Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with South Sudan and Kenya. Spanning approximately 1,442 square kilometers, Kidepo is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It boasts a vast landscape with sweeping plains and rugged mountain scenery, making it a true wilderness that hosts a rich diversity of wildlife. The park is renowned for its exceptional variety of animals that are not found anywhere else in Uganda, including cheetahs, caracals, and the greater and lesser kudu.

Activities in Kidepo Valley National Park

Game Drives

Kidepo Valley offers some of the most exciting game drives in Uganda, with very little human traffic. Visitors can explore the Narus Valley or venture further to the hot springs in the less explored Kidepo Valley. The park’s isolation ensures an exclusive wildlife viewing experience, with common sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and many unique bird species.

Nature Walks

Guided nature walks in Kidepo provide a closer connection to the wild and a chance to track smaller creatures and plant life. These walks can lead to the Kanangorok Hot Springs, a fabulous place to view a variety of birds and sometimes a gathering point for elephants.

Cultural Encounters

Visitors have the opportunity to meet the Karamojong people, natives to the area surrounding Kidepo. These encounters include visits to authentic Karamojong manyattas (homesteads), where traditional dances and daily life routines can be observed. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the nomadic culture of the Karamojong, distinct with their pastoral lifestyle.

Bird Watching

Kidepo Valley is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 475 bird species recorded. The park’s diverse habitats offer sightings of rare species such as the Black-breasted Barbet and Karamoja Apalis.

Accommodation Options when you visit Kidepo Valley National Park

Luxury Lodges

– Apoka Safari Lodge: Situated in the heart of the park, Apoka offers luxurious rooms with expansive views over the savannah plains. Each room is a blend of modern comfort and African style, complete with private verandas and outdoor bathtubs.

Mid-range Options

– Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp: Located on the outskirts of the park, this camp offers comfortable accommodation in well-furnished safari tents, providing an ideal balance between comfort and immersion in nature.

Budget Accommodations

– Apoka Rest Camp: Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, this rest camp offers basic facilities in bandas and camping sites. It’s perfect for budget travelers looking to experience the wilderness up close.

How to Get There?

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeastern part of Uganda, roughly 700 kilometers from Kampala. The most practical way to reach Kidepo is by air, with scheduled flights from Entebbe to the Lomej airstrip near the park headquarters taking about 2 hours. By road, the journey can take 12 hours or more, thus flying is recommended for those seeking convenience and less travel time.

Kidepo Valley National Park is an isolated gem offering some of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in Africa. Its remote location contributes to a truly wild feeling that enchants visitors with its beauty and tranquility. This park is ideal for those who seek adventure and want to experience Africa at its most untouched.

Kidepo Valley National Park