Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s remote wilderness gem. Although less explored, it ranks among Africa’s most treasured and breathtaking wildlife parks. The rugged, isolated wilderness offers the ultimate safari experience with visitors treated to exceptional wildlife sightings including cheetahs and ostriches (unique to Uganda).
The park awaits the discerning traveler seeking adventure in the unknown. Here is our guide to planning an exceptional safari experience.
Kidepo Valley National Park at a Glance
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in northeastern Uganda within the Karamoja region bordering South Sudan to the north and Kenya to the east. It spans 1,442 square kilometres (557 sq mi) of rugged hills, sprawling savannah plains, and unique wildlife that mostly goes unnoticed, offering a true wilderness feel.
Altitudes range from 914m above sea level on the semi-arid valley floor to the 2,750-metre (9,020 ft) peak of Mount Morungole which dominates the horizon. The transecting Kidepo and Narus seasonal rivers create an impressive sanctuary for exceptional animal sightings and birding.
The park’s remote location makes it Uganda’s most isolated protected area, drawing few visitors and thereby keeping it unique and pristine. Those few who venture through the wild northern region of Karamoja would undoubtedly agree on its magnificence and reputation as ‘the True African Wilderness.’
No wonder! It is widely considered one of Africa’s finest, most remote, and breathtaking wilderness areas. The savannah landscape stretches far beyond the gazetted area.
During dry seasons, Kidepo Valley National Park is usually watered by wetlands and permanent pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley a premier game viewing spot, which draws dense populations of buffaloes, elephants, and other ungulates.
Until recently, the park was inaccessible and cut off for years due to conflict.
Wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley is home to a profusion of big game including over 77 mammal species such as elephants, buffalos, Rothschild’s giraffe, a considerable number of lions, side-striped jackal, spotted hyena, leopard and cheetahs.
Notable antelope species include the greater and lesser kudus, mountain reedbucks, Guenther’s dik-dik, Jackson’s hartebeest, eland, bushbuck, common duiker, klipspringer, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, and bohor reedbuck.
A bird checklist confirms over 475 species in Kidepo National Park, including sixty species found nowhere else in the country. This makes it the second-highest bird population in Uganda, after only Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Activities in Kidepo Valley National Park
- Game viewing: With a diverse array of wildlife, Kidepo Valley National Park offers consistent year-round wildlife viewing opportunities, with Kakine, Katurum, Nagusokopire, and Narus Valley being the best game tracks.
- Birding: With both resident and migratory birds, bird watching is best done around Apoka Rest Camp, the fringes of the Narus Valley, and the Namamukweny Valley with expert resident guides.
- Hiking and Nature walks: Kidepo Valley National Park offers two rewarding hiking and nature walks, allowing visitors to explore the park’s spectacular vistas.
- Cultural tours: The Karamojong tribe is one of the most remote communities in Uganda and the main local community around Kidepo Valley. Their fascinating cultural practices infused with dance and folklore are worth experiencing.
Best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park
While Kidepo Valley National Park is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the long dry season from September to March given that it is located in a semi-arid region. This is when most of the wildlife gathers around the Narus Valley, making them easy to spot.
The wet months from April to August are pleasantly less hot, with lush and green vegetation and crisp air, making them ideal for bird watching. However, visitors can still see a decent number of animals.
Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is 700 kilometres north of Kampala and just 5 kilometers from the eastern border with Kenya. The best way to get there is by scheduled or chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Lomej airstrip, approximately 3 km from the park headquarters.
It is also possible to drive to Kidepo Valley National Park with the most direct route being the 10-hour drive through Gulu to Lokumoit Gate. The long trip is usually broken up with an overnight stay at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after a rhino tracking excursion.
Where to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park
There are a number of accommodations in Kidepo Valley National Park, although they are limited to a small selection, primarily inside the park or near the gates. Here are key options.
- Apoka Safari Lodge: This is a pioneer high-end lodge tucked away on a picturesque kopje overlooking the Narus Valley in the south-western section of Kidepo Valley National Park. It offers a relaxed classic safari feel and breathtaking views of the savannah.
- Kidepo Savannah Lodge: A mid-range accommodation near the Kalokudo gate, offering unparalleled views of the Narus Valley, Mount Morungole, and surrounding mountain ranges.
Sample Trips
