Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s least visited National park located in Karamajo region in Northeastern Uganda. Kidepo Valley spread over 1444 square kilometers comprised of mainly savanna woodlands, trees, and shrubs. The park is located approximately 562 kilometers from Kampala and its the most remote tourism destination in the Pearl of Africa. The fewer visits to kidepo have kept it natural giving travelers an off-beaten wildlife experience compared to other savanna parks in Uganda.
The park was established in 1962 purposely to promote wildlife conservation and diversify tourism products in Uganda. Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the Kaboogo district bordered by Moroto, the largest city in Northern Uganda. The park is a must visit for anyone planning a Uganda safari
Wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is famous for having a high concentration of wildlife. These include 77 mammals and 475 birds. The park is home to four of the big five plus several other wild animals. These include Lions, Buffalos, Zebras, Elephants, Cheetahs, Leopards, and Uganda kobs among others. For birders, the park shelters 470 bird species 60 of which have not been recorded anywhere else in Uganda. Some of the notable birds to see in Kidepo Valley Park include Little Bee eaters, Ostriches, and Kori Bustards among others.
The best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park
October to November is regarded as the best time to visit Kidpo Valley national park. This season is generally dry hence best for game viewing and photography.
The months of April, May, June, July, and August are the only wet seasons in Kidepo Valley National Park, compared to other regions in Uganda. The remaining months of the year fall within the dry season while December-February can be drier, making the park hotter and dusty
How to get to Kidepo Valley National park
Kidepo Valley National Park is accessible via road or air. There are three routes that one can sue by road to reach Kidepo Valley National Park. Kampala Gulu highway is 562 kilometers which is roughly 10 hours’ drive. Kampala Jinja express is roughly 584.5 kilometers which is roughly 11 hours and 30 minutes’ drive time while Kampala Hoima highway is 651 kilometers taking over 12 hours of driving.
You can also access Kidepo Valley National Park by air. Here you book domestic flights from Kajjansi Airstrip to Apoka Airstrip and then drive to the Park. The flight time is roughly 2 hours.
Attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park
Wild animals;
One of the main attractions of Kidepo Valley National Park is its rich and diverse wildlife. The Park is home to over 77 mammal species, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species such as elands, oribis, and kobs.
Birds
Kidepo Valley National Park is the second park after Queen Elizabeth National boasting an impressive bird population, with over 475 bird species recorded within its boundaries. You will have an opportunity to spot ostriches, Abyssinian ground hornbills, red and yellow barbet, secretary birds, and the iconic Karamoja Apalis, a bird species that is common in the region.
Kanangorok Hot springs
Narus Valley
Morungole Mountains
Lomej Hills
Lonyili Mountain
Activities in Kidepo Valley National park
Game drives
Game drives are a popular way to explore the park’s vast landscapes and encounter its resident wildlife. The park’s network of well-maintained roads allows for excellent game viewing opportunities, with the chance to spot lions lazing in the sun or herds of elephants roaming the plains. Morning and evening game drives expose you to a variety of wild animals such as Buffalos, Lions, and Leopards. Elephants. Cheetahs, Uganda Bobs, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Topis, Gazelles, and Diki Dikis among others.
Night game drives are also done to see nocturnal animals such as Leopards and Hyenas among others. The dry season between October to November is the best time for game viewing in Kidepo Valley. The season is dry and animals gather at Narus River for drinking water making it easy to spit them
Guided nature walks
Guided Nature walks in the Narus Valley are another way of exploring the hidden gem in Kidepo Valley National Park. This provides a unique opportunity to discover the park on foot. Knowledgeable guides lead you through the wilderness, offering insights into the park’s flora and fauna, as well as its cultural significance.
Cultural Tours
Cultural tours to the Karamajong communities give you chance to encounter local people who share their traditions, norms, and customs. The Karamojong are known for their traditional pastoralist lifestyle and are proud people of their cultural heritage. You can engage in community-led experiences such as homestead visits, traditional dances, and storytelling sessions to gain a deeper appreciation for the local way of life.
Birding Watching
With over 470 bird species inhabited there, Kidepo Valley National Park is the best spot for bird watching. The experience offers you the chance to see different bird species some of which are not found anywhere in the whole country. Expect to see birds such as Pygm Falcon, Golden Pipit, Abyssinian Roller, Little Bee Eater, Ostrich, and Red and Yellow Barbet among others. March to April is the best time for bird watching in Kidepo Valley Park while November to April is the best time to see migratory birds. However, birding can be done all year round!
Other interesting experiences done in Kidepo Valley National Park include photography and camping under the African sky.
Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park
There are variety of accommodation options and the following are some of the lodges that you can choose from.
Kidepo savannah lodge(midrange)
Apoka rest camp(midrange)
Apoka safari lodge(luxury)
Adele lodge(midrange)
In conclusion, Kidepo Valley national parks is a hidden gem you should explore on your Uganda Safari
