Papa’s Camp

Papa’s Camp is an intimate wilderness retreat located in Uganda’s remote Karamoja region, offering guests a rare opportunity to explore one of East Africa’s last true frontiers. Surrounded by rugged mountains, sweeping plains, and traditional pastoralist communities, the camp provides an authentic safari experience far from the crowds. With its focus on simplicity, adventure, and cultural immersion, Papa’s Camp is ideal for travellers seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-track destination.

Location

Set in the heart of Karamoja, Papa’s Camp lies in a region renowned for its dramatic landscapes and cultural richness. The area is characterised by vast savannahs, craggy mountains, and acacia-studded plains, home to a fascinating diversity of wildlife. Karamoja is also the traditional homeland of the Karamojong people, whose rich pastoralist traditions remain central to life here. The remote location makes the camp a true escape into the wilderness, while also serving as a base for exploring nearby Kidepo Valley National Park.

Accommodation

Papa’s Camp offers a small number of traditional safari tents designed to provide comfort while maintaining a close connection with the natural surroundings. Each tent is furnished with comfortable beds, en-suite facilities, and private verandas overlooking the sweeping landscape. The camp’s intimate scale ensures a personalised experience, while communal areas such as the dining tent and campfire create a relaxed and social atmosphere. With only a handful of tents, the camp provides exclusivity and a true sense of wilderness living.

Experience

A stay at Papa’s Camp is about immersion in both nature and culture. Guests can explore the landscapes on guided walks and game drives, discovering wildlife such as zebra, buffalo, hartebeest, and an abundance of birdlife. Excursions to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most pristine and spectacular reserves, reveal lions, elephants, and cheetahs against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Cultural encounters with the Karamojong people offer a glimpse into their centuries-old traditions, from cattle herding to vibrant dances and ceremonies. Evenings at camp are spent around the fire under a canopy of stars, sharing stories in one of Africa’s most remote and beautiful settings.

Conservation and Community

Papa’s Camp is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism in Karamoja. By working closely with local communities, the camp provides employment and training opportunities while also supporting initiatives that preserve cultural heritage. Its low-impact design ensures minimal disturbance to the fragile environment, and a significant portion of the revenue goes back into community development projects. Guests who stay here directly contribute to the preservation of both the wilderness and the cultural traditions of the region.

Practical Information

Papa’s Camp is accessible via a scenic drive from Kampala or Entebbe, taking approximately ten to twelve hours, or by a shorter flight to Kidepo airstrip followed by a transfer. With just a handful of safari tents, the camp provides an exclusive and adventurous experience for travellers seeking something unique. Its combination of wilderness exploration, cultural immersion, and genuine hospitality makes Papa’s Camp an unforgettable destination in Uganda’s remote northeast.