Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most remote and isolated national park, located in rugged, semi-arid valleys near the country’s borders with South Sudan to the northwest and just 5 km from Kenya’s eastern border. Situated approximately 700 km from Kampala, the park was gazetted in 1962 and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 77 mammal species.

Though its remoteness makes it less visited, those who embark on the long journey north through Karamoja’s wild frontier are rewarded with breathtaking scenery. Kidepo is often regarded as one of Africa’s most magnificent wildernesses. From Apoka, at the heart of the park, vast savannah landscapes stretch beyond the protected area, bordered by distant mountain ranges.

The park is traversed by two seasonal rivers, Kidepo and Narus, which dry up during the dry season, leaving behind pools that sustain wildlife. During this time, the Narus Valley, with its wetlands and remnant pools near Apoka, becomes the park’s primary game viewing area. Its open savannah terrain and abundant water attract large populations of lions, buffalos, elephants, and other grazers.

The surrounding communities include the Karamojong, a pastoral people similar to Kenya’s Maasai, and the IK, a hunter-gatherer tribe facing threats to their survival.

Kidepo’s wildlife has seen remarkable recovery in recent decades. The elephant population has grown from about 200 in the mid-1990s to between 650 and 1,000 today. African buffalo numbers are estimated at 10,000 to 15,000, while the Rothschild giraffe population has rebounded from just three individuals in the 1990s to more than 50 today, thanks to breeding and translocation efforts.

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a checklist of over 476 species, including the ostrich, secretary bird, northern carmine bee-eater, little green bee-eater, Abyssinian scimitarbill, and many other colorful and distinctive birds.

Activities to Do in Kidepo Valley National Park

Game Drives

Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park provide an exceptional opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The game drives experience is given by either tour operators or the Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. The two main areas for game drives are:

• Narus Valley: This valley boasts the park’s only permanent water sources, attracting large herds of buffaloes, elephants, and other animals throughout the year.
• Kidepo Valley: Though it has less wildlife compared to Narus Valley, it offers stunning scenery, sightings of ostriches, and a variety of bird species. This area showcases the breathtaking plains and the untouched African wilderness.

Nature Walks

Kidepo is a perfect destination for walking safaris and guided nature walks. Options range from short walks near Apoka Rest Camp to longer hikes across the East Kakine grasslands or along the Rioname Trail, leading to the southern side of the Narus Valley. These walks allow visitors to experience the park’s wildlife and landscapes up close, accompanied by an experienced ranger guide. You are escorted by a Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger guide during this activity.

Bird Watching

With over 475 recorded bird species, Kidepo is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park is home to over 100 species that are exclusive to northern Uganda and Kenya, along with several endemic birds like the Karamoja Apalis, rose-ringed parakeet, and Clapperton’s francolin. Other notable species include the ostrich, secretary bird, kori bustard, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and Abyssinian roller. Birding tours are guided by experienced ranger guides who help locate bird hotspots within the park.

Community and Cultural Walks

Cultural walks outside the park offer visitors a chance to interact with local communities, such as the Karamojong and Ik people in Kawalakol, Lorukul, and Karenga. These experiences provide insight into the traditional lifestyle, including visits to Manyatta homesteads, learning about their crafts, and enjoying cultural performances of music, dance, and drama.

Hiking

Explore the Morungole Mountains, rising 2,975 meters above sea level, located northeast of Apoka. Guided hikes allow adventurers to immerse themselves in the park’s rugged terrain, offering opportunities to discover wildlife, unique landscapes, and panoramic views of the wilderness.

Accessing Kidepo Valley National Park

• By Road:
  A road trip to Kidepo is a memorable journey, offering plenty of scenic views. The most popular route runs from Kampala through Gulu and Kitgum, covering 571km. The trip can be broken up with stops at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or an overnight stay in Gulu.
• By Air:
  Scheduled and chartered flights to Kidepo are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Flights are typically operated by companies like Aero Link Uganda and Fly Uganda. Advance booking is recommended, as flight routes depend on the number of passengers, with a minimum requirement of four people.

Where to Stay in Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation options range from budget to luxury:

• Budget Options: Apoka Rest Camp, and UWA Bandas (approx. $90–100 per person per night).
• Mid-Range Options: Kidepo Savannah Lodge and Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp Adere Safari Lodge (approx. $100–200 per person per night).
• Luxury Options: Apoka Safari Lodge and Adere Safari Lodge (approx. $200–400 per person per night).

For travelers flying to Kidepo, it’s advisable to spend a night in Entebbe or Kampala before and after your safari to ensure a smooth trip and avoid delays due to missed flights or luggage issues.

Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park

The park can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to October. During these months, wildlife viewing is optimal as animals congregate around water points in the Narus Valley, and roads are more accessible.

The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) offer fewer crowds and excellent birdwatching opportunities, as migratory birds are present.

Why Book with Mukuru Valley Safaris?

Mukuru Valley Safaris specializes in organizing exceptional wildlife and primate safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond, including Kenya, Tanzania, and the DRC. With over a decade of experience, their team of passionate Ugandan staff provides reliable, timely information and top-notch service. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, Mukuru Valley Safaris ensures memorable travel experiences.

Contact Mukuru Safaris for your dream safari to Kidepo Valley National Park!