Kidepo Valley National Park Activities.
Activities at Kidepo Valley National Park: Located in the semi-arid Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its pristine nature. It is less than a 12-kilometer drive away.
As an alternative, you can travel to Lomej Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip using the scheduled or chartered domestic flight “Aerolink Uganda” or Bar Aviation. Furthermore, Kidepo Valley National Park was designated as a national park in 1958 and offers habitat to a variety of wildlife species, including 500 bird species, 86 mammals, including spotted hyenas, lions, cheetahs, leopards, African buffalo, bat-eared foxes, Rothschild’s giraffes, wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and African buffalo, as well as many more.
Due to its lengthy trip, the park is one of the least visited in the nation, yet it is still one of the most well-liked and authentic African wilderness destinations on Uganda Safari. CNN Travel named it one of Africa’s top parks with the most stunning scenery for good cause.
Furthermore, Kidepo Valley National Park is made up of two primary biomes: semi-arid short grassland in the northern Kidepo Valley and savannah-acacia grassland in the Narus Valley, which is located in the park’s southern section. Kidepo is typically found in arid regions with only one rainy season, which lasts from April to September. Additionally, during the rainy season, the park’s two beneficial rivers, the Kidepo and Narus, both flow water. In the Narus Valley, water is limited to wetlands and residual ponds throughout the protracted dry season.
Kidepo Valley National Park’s fauna
It’s interesting to note that Kidepo Valley National Park is home to a large number of animals and supports the biodiversity of mammals. Of the over 86 animal species found there, 28 are unique to Uganda and cannot be found in any other park. These include hunting dogs, aardwolves, cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, stripped hyenas, and other carnivore species that are specific to the Karamoja region.
However, the park is home to five different kinds of monkeys, including the Kavirondo Bush Baby, which is extremely uncommon in the region. The Greater and Lesser Kudu, Klipspringer, Chandlers Mountain Reedbuck, Bright Gazelle, Beisa Oryx, Dikdik, and Roan antelopes are among the rare ungulates that may be found in the park. In addition, Kidepo is home to tiny crocodiles, which can grow up to 2.5 meters in length, as opposed to the Nile crocodile’s 4 meters. Because there isn’t much food available in the area, they are little.
Zebras, bush pigs, Eland, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribis, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, black-backed and side-backed jackals, herds of buffalo, and elephants are among the frequent creatures to see in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Ostriches, rufous chatterers, rose-throated bee-eaters, pygmy falcons, Karamoja apalis, greater kestrels, golden pipits, fox kestrels, chestnut weavers, Abyssinian scimitar bills, and black-breasted barbets are among the many bird species that are frequently seen at Kidepo.
When visiting Kidepo Valley National Park, things to do
Wildlife safaris
Because Narus Valley is a watered area that sustains wildlife species, particularly during the dry season, game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park are more enjoyable when traveling along it. For a clear view of herbivores grazing in the vast savanna plains, visitors are advised to utilize a 4×4 wheel. Activities in Kidepo Valley National Park Activities: Lions and other felines are frequently seen perched on rocks and Kopjes, searching the wide plains for food.
The greatest time to go on a game drive is early in the morning, when the cats are hunting and herbivore species can be observed grazing. The greatest time to witness a lot of animals congregating near the water source is during the afternoon game drives.
Along Kidepo Valley, where you may enjoy the sand bed river, you can also go game viewing, especially in the dry seasons. Palm trees can be found in the sand bed, which also draws a variety of birds.
Game drives
Because the afternoon is extremely hot and the area is more likely to be infested with tsetse flies, visitors are advised to visit the northern part in the morning. Crossing the sand bed river will allow you to see the exciting Kanangorok Hot Springs, where you may take in the breathtaking scenery and be mesmerized by the springs, which the locals think have enchanting properties.
The river Kidepo’s sand bed
During the dry season, the Kidepo River’s sand bed can yield significant benefits. While taking in the lovely sounds of various bird calls, one can savor the outdoors experience.
The northern section of the park is home to the sand-filled Kidepo River. This is due to the fact that Borasus palms border the sand, giving the impression that it is an oasis in the middle of the Sahara.
Kidepo National Park birdwatching
One of Uganda’s top birding destinations for a birding safari is Kidepo Valley National Park. There are almost 500 bird species in the park. Black-breasted Barbets, Karamoja Apalis, ostriches, and 58 other bird species have been identified in the region, making it a fantastic place to watch prey birds.
Nature walks with a guide
Visitors can take the park’s guided nature walks around Apoka Camp at any time of day to witness a variety of animals, including buffalo, zebras, elephants, and reedbuck. Visitors can stroll along the Kidepo’s breathtaking paths and circuits, which are best explored in the early morning, to see wildlife up close and take in the breathtaking countryside. Activities at Kidepo Valley National Park
Go to the IK Tribe and Climb Mount Morungole
In addition to learning about their distinctive migration history, park visitors who trek on Morungole Mountain can interact with the IK tribe and experience their lovely way of life and distinctive communities.
Tour of Karamojong Community
When visiting Kidepo Valley National Park, you may take part in the Karamojong culture tour by seeing their traditional homes, known as manyatta, as well as their homesteads, traditional handcrafted stools, traditional dances, and hand bungles made from beads.
For a wildlife safari that includes a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelers are encouraged to plan an itinerary that includes a visit to Kidepo. The cost of a gorilla trekking safari, which requires a valid permit, is USD 800 per person per day.
Accommodations in the National Park of Kidepo Valley
Despite being one of the most alluring safari places in Uganda for wildlife watching, Kidepo Valley National Park receives less visitors because of the lengthy drive. Furthermore, the park offers first-rate and cozy lodging options in the budget, mid-range, and luxury categories.
UWA Bandas budget
Kidepo Savannah Lodge is mid-range.
Apoka Safari Lodge is luxurious.
