Katurum Lodge Kidepo was constructed in 1971 by Danish master architect Hans Munk Hansen; it was named Kidepo Safari Lodge, now known as the Katurum Lodge. Kidepo was built by the former president of Uganda, Idi Amin; it was his meeting point with international friends. Katurum Lodge Kidepo was also his hunting spot since he loved hunting as a sport. Katurum Lodge Kidepo was constructed alongside other lodges like Semuliki Lodge and Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

With a cocktail in hand, observe the sun set as the sky changes color from burnt reds and shining oranges to deep blue skies and a beautiful starry night, all while the king of the jungle roars in the distance to proclaim his territory. Click here to see our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour.

Katurum Lodge, the haven for many wildlife species, is now an ideal place for travelers who love adventure, situated high on Katurum rocks in the valleys of Kidepo Valley National Park. This park offers a more rustic experience to tourists and an abundance of wild animals in the paradise sectors of the park.

The lodge got its name Katurum from the hilltop rock it was constructed on. It is well-known to resemble a Swiss chalet, where travelers can wake up in the morning to an abeautiful sunrise with windows opening to the natural fresh air and an unspoiled nature.

Katurum Lodge offers a luxurious accommodation capacity of 30 rooms, inclusive of a presidential suite, spa, health club, bar, and restaurant. All travelers to the lodge get a full package for both the game drive and accommodation.

Game drives

Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park are mostly done within the Narus Valley since that's where most of the wildlife species gather. Narus Valley is well designed with game drive tracks for a 4×4 wheel for a clear view of animals grazing in the short savanna plains. Many lions and other wild cats are often sighted on top of the rocks and kopjes searching for prey in the vast plains. The best time for the game drives is either in the morning when the herbivores are grazing and the cats are hunting. During the afternoon game drive, tourists often find many animals near the water sources.

Birdwatching in Kidepo National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the incredible birdwatching destinations in Uganda. Kidepo Valley National Park accommodates more than 480 bird species recorded. Some of Africa’s unique, rarest, and most sought-after full bird species that can be seen in Kidepo Valley National Park include the Black-breasted Barbet, Karamoja Apalis, and Ostriches.

Nature walks

Nature walks in Kidepo Valley National Park can be carried out near Apoka Camp at any time of the day, and tourists can be able to observe a number of animals like zebras, bushbucks, elephants, reedbucks, and buffalo during the nature walk.

Climbing Mount Morungole & Visit the IK tribe

Hiking Mount Morungole is an attractive activity that takes tourists to see the IK people. The great Moroungole mountain involves a day’s hike via the varying vegetation zones and rocky terrain commanding the beautiful views of Kidepo Valley National Park that expose tourists to a variety of cultural dances from the IK people, their way of living, their unique settlements, and learn their migration history.

Karamajong Community Tour

The Karamajong tribe is Karamoja’s main local community in the Eastern region and neighboring part of the park. Karamojong’s are among the most remote people in Uganda and who have not embraced modernization. The Karamajong culture is undisturbed and Kidepo’s wilderness.

Tourists can reach Katurum Lodge by both air and road transport using four possible routes, namely 

Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo, which is 792 km; Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo, 740 km; Kampala-Karuma-Gulu-Kitgum-Kaabong-Kidepo, 671 km; and charter flights to Kidepo can be organized for you.