Kidepo valley national park is located in the northeastern part of Uganda and is one of the most remote parks in the country offering visitors a unique and untouched wilderness experience.
The park is situated in the Karamoja region, bordering South Sudan and Kenya. Kidepo Valley National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
The remote location of the national park has helped preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity. Kidepo national park offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility that is unmatched by many other national parks in Uganda.
Kidepo Valley National Park provides visitors with an authentic African safari experience away from the crowds often found in more popular parks.
The park is characterized by vast savannah plains, rugged mountains, and deep valleys, creating a picturesque setting for visitors to explore.
In terms of conservation efforts, Kidepo Valley National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They also collaborate with local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit both conservation and local livelihoods.
Attractions in Kidepo valley national park
There are different attractions that can be seen during tours around Kidepo national park and they include the following;
Narus valley
The Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley are two main valleys within the park that provide habitat for a wide range of animal species.
The Narus Valley, in particular, offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and is a popular spot for game drives.
Mount Morungole
Mount Morungole which is at an altitude of 2,750 meters is a prominent mountain within Kidepo National Park. It offers adventurous hikers a chance to conquer its peak and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The mountain is also culturally significant to the local tribes, who believe it is inhabited by spirits.
Wildlife
The wildlife in Kidepo valley national park is also among the key attractions found in the destination. The park is home to over 77 mammal species, including several rare and endangered species.
Visitors have the opportunity to spot African elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hyenas, and various antelope species such as elands, oribis, and Jackson’s hartebeests.
Birds
Bird species in Kidepo national park can also be seen during safaris. There are over 475 recorded species in the national park making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Some of the bird species which can be seen around Kidepo national park include ostriches, Kori bustards, African fish eagles, Yellow billed storks, Black breasted weavers, Ground Hornbills, Vultures, Secretary birds among others.
Cultural tours
Indigenous tribes such as the Karamojong people who have lived in harmony with nature and wildlife in the national park are also part of the attractions in the destination.
Other tribes that live in the communities around Kidepo national park include the Ik people. Visitors can engage with local communities to learn about their traditional way of life, cultural practices, and even participate in cultural events and ceremonies.
What to do and see in Kidepo valley national park
Game drives
One of the most popular activities in Kidepo Valley National Park is game drives. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
Game drives which can be done in the morning, afternoon and night provide an opportunity to explore the vast savannah plains of Kidepo national park and encounter these magnificent animals up close. Experienced guides accompany visitors on these drives, ensuring a safe and informative experience.
Guided nature walks
Another fantastic way to explore the park is through guided nature walks. These walks allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and observe its smaller inhabitants, such as birds, insects, and plant life.
Walking safaris offer a more intimate experience with nature and provide an opportunity to learn about the park’s ecosystem from knowledgeable guides.
Cultural encounters
Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in an area inhabited by several indigenous tribes, including the Karamojong people and the Ik people.
Engaging in cultural encounters allows visitors to learn about the traditional lifestyles, customs, and traditions of these communities. Visitors can participate in activities such as visiting local villages, witnessing traditional dances and performances, and interacting with community members.
Bird watching
Kidepo Valley National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 475 bird species. The park’s diverse habitats, including savannah grasslands, mountains, and wetlands, attract a wide variety of birdlife.
Bird watching safaris offer an opportunity to spot rare and endemic species such as the Karamoja apalis and the Abyssinian roller.
Hiking
For visitors seeking more adventurous experiences during a safari in Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park offers hiking and opportunities.
Kidepo national park is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, including Mount Morungole and Mount Moroto. Hiking to the top of these mountains provides breathtaking panoramic views of the park and its surroundings.
Park entrance fees for Kidepo national park
The current park entrance fees for Kidepo National Park are as follows:
Foreign non-residents
The park entrance fee for foreign non-residents is $40 per person per day in Kidepo national park.
Foreign residents
Foreign residents in Uganda are required to pay an entrance fee of 30 USD per person per day for safaris in Kidepo national park.
East African citizens
East African citizens, including Ugandan nationals are charged UGX 20,000 per person per day as the entrance fee to visit Kidepo national park.
Children
Children visiting Kidepo national park are charged park entrance fee of 20 USD for foreign nonresidents, 10 USD for foreign residents and 5,000 UGX for East Africans.
Best time to visit Kidepo national park
The best time to visit Kidepo National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to March and June to September. During these months, the park experiences less rainfall, making it easier to navigate the rugged terrain and spot wildlife.
Safaris in Kidepo national park can also be done during the rainy season which runs from April to May and October to November when the park receives heavy rainfall.
How to get to Kidepo valley national park
By Air
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Kidepo National Park is by air by booking scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo Airport operated by domestic airlines such as Aerolink Uganda.
By road
The drive to Kidepo national park from Kampala or Entebbe is an adventurous journey which takes approximately 10-12 hours.
The route which can be used to get to the national park is the Kampala-Gulu-Kitgum-Kidepo route and another route used by visitors to get to Kidepo national park is the Kampala-Lira-Kotido-Kabong route.
Lodges around Kidepo valley national park
Lodges found around Kidepo national park include midrange, budget and luxury accommodations as well as camping facilities.
Accommodations around Kidepo national park include Apoka safari lodge, Kidepo savannah lodge among others.
