Kidepo Valley National Park | Wildlife | Lodges | Safari | Fees

Kidepo Valley National Park is a national park found in the Karamoja region in northeast Uganda covering an area of 1,442 square kilometers (557 sq mi). The Park is located in Kaabong District, the northeastern part of Uganda, and approximately 520 kilometers (320 mi), from Kampala the biggest and capital city of Uganda by road.

In 1958, the area that was occupied by the Ketebo, the original inhabitants of the area, who are said to have been living with in the area since 1800 was gazetted as a game reserve by the British nation colonial government, and so the people were evicted with an aim safeguarding the animals from hunting and to avert further clearing of bush for tsetse fly-control and was later converted from a reserve into the Kidepo Valley National Park in 1962 by the government of Uganda which was commanded by Milton Obote.

Kidepo  National park is Uganda’s most isolated national park and also the foremost magnificent true Africa’s finest wildernesses because it ranks among. From the heart of the park (Apoka), a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.

The park hosts over 77 mammal species plus around 475 bird species. The park is dominated by rugged savannah, covering almost 2,750 meters (9,020 ft.) 

Common trees within the drier areas are, desert dates, red thorn acacias, and to a lesser extent drumstick trees, fan palms, sausage trees,  and Buffalo thorn trees are also found.

The park is divided by the Kidepo and Narus rivers which disappear within the season (seasonal rivers), flowing 3,000 feet (910 m) and 4,000 feet (1,200 m) respectively leaving just pools for the wildlife. During the dry seasons of the year, water within the park is only found in wetlands and remnant pools within the Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal retreats, combined with the open, savannah topography, make the Narus Valley the most wonderful area within the park as it is a good spot for animal and bird viewing.

The local communities around the park include the IK people, a hunter-gatherer tribe whose survival is threatened, Maasai of Kenya as well as the pastoral Karamojong people of Uganda, however, the Ketebo also known as Amening are the original inhabitants of the area, who had been living with in the area since 1800. 

ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND KIDEPO VALLEY 

BIRDING

Apoka Rest Camp could be a good spot to start your Kidepo birding experience often arranged both within the morning and evening as well as on the fringes of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys. Among the bird species encountered on a safari in kidepo valley national park include; Purple Heron, the Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Clapperton’s Francolin, which is found only in Kidepo.

Animal viewing

Enjoy game drives and sightseeing mammal species within the area lions, spotted hyenas, cheetah, leopards, wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, bat-eared foxes, zebra, African buffalo, Rothschild's giraffe. 

 

HIKING/NATURE walks,

Hike to the Lomej Mountains, the Mountains are often reached on foot in four hours. Exercise, as you take leisurely, walks through the Narus Valley, meet members of the endangered IK tribe and stroll the sumptuous Kidepo River Valley between banks of Borassus palm forest. Shorter guided walks of around two hours may be taken through the Narus Valley extending over a 5km radius from Apoka Tourism Centre.

CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS

Discover the unique culture of the Karamojong with the Lorukul Cultural Group, located just outside Kidepo Valley Park. Engage in community activities such as weaving and learn the way how people around the area make their distinctive beads, feel the taste of the local dishes/cuisines, and even meet the Karamojong King, who will narrate the tribe’s folklore and beliefs.

Their main livelihood is herding livestock, and therefore the social and cultural importance are explained as you walk with the guides to the standard Karamojong homesteads, granaries, and cattle enclosures.

Wildlife at Kidepo Valley National Park

The Wild Treasures of Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park, located in Uganda's remote northeastern region, is a hidden jewel of raw nature and incredible wildlife. The park, known as one of Africa's remaining real wilderness places, is a home for a diverse range of animals that has adapted to the region's rocky topography and severe environment. Let us travel to the heart of Kidepo and explore the fascinating animals that lives there.

Large Mammals

Kidepo Valley National Park is home to an impressive array of large mammals. Here, you can encounter iconic African species such as elephants, buffalos, lions, and leopards. The park's open grasslands and rocky terrain provide a striking backdrop for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Predators and Prey

The park's diverse ecosystems support a dynamic balance between predators and their prey. Lions are a highlight of Kidepo, and their interactions with other animals offer fascinating insights into the circle of life in the wilderness.

Giraffes in Abundance

Kidepo is one of the best places in Uganda to observe the rare Rothschild's giraffe. These graceful creatures dot the landscape and add to the park's unique allure.

Cheetahs and Striped Hyenas

A rare treat for wildlife enthusiasts, Kidepo is one of the few places in East Africa where cheetahs and striped hyenas can still be found. Spotting these elusive creatures is a privilege granted to those who explore this pristine wilderness.

Ungulate Diversity

The park's diverse habitats also support a variety of ungulates, from zebras and elands to oribis and bushbucks. These herbivores contribute to the intricate web of life within the park.

Birdwatcher's Paradise

Kidepo's avian diversity is equally captivating. With over 475 bird species recorded, including ostriches, secretary birds, and many raptors, the park is a haven for birdwatchers.

Unique Species

Kidepo is home to some species that are not commonly found in other Ugandan parks, such as the bat-eared fox, aardwolf, and the distinctive Karamoja apalis.

Cultural Encounters

Beyond its wildlife, Kidepo Valley National Park offers a unique opportunity to engage with the local Karamojong communities, gaining insights into their traditional way of life and their deep connection to the land.

Safari Activities at Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park Safari Adventures: Discovering the Untamed Beauty

Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda provides an unrivalled safari experience that immerses you in the heart of Africa's wildness. Kidepo, being one of the country's most distant and least-visited parks, guarantees a true and unfiltered connection with nature. Let us explore the exciting safari activities that await you in this wild and lovely setting.

Game Drives

Game drives are the quintessential safari activity in Kidepo Valley National Park. Set out on early morning or late afternoon drives to explore the park's diverse habitats and encounter a wide range of wildlife. Traverse open savannas, rolling hills, and rocky outcrops as you search for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other iconic African species.

Cultural Experiences

Engage with the local Karamojong communities that live around the park. Visit their homesteads, learn about their traditions, and witness age-old practices that have shaped their way of life.

Guided Nature Walks

Embark on guided nature walks led by experienced rangers who share their insights into the park's flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Explore the intricate details of the wilderness, from tracking animal footprints to identifying unique plant species.

Birdwatching Extravaganza

Kidepo Valley National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Armed with your binoculars and guided by experts, spot a variety of bird species, including raptors, ostriches, and vibrant kingfishers.

Hiking and Scenic Views

For those seeking an elevated perspective, hike to strategic viewpoints such as Narus Valley Viewpoint and Kidepo Valley Viewpoint. These vantage points offer breathtaking panoramic vistas of the park's expansive landscapes.

Photography Expeditions

Capture the raw beauty of Kidepo's wilderness through your camera lens. The park's dramatic landscapes and charismatic wildlife provide ample opportunities for stunning wildlife and nature photography.

Relaxation and Contemplation

Take a moment to soak in the tranquil ambiance of Kidepo Valley National Park. Whether it's watching a stunning sunset over the savanna or enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, the park offers moments of serene contemplation.

Conservation and Research

For those interested in conservation and research, consider engaging with park rangers and researchers to learn about ongoing efforts to protect the park's unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park

The time of your vacation to Uganda's wild and mountainous Kidepo Valley National Park can dramatically impact your safari experience. The shifting seasons have an impact on the park's distinctive scenery and magnificent animals. To get the most of your journey, let's look at the ideal periods to visit Kidepo Valley National Park, each with its own set of benefits.

Dry Season

(December to February and June to September): The dry seasons are widely regarded as the best times to visit Kidepo Valley National Park. These months bring relatively dry and stable weather, creating ideal conditions for exploration and wildlife viewing.

Optimal Wildlife Viewing

During the dry seasons, wildlife congregates around the few remaining water sources, making it easier to spot various species, including elephants, buffalos, lions, and more.

Comfortable Safari Activities

With drier weather, activities such as game drives, guided walks, and cultural encounters become more enjoyable. Clear skies enhance your overall safari experience.

Ideal Photographic Opportunities

The clear weather during the dry season provides excellent lighting for photography, allowing you to capture the park's dramatic landscapes and charismatic wildlife.

Shoulder Seasons

(March to May and October to November): While the shoulder seasons bring occasional rain showers, they offer their own unique allure.

Fewer Crowds

Visiting during the shoulder seasons means encountering fewer tourists, providing a more intimate and tranquil safari experience.

Lush Landscapes

The wetter periods transform the park's landscapes into vibrant greenery, offering a unique perspective and picturesque backgrounds for photography.

Wildlife Births

The shoulder seasons coincide with wildlife births, allowing you to witness adorable newborn animals taking their first steps in the wild.

Apoka Lodge

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

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