Kidepo Savannah Lodge — Hotel in Karenga

This was one of our favorite places to stay in Uganda, and we wished we’d booked an extra night to further enjoy both Kidepo National Park and the lodge’s beautifully landscaped grounds, thoughtfully accented with native plants and artistic details.||The common area sits atop a hill overlooking the tents below, with sweeping views of the forest and distant mountains — a perfect spot to relax, take in the scenery, or connect online thanks to the reliable internet available there. It was so inviting that it became part of the experience, not just a convenience. And hands down, they had the best common-area bathrooms of our month-long Uganda trip — each featured a beautifully designed open window framed with stonework, offering both a view and privacy. The architectural details here were impressively well thought out.||Our tent was shaded by a secondary canopy and tastefully appointed. The private bathroom, located just outside the back of the tent, was accessed via a short cement path enclosed in a charming rustic stick fence. The stone-mortared bathroom itself was beautifully crafted, blending natural materials with thoughtful design. It was well lit, with a convenient string to switch on the light just outside the tent door, and featured an open viewing window that brought the outdoors in while preserving privacy.||The king-sized bed had a firm but comfortable mattress, and the room included a well-organized power bank and thoughtful touches like an umbrella in case of rain. The private seating area outside our tent was ideal for birding — as were the entire lodge grounds. We enjoyed excellent views of a white-crested turaco, lappet-faced vultures, yellow-billed shrike, eastern plantain-eaters, and scarlet-chested sunbirds, along with other common species.||The dining room had a lovely ambiance, with tasteful decor and furniture that made you truly feel like you were “in Africa.” Dinner was a prix fixe menu, while breakfast offered a few choices. The food was very good (including the coffee!), and the staff accommodated my food allergies with care. Everyone was friendly and attentive, and I’d especially like to commend Ezra for his excellent service and attention to our comfort.||If you’re headed to the Kidepo Valley and love being surrounded by nature, you should seriously consider booking a tent here....

We had a wonderful 3-night stay at Savannah Lodge. The welcome was warm without being overbearing. Peter was very friendly and even spoke a few words of French. Thank you guys ! Our safari tent was very good, we had no problems with hot water. The restaurant has a magnificent view of the valley. There was no Wi-Fi during our stay, but that didn't bother us as we came in such an remoted place to get some peace.

I would like to add that Kidepo Valley National Park was undoubtedly the most beautiful part of our five-week road trip through Uganda. While the rest of the country didn't completely enchant us(chaotic and dangerous traffic, overpopulation, sometimes aggressive begging, pollution, and poor conservation of natural areas), the Narus Valley certainly amazed us. We loved the silent immensity, the feeling of being truly alone in the world, the morning mist floating over the valley at sunrise, the large herds of herbivores, the muddy pools where warthogs and buffaloes lounge, the savannahs, sometimes green, sometimes golden, dotted with umbrella acacias, ronier palms, and false cacti. The gently rolling landscapes, with the sacred Morungole Mountains in the background, are of a raw beauty and striking intensity. In our eyes, Kidepo is more beautiful than the Serengeti. We saw larger herds than in Kruger, and it is almost even quieter and more isolated than the Central Kalahari. We spent three unforgettable days in the valley. Our only slight regret was that, despite our best efforts, we didn't see any big cats—no lions, cheetahs, or leopards... No tracks, no carcasses, nothing. A puzzling absence in this setting. In any case, we sincerely hope that this gem will remain intact, or even expand, and that wildlife, especially big cats, will find a lasting and peaceful refuge there. And maybe come...

Kidepo Is really remote. Not so many tourists manage to get there, there are more then 150km without asphalt to get there. The lodge is just before one of the entries of the park. Getting to the ranger station takes 10 minutes. It s located on a hill mainly facing the open valley on the north. There are luxury tents attached to a built toilet with a fancy complete bathroom. Lockers are provided to close the tent from both sides, or to close a secured forniture. Animals may be noisy and close nighttime. Night guards keep the place safe. The personal is welcoming and kind. The main hall is large, with tables or armchairs. They are enlarging the structure. They have a parking in the shadow. Continental breakfast is served there. The menu may change and include vegetarian options, but you have not a large choice. Food is not excellent. They can provide packed lunches. They have WiFi that works well only in the hall, not too fast. They have a...