Bandas at the Apoka Rest Camp in Kidepo Valley National Park, some of which are en-suite with showers, in addition to single, double, or twin beds with mosquito nets. The more affordable option is the Bandas with shared beds and common washrooms. There are also tents for hire at the Rest Camp, although they come without bedding and visitors are advised to pack enough food items because the nearby market is far away. You can either prepare your meals or hire a cook to prepare your meals.
Meals can be enjoyed from the Canteen which also sells drinks (soft drinks and local beers), biscuits, chapatti, and other snacks, in addition to other different basic needs. Also sold at the Canteen are decent African meals (such as fish-smoked or steamed, beans, peanut sauce, rice, bread, and cornbread among others). For large groups, it is advised to make bookings in advance for special supplies to be made.
Thanks to the incredible location of the Apoka Bandas in the heart of Kidepo Valley National Park, guests are always treated to free and effortless game-viewing experiences. Common wildlife species here are Defassa waterbucks, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, bushbucks, Topis, blue monkeys, Olive baboons, and many others.
With the Lodge’s closeness to the Park Headquarters, it is accessible enough when booking your Park activities and even hiring Park Rangers.
Park activities enjoyed while staying at Apoka Bandas
Apoka Bandas’ location in the heart of Kidepo Valley National Park makes it possible to undertake different Park activities that include;
Game Drives
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best places to see big game especially the African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Defassa waterbucks, zebras, Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, most of which can be sighted in Narus Valley.
Guided Nature Walks
Guided nature walks can also be enjoyed by Apoka Rest Camp guests. These walks allow guests to engage all their five senses in identifying different wildlife species, birds, and other plant species in this Protected Area. This is a perfect way to get closer to Mother Nature and reach places that aren’t reachable through game drives.
Karamojong Community Tours.
Areas surrounding Kidepo Valley National Park are home to the pastoralist Karamojong warriors whose culture can’t be missed during visits to this Park. These tours make it possible to explore their traditional homesteads (Manyattas), have a taste of their traditional dances, purchase some of their culture-themed souvenirs, and many other activities.
There is also an opportunity to undertake bird watching, mountain climbing/hiking, visits to the IK people on Mount Morungole, and so much more.
Uganda is blessed with other spectacular destinations including Semuliki National Park famous for Hot spring and the great Shoebill stork bird. Mgahinga National Park is also a great place to visit far southwest of Uganda, which is a second home to the mountain gorillas in Uganda and the golden Monkeys
For those tourists that wish to cross to Rwanda from Mgahinga, this is so close for a chance to explore Volcanoes National Park well known for Gorilla treks in Rwanda and a hike to Bisoke Mountain. Other tourists find it worth to visit Akagera National Park a wildlife park in Rwanda that is famous for the Big Five and a boat safari on Lake Ihema
