Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo
A Mid-range Stay in Uganda’s Wildest Frontier
If you crave a safari that offers both exclusivity and authenticity, Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo is the perfect mid-range stay choice in Kidepo Valley. Here, you wake up to the golden hues of an African sunrise, spend the day tracking wildlife across vast plains, and retire to a stay where the wild is just beyond your doorstep.
Deep within the dramatic landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park, Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo offers an extraordinary stay where raw wilderness meets refined comfort. With golden savannahs stretching endlessly, jagged hills rising from the earth, and wildlife roaming freely, the lodge provides a front-row seat to one of Uganda’s most untouched ecosystems.
This is a mid-range accommodation option that balances comfort with adventure, offering an authentic stay in the wild. It’s an immersion into the untamed rhythm of nature. The lodge’s elevated position grants guests panoramic views of rolling grasslands and distant mountain ranges, where buffalo herds move like dark waves and lions lounge beneath acacia trees. Here, silence is punctuated only by the distant roar of a lion or the eerie whoop of hyenas under the moonlit sky.
Embodying Ik heritage, the lodge reflects the spirit of the land, seamlessly blending into the environment. The name “Mara” is derived from the first four letters of the Ik word “Marang,” which means “good.” This naming serves as a baptism into the Ik culture and community, reflecting the lodge’s commitment to integrating with and supporting the local Ik people.
Rooms & Suites
Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo offers three distinct accommodation options, each designed to suit different traveller preferences, each thoughtfully designed to provide comfort amidst the wilderness.
Standard Rooms
Perfect for solo travellers or couples seeking a blend of comfort and adventure.
Queen-size bed draped with a mosquito net, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.
En-suite bathroom with a hot shower, ideal for refreshing after long safari drives.
Private balcony for watching wildlife without stepping outside your room.
Locally inspired décor, featuring handcrafted wooden furniture and subtle African textiles.
Starting from $120 per night (full board arrangement).
Deluxe Cottages
Designed for honeymooners and couples, offering enhanced privacy and scenic beauty.
Spacious layout with an inviting lounge area.
King-size bed with plush linens, providing ultimate relaxation.
En-suite bathroom with premium toiletries and rain showers.
Positioned for the best sunset views, ideal for romantic evenings.
Starting from $200 per night (full board arrangement).
Family Cottages
Perfect for families or small groups seeking space and connectivity.
Two interconnected rooms with a shared spacious lounge.
Multiple beds, all draped with mosquito nets for added protection.
Large veranda, great for spotting passing zebras, elephants, or ostriches.
A homely feel, with warm lighting and earth-toned furnishings.
Starting from $320 per night (full board arrangement).
Location and How to Get There
Mara Safari Lodge is located inside Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most remote and breathtaking conservation areas, spanning approximately 1,442 square kilometers. It is renowned for its rugged terrain, sweeping grasslands, and dramatic mountain ranges, with the Narus and Kidepo rivers serving as lifelines to the abundant wildlife.
The park is home to a unique ecosystem where species such as African buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffes, cheetahs, ostriches, and lions thrive. Unlike more frequented safari destinations, Kidepo offers a rare sense of exclusivity, allowing travelers to enjoy unspoiled wilderness with minimal human interference.
The local Karamojong and Ik communities, whose traditions remain deeply rooted in their heritage, add a rich cultural aspect to the park’s appeal, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with some of Africa’s most distinctive cultures.
Getting There
By Road: A 10-hour scenic drive from Kampala (421km). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Karamoja’s rolling hills and remote villages.
By Air: A 1.5-hour chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo Airstrip, followed by a 10-minute drive to the lodge.
Accommodation Highlights
Prime Location: Strategically situated inside Kidepo Valley National Park, ensuring exclusive, crowd-free safaris.
Spacious, Well-Appointed Rooms: Crafted with natural stone and timber, featuring large windows that frame the wilderness like living portraits.
Private Balconies with Expansive Views: Overlooking a vast sea of grasslands, with frequent wildlife sightings right from your room.
Authentic Dining: A fusion of traditional Ugandan flavours and international cuisine, served with uninterrupted views of the wild.
Guided Bush Walks and Exclusive Game Drives: Explore untouched landscapes with expert rangers, ensuring intimate, up-close wildlife encounters.
Sustainable Tourism & Community Engagement: Deeply involved in conservation and supporting local Ik and Karamojong communities.
Sustainability & Conservation
Mara Safari Lodge is a strong advocate of sustainable tourism, ensuring that both the environment and local communities benefit from its presence.
Supporting the Ik Community: Through education sponsorships, employment opportunities, and cultural tourism initiatives.
Tree Planting & Agroforestry: Guests can participate in reforestation efforts aimed at reversing deforestation.
Eco-Friendly Practices: The lodge operates plastic-free, with solar power providing energy and water conservation measures in place.
Wildlife Protection Initiatives: In partnership with conservation bodies, the lodge helps fund anti-poaching efforts and wildlife monitoring programs.
