Kidepo Valley National Parks ranks the most isolated Park among Uganda’s parks to visit. Though very far located, still stands to be one of the most bizarre spots any Wildlife addict would wish to visit in Uganda. It was declared a national park in 1962 and currently inhabits some of the unique Wildlife species which are unavailable in any other Uganda’s Parks.
Its decent location at the core of Savannah landscapes nearby by numerous mountainous sceneries thrills most of tourists with sweeping views of rolling hills, sunrise/sunset, wilderness and more to awe. With its ever-taking charm, reasons for planning a Safari to this Wildlife packed park are endless.
Besides its exceptional Wildlife, Kidepo National Park is another Uganda’s great spot for endless cultural encounters. Multiple tribes dwell and inhabit the suburbs of this Park such as Karamajongs, Acholis and more
Kidepo’s fauna consists of over 75 species of mammals together with 470 species of birds including the endemic and non-endemic species. Named the third best National Park in Africa according to rankings, this Park is situated in Kaabong district, at about 510 kilometers from Kampala by road. It’s neared by Moroto, the largest town in this sub region.
How to get there
This Park can be reached by road or air transport means. By road, there are numerous options which grant access to this Park as listed below.
Kampala – Karuma – Gulu- Kitgum- Kidepo route is about 571km and it takes about 10 hours for the drive.
Kampala – Karuma – Lira- Kotido- Kaabong- Kidepo is about 705km and takes about 12 hours on a good tarmac road.
Then routes passing through Karamoja east of Lake Kyoga include Kampala- Mbale- Sironko- Moroto- Kotido- Kaabong to Kidepo, its 740km taking about 12 hours for the drive and lastly you can go via Kampala – Mbale – Soroti- Moroto – Kotido – Kaabong – Kidepo, its 792km and drive for 13 hours.
The most recommended and usual route used is Kampala – Gulu – Kitgum with a stopover either in Gulu or Kitgum for an overnight stay.
For this route, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stopover is also possible or spend a day in Murchison Falls National Park and after continue to Kidepo, whatsoever your itinerary is.
By Air – Private charters are arranged from Kajjansi airstrip on daily basis up to Apoka airstrip in the surbubs of Kidepo Valley National Park.
Activities to do in the Park
Cultural Encounters
Kidepo Valley National Park is surrounded by a number of different cultural tribes suitable for cultural encounters including cultural performances like dancing, singing and more. These tribe include Naporre ethnic group, Matheniko people, Ik, the Emuya of Nyangia, Larakaraka and more.
Game Drives
Game drives in Kidepo rewards magical African Wildlife encounters without the crowds. Several wild animals sighted include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, Zebras and more.
If you are travelling on your own, you can arrange the game driving with the lodge like Apoka Safari lodge. A ranger guide is often on board for an added insight about the Park’s Wildlife.
With a local tour operator, all the game driving is done by your Safari guide using suitable pop up Safari vehicle. The Park management requires for anyone in for game driving to pay $20 USD for day and $100 USD for night game drive.
Nature Walks
Kidepo Valley National Park is not only suitable for game driving but Nature walks are also rewarding. Nothing inspires than taking in an African Wildlife experience on foot and Kidepo is the best area to go.
Outside the Park, there are several places for hiking such as a hike up to Morungole Mountains for the unique culture of Ik people.
Then within the Park, you can do the climb up to uncompleted Idi Amin’s dream lodge started when he was still a president of Uganda. All nature walks and hikes within the Park are guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
Bird Watching
If your interest is bird watching together with Wildlife, Kidepo Valley National Park is the best place to go. It’s known for its birds of prey. 14 of the 56 species recorded are endemic to the Park and Karamoja region, these endemic species include Egyptian vulture, Pygmy Falcon, Verreaux’s eagle and more.
Additionally, Kidepo is the only park in Uganda where you can find the Ostrich. This is a birders’ paradise, there is no stressing off for different species but the best hotspots to notice variety include the Narus Valley, Namamukweny valley and more.