The furthest corner of Uganda-Kidepo Valley National Park
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 of the ages. All the built in anticipation reached so many climactic ends, that by the time of arrival, we were already filled.
View outside Mara Safari Lodge Tour ride to the game park
About 410 km from Kampala City the trip took us by a spectral storm. Thankfully, Karuma Dam was opened, we were able to view the gushing foamy waters, until we finally reached the farthest corner of Uganda, in the North east, Kaabong District.
Mara Safari Lodge, even at night, is a sight to behold. Surrounded by endless acres of savannah grasslands and several species of acacia trees, it is like a picturesque canvas for anyone to dream their life upon.
The story of Mara Lodge is just as enthralling. We met Samuel Akera and Cavine Anek, the directors and proprietors of Mara Lodge and with both of them sharing vast experiences in the development world, they developed a plan to support their early retirement. That is how Mara Safari Lodge was born. They had already invested in conservation by planting acres of trees in various parts of Uganda, tourism was an addition to their entrepreneurial spirit. Mara has multiple meanings, including, ‘How are you?’ a way of greeting, which explains the lodge’s name.
The view from the lodge is too much to take in at once, with the sunrise illuminating the mountains that border South Sudan and Kenya, illuminating the paw prints of the lions that walked at night and the ashes from the bonfire. With a welcoming staff and crisp freshness all around, Mara Lodge offers perfect accommodation, the rooms set as close to nature as possible, clean, well-organised and devoid of clutter.
Sunrise at Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo Valley National Park
The game drive. Being the third largest game park in Uganda, we drove just over three hours. There are two valleys in Kidepo. Narus is on the southern side and Kidepo is on the northern side, with more animals, because of the availability of water. We were on the southern side, Narus valley.
Herd of buffalo Herd of elephants
There are plenty of animals, each with a tale of its own. The water bucks are believed to have been the first animals to sit on the toilet, explaining their white buttocks.
Zebras are white and black to regulate temperature. The stripes are unique like fingerprints, giving each zebra its own identity.
The buffalo kept appearing and reappearing through the savannah, almost regal.
The elephants of course are so majestic and unmatched in their stateliness. With the matriarch taking care of the little ones, we waited for a bit, to allow them to cross the path which they had temporarily blocked.
Giraffes are always a beautiful sight, munching their food from the trees, with ease.
The warthogs, the ‘pumbas’, with their suspicious looking tails and frisky behaviour are so adorable.
Kidepo Valley National Park is so inspiring. It is a perfect family holiday and an opportunity to see a part of Uganda that many people do not venture, because of the distance. It is worth it. It is close to paradise.
Written by Beverley N Nsengiyunva
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