Kidepo Valley National Park is the most remote and rugged wilderness bordering South Sudan and Kenya in the far Northeastern part of Uganda in the Karamoja region. The Virgin National Park spreads over 557 square kilometers of Land transacted by the Narus and Kidepo Rivers. Kidepo Valley National Park also comprises 2,750 meters Mount Murongole one of the popular attractions in this isolated Park. Vegetation in Kidepo Valley National Park is characterized by semi-arid savannah, dotted with acacia trees and riverine forests along the Kidepo and Narus rivers.
The landscape is diverse, ranging from open plains to rocky hills and mountains. The two seasonal rivers in Kidepo Valley Park disappear during the dry season Despite the long distance to reach Kidepo Valley National Park, the park has been ranked as Africa’s finest wilderness offering exceptional experiences to travelers who manage to make it there. Kidepo valley National park is a not miss on any Uganda safaris
Top activities in Kidepo Valley National Park
For travelers who make it to Kidepo Valley National Park, the finest wilderness offers a variety of interesting activities that reward you with a lifetime experience. Some of the popular travel activities in Kidepo Valley National Park include:
Wildlife viewing
Being home to a diverse range of wildlife, game viewing is a popular travel activity in Kidepo Valley National Park. Morning day, evening, and night game drives are scheduled in the park to allow travelers to see a variety of wild animals feeding, resting, and socializing. Expect to see a huge concentration of wild animals such as Lions, Buffalos, Cheetahs, Serval cats, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, hyenas, Elephants, Topis, Elands, Uganda kobs, and Impalas among others.
Morning and evening hours are the best for game viewing when wild animals are actively hunting and grazing, Night game drives help you to see nocturnal animals that feed at night. The experienced guides at Authentic Africa Safaris help you to spot different and extensively explain to you the details of each spotted animal
Bird watching
Bird watching is yet another interesting activity done in Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is home to over 470 birds sixty of which are not recorded anywhere else in the whole of Uganda. Kidepo Valley Park is second to Queen Elizabeth National Park in hosting the highest number of birds in Uganda. Bird watching in Kidepo Valley Park is best done between March and April while migratory birds are present between November and April. Some of the notable birds in Kidpeo Valley National Park include.
The notable birds in Kidepo Valley Park include Kori Bustard, Little Bee Eater, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Red and Yellow Barbet, Ostrich, Abyssinian Roller, Golden Pipit, pygmy falcon, Graeter Kestrol, and Northern Carmine Bee-eater among others. The Park is ranked the best place to see raptors having 56 species recorded. Binoculars are highly recommended for anyone visiting Kidepo Valley Park for bird watching.
Cultural experiences
A visit to local communities for a cultural performance is another interesting experience in Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy a visit to the Karamajo communities, the nomadic pastoralists who are believed to have migrated from Ethiopia in the 1600s. There you will learn about cattle keeping, milking, and how to process milk into different products. The other common tribe to visit in Kidepo Valley National Park are the IK people living in Murongole Mountain. These people were former hunter-gatherers who migrated from Ethiopia and first settled in Kenya before crossing to Uganda. The IK people are now surviving on beekeeping and subsistence farming. A cultural tour offers you the chance to learn and experience the traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs of these Indigenous people, Traditional dances and songs are performed as a gesture to welcome you to their communities
Nature/Forest Walking
Nature walking is another way of exploring the gem in Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy a walk through Narus Valley where you will see various wild animals and birds in the wilderness. The walk also offers you the chance to see some small ground insects and reptiles that are hardly seen in a vehicle. The local guide will help you spit some medicinal herbs in the bushes you walk through
Mountain Climbing
Be part of the guided mountain climbing experiences in Kidepo Valley National Park with Authentic Africa Safaris. The isolated park is home to Mount Murongole, Mount Lonyilli, and Mount Zulia. A hike to the summit of any Volcano offers you great views of the neighboring local communities and the whole park with wildlife there.
Scenic Viewing
Given Kidepo’s undulating landscapes, the park is undeniably best for a scenic viewing experience. Embrace the beauty of the wilderness perched with acacia and fig trees. The dramatic mountain ranges and the winding rivers offer breathtaking views.
What to Pack to Kidepo valley National park
Travelers to Kidepo Valley National Park are reminded to carry the right clothes and other essentials if they want to have an enjoyable Uganda safari to Kidepo Valley National Park. Among the things to include in your travel bag include
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sturdy footwear for walking and game drives
- Hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun
- Sunscreen and insect repellent to protect you from poisonous insect bites
- Binoculars for game-viewing and bird-watching experience
- Camera and memory cards. Make sure your camera has an extra fully charged battery so as not to miss any experience.
- Water bottle
- First-aid kit for any emergencies in the middle of the wilderness
- Personal medications
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from December to February and June to September, is the best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park. During this period, wildlife congregates around water sources, making game viewing more rewarding. However, the park is beautiful throughout the year, and the rainy season (March to May and October to November) offers lush greenery and a quieter atmosphere.
Travel tips in Kidepo Valley National Park
To ensure the safety of both clients and wildlife in the Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has put guidelines for everyone visiting the park. The rules that govern Kidepo Valley National Park include
- Do not drive beyond 40 kilometers per hour
- Do not hoot in the park
- Do not bring pets in the park
- Do not litter in the ark. Leave only the footprints
- Do not pick flowers or any vegetation from the park
- Do not drive off track if you are not permitted
- Do not drive in the park between 7 pm and 7 am.
- Keep a distance from wild animals and disturb them
- Drink enough water when going for nature walks, hiking, and game drives to stay hydrated
Best Places to Stay in Kidepo Valley National Park
For those who want to stay overnight in Kidepo Valley National Park, there are a variety of budget, midrange, and luxury accommodations in Kidepo Valley National Park offering you excellent food and sleeping services. Some of the best places to stay in Kidepo include Apoka Safari Lodge, Kideo Safari Lodge, Mara Safari Lodge, Zebra Safari Lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, Apoka Rest Camp, and Karatunga Safari Camp
Getting to and around Kidepo Valley National Park
Wondering how to get to and around Kidepo Valley National Park? No worries, the national park can be accessed by both road and air.
By Air
Aerolink Uganda operates scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Lomej Airstrip near Apoka, the main tourism hub of Kidepo Valley National Park. These flights typically take around 2 hours.
You can also charter a flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airfield to Kidepo Valley Airport. This is a more flexible option, especially for groups or those with specific travel dates.
By Road:
The road journey to Kidepo Valley National Park is a long and adventurous one, offering a unique cultural experience as you pass through the Karamoja region. Here are two main routes:
Via Gulu: This is the most direct route, taking approximately 10 hours from Kampala. The road conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to check for updates before embarking on this journey.
Via Moroto: This route takes you through the heart of the Karamoja region, offering opportunities to interact with the local Karamojong people and experience their unique culture. However, it’s a longer journey, taking around 12-14 hours from Kampala.
Conclusively, Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem in Uganda. Contact Authentic Africa Safari, book your safari to Kidepo, and enjoy the true African wilderness.
