Kidepo accommodation: your options
Kidepo has a small range of places to stay, and the choice mostly comes down to location. The park has bandas at Apoka, the centre of the park. There are also campsites at Kakine and Nagusokopire. Beyond those, a Kidepo lodge can sit inside the park or at its edge.
How many bandas are available today, how they are equipped and what they cost are things to confirm when you book. Do the same for any camp or lodge. Once you know where you will sleep, plan the days around it: the Narus Valley guide shows where the game drives go.
The stay types compared
What each one is good for and what to check.
| Type | Where | Good for | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park bandas | Apoka, in the centre of the park | Short drives to the game areas | Number of bandas, equipment and the current price |
| Campsites | Kakine and Nagusokopire | A budget stay close to the wildlife | Which camping category is offered and what is provided |
| Lodge inside the park | In the park, near the main drives | Night drives and early starts | Whether park fees and meals are included |
| Lodge at the park edge | Outside the boundary | A quieter base | Drive time to the gate and to the drives |
| Town stop | Gulu or Kitgum on the road | Breaking the long drive | Arriving before dark |
For most visitors, a stay inside the park or close to Apoka makes good use of the time. The edge of the park suits a shorter trip, and a town stop is for the road, not for the wildlife.
Our pick: a trip with accommodation included
Accommodation and meals are part of this five-day trip, which covers Kidepo and Murchison Falls.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kidepo safaris with accommodation
Many Kidepo safaris include the stay. Compare the multi-day trips and check which nights, meals and park fees each one covers.
Camping rates
Price per person per night.
| Camping category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Wilderness camping | $40 |
| Private camping | $30 |
| Public camping | UGX 40,000 |
These are the Uganda Wildlife Authority camping rates (tariff for July 2024 to December 2026). Booking in advance is required, and local levies are charged on top. Check the current amount before you book, and ask which of the three categories is actually offered at Apoka. See the park fees guide for entry and activity prices.
Why staying in the park matters
Park gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00, and the speed limit inside is 40 km/h. That leaves little room for a long transfer at either end of the day. Night drives need a UWA guide and are for guests who stay overnight in the park, so sleeping inside the boundary is what makes them possible.
Whichever stay you choose, arrive by daylight. If you come from the south, our Gulu city guide covers a good place to rest on the way.
Park rules that affect your stay
Simple rules for camps and bandas alike.
Camping and fires
Camp and light fires only at designated places.
No pets, no litter
Pets are not allowed in the park. Take your rubbish with you or use the bins provided.
Keep to the tracks
Do not drive off the tracks, and do not hoot at animals.
What to ask before you book
The same five questions work for any stay.
Is it open and available?
Ask about your exact dates and about capacity.
What does the price cover?
Ask whether park fees, meals, drinks, game drives and transfers are included, and whether the price is per person or per room.
Where exactly is it?
Ask how far the stay is from the gate and from the game areas, and whether the stay is inside the park boundary.
What is provided?
Ask about bedding, power, water and food, especially for camping. Bring what you cannot confirm.
How do I get there?
Ask about pickup from the airstrip or the gate, and read the Kampala to Kidepo guide for the routes.
Plan the rest of the trip
Related guides.
Kidepo accommodation: frequently asked questions
Where can I stay in Kidepo?
You can stay in park bandas at Apoka, camp at Kakine or Nagusokopire, or book a lodge inside the park or at its edge. Confirm current capacity and what is provided before you book.
How much does camping cost?
Camping costs $40 for wilderness camping and $30 for private camping per person per night, and UGX 40,000 for public camping (UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026). Booking in advance is required, and local levies are extra. Check the current amount before you book.
Can I do a night drive?
Night drives need a UWA guide and are for guests who stay overnight in the park. Ask when you book.
Should I stay inside the park?
For most visitors, a stay inside the park or near Apoka saves travel time at the start and end of the day. A stay at the edge works for a shorter visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
Camping requires advance booking. For bandas and lodges, ask about availability for your dates before you plan around them.
What are the camping rules?
Camp and light fires only at designated places, take your rubbish with you, and leave pets at home.