Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is the most remote and least explored national park in Uganda, yet it is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness area. The park is located in the semi – arid valleys of Karamoja, bordering South Sudan to the northwest and Kenya just 5 kilometers to the east, and approximately 700 kilometers from Kampala.
With a size of 1,442 square kilometers, Kidepo’s landscape features mainly rugged savannah, hills and great valleys that are surrounded by the Morungole Mountains. From Apoka the heart of the park, the vast golden savannah extends far beyond the protected area, framed by distant mountain ranges that dominate the horizon. Kidepo is served by two main rivers, Kidepo and Narus Rivers, which dry up during the dry season, leaving behind scattered pools that become lifelines for wildlife.
Kidepo Valley National Park was first gazetted a national park in 1962, the park is a true Africa safari gem, boasting an incredible variety of big game, unique landscapes and rich birdlife. The park is home to over 77 mammal species and over 476 bird species, making it a prime destination for both wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.
Wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park
By size, Kidepo Valley National Park is the third largest national park in Uganda which is one of the reasons to why it hosts a greater biodiversity. The park is home to 77 mammal species, offering great opportunities for game viewing. The wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park include 20 species of predators, including lions, leopard and spotted hyenas, as well as species endemic to Kidepo including black – backed jackal, bat – eared fox, aardwolf, cheetah, and caracal.
Kidepo’s elephant population is over 650, buffaloes are estimated to exceed 10,000 and there are over 50 Rothschild’s giraffes, an internationally important population. Other wildlife species in Kidepo Valley National Park include zebras, both greater and lesser kudu. Cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, bat-eared fox, leopards, reedbuck, Uganda kob and oribs, Jackson’s hartebeests among others.
Birdlife in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to over 470 bird species, with 60 of these recorded in no other national park in Uganda. East Africa’s population of Clapperton’s francolin and the rose-ringed parakeet are found only in Kidepo Valley National Park.
There are 56 raptor and Kidepo’s population of vulture is also thrilling. Kidepo Valley National Park is the only place in Uganda where birth enthusiasts can encounter the majestic Common Ostrich. Other bird species in Kidepo include Abyssinian roller, Abyssinian scimitarbill, Black-breasted barbet, Chestnut weaver, Clapperton’s francolin, D’Arnaud’s barbet, Dark chanting goshawk, Fox kestrel, Golden pipit, Greater kestrel, Jackson’s hornbill, Karamoja apalis, Kori bustard, Northern carmine bee-eater, Purple grenadier, Pygmy falcon, Red-and-yellow barbet, Red-throated bee-eater, Rose-ringed parakeet, Rufous chatterer, Secretary bird and White-bellied go-away-bird among others.
Safari Activities to Do in Kidepo Valley National Park
Game Drives
Explore Kidepo Valley National Park a remote and varied haven on game drives. This remote, untouched park is one of Africa’s hidden gems brimming with varied landscapes, with a few numbers of visitors expect to an almost private game drive experience as you traverse through vast plains punctuated with craggy outcrops, and a flourishing valley.
In company of your experienced guide, you will be introduced to the park’s fantastic flora as well as its wildlife ranging from lions, elephants and leopards to buffaloes, giraffes and a variety of antelopes as well as a wide array of bird species and so much more. The vast landscape throughout Kidepo Valley National Park dotted with small green hills, rocky rugged out crops and inselberg are incredible and where you can enjoy spectacular views in all directions. The waters from Kidepo River is a sparkling oasis in the semi-desert. Home to over numerous mammal species including cheetahs, elusive leopard, golden lions, giraffes and the mischievous bat eared foxes among others.
Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences to Kidepo Valley National Park take you on a visit to meet the Karamojong and Ik people.
On your visit to the semi-nomadic Karamojong community, you will learn about their fascinating way of life, meet the village elders and enjoy a fun filled experience, you will be entertained by local dances and drama, take part in their dances among others.
Your cultural experiences in Kidepo Valley National Park continue to the Ik people also known as the “Mountain People”, these people are a unique Uganda ethnic group located in north Eastern Uganda in the Morungule Mountains, Kabongo district. They are one of the smallest and marginalized tribes in Uganda with about 10,000 people.
Guided Nature Walks and Hikes
Step out the comfort of the vehicle, and head out on a foot for a guided nature walks and hikes on which you will notice the sense of vulnerability making every walk a vivid experience. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you can encounter the wilderness in all its glory.
Most of the walking trails in Kidepo take 2 to 3 hours, winding their way through the Narus Valley. The walk through the Narus Valley is very popular as its short 5 km radius is comfortable for most visitors. It gives you ample opportunity to see an abundance of magnificent mammals and birds within the backdrop of a stunning landscape.
While in the Narus Valley and Namamukweny Valleys, you will get to spot several bird species including Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Clapperton’s Francolin, which is found only in Kidepo.
Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is situated approximately 521 kilometers way from Kampala – the capital of Uganda and where most safaris begin from. From here, the park can be accessed by road and air means.
By Road: It is a journey of 521 kilometers, and from Moroto Town, it is a journey of 219 kilometers.
By Air: Flying is the most convenient way to get to Kidepo Valley National Park. There are domestic and charter flights from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip to Apoka Airstrip.
Best Time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park
Generally Uganda has two dry and wet seasons and to answer “When is the best time to visit Kidepo?” Wildlife viewing is best done during the dry season months of December to March and July to August. During this time, the Kidepo and Narus Rivers dry up, leaving small oasis where the animals gather in large number to drink water. The gathering of the animals provide perfect opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Where to Stay in Kidepo Valley National Park
There is limited accommodation options in Kidepo Valley National Park, the available accommodations range from budget, midrange to luxury and they include
- Apoka Safari Lodge
- Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
- Apoka Rest Camp
- Kidepo Savannah Lodge
