Discover More about Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is Located in the distant north-east of Uganda, close by the borders of South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo is an enthralling place of semi-arid savanna, seasonal rivers and low mountains. It is beautiful - and accessible - at any time of year.
Kidepo Valley National Park’s landscape extends across 1,442km². Altitudes range from 914m above sea level on the valley floor to the 2,750m peak of Mount Morungole which dominates the horizon.
The Kidepo and Narus rivers glide through the savannah landscape in the rainy season and disappear in the dry season. Kidepo’s remote location makes it Uganda’s most isolated national park. The low number of visitors has preserved the unique ambience of this untouched wilderness.
Cut off for years by conflict of varying forms, it has only recently become accessible by both road and air. Currently, there are only two lodges and a government rest camp available. These two factors, along with the relatively high cost of reaching the park, have combined to keep visitor numbers low. But those who do make it are in for a treat, with enjoyment only amplified by the fact you are well off the beaten track, miles from anywhere.
Kidepo is home to 77 mammal species and the park offers great opportunities for game viewing. 20 species of predator are present, including lion, leopard, and spotted hyena.
In Uganda, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, cheetah, and caracal are endemic to Kidepo. The elephant population is over 650 (up from 200 in the mid ‘90s), buffalo are estimated to exceed 10,000, and there are over 50 Rothschild’s giraffes, an internationally important population.
Zebra graze on the plains and both greater and lesser kudu roam around the thick bush. Fortunate adventurers may even see a white-eared kob, more commonly seen in South Sudan and Ethiopia.
The bird list currently numbers 470 species. 60 of these are recorded in no other national park in Uganda. East Africa’s population of Clapperton’s francolin and the rose-ringed parakeet are found only in Kidepo. There are 56 species of raptor, and the park’s vultures are thriving. Kidepo is also the only place in Uganda where bird enthusiasts can encounter the majesty of the Common Ostrich.
Discover the Activities at Kidepo Valley National Park
Game Drives
Wildlife Walks
Wildlife Walks
The game drives are the best way to explore the far reaches of the park within a short space of time. Coming face to face with large mammals and predators from the safety of your vehicle is an unforgettable experience.
Most drives follow two 20-kilometre routes through the wildlife-rich Narus Valley. Here, a small amount of water remains even in the dry season, attracting large buffalo herds, thirsty elephants, and antelope. A gathering of herbivores attracts predators, allowing you to see a range of beautiful animals.
In the hot, dry season, game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon. This allows you to witness the animals in their most active state and capture memories when the light is best for photography.
The drier Kidepo Valley has less wildlife, but it has a wild beauty and is well worth discovering. Use the Kanagorok hot springs, 30 kilometres north of Apoka, as your focus, but do not get blinkered. Drive slowly, crossing the Kidepo River - a wide sand bed in the dry season - and meander across plains framed by the mountains. This is the best place for ostrich and secretary bird, while kudu enjoy the protection of the thicker bush.
Wildlife Walks
Wildlife Walks
Wildlife Walks
Step out on a trail and notice the sense of vulnerability that makes every walk a vivid experience. Comforted by the knowledge of your guide, you can encounter the wilderness in all its glory.
Most of the walking trails take 2 to 3 hours and wind their way through the Narus Valley. The walk through the Narus Valley is very popular as its short 5km radius is comfortable for most visitors. It gives you ample opportunity to see an abundance of magnificent mammals and birds within the backdrop of a stunning landscape.
Birders will often patrol the fringes of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys looking for the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Clapperton’s Francolin, which is found only in Kidepo.
For those looking for a greater challenge, a 15-kilometre route follows the ridge line into the hills. While there are many possible trails, some may not have been walked for a long time and will be temporarily closed.
Bird Watching
Bird Watching
Bird Watching
Birding watching is also popular of the most top activities to do in Kidepo Valley National park. The park is home to about 475 bird species and more are still being discovered by tourists who come for bird watching in this beautiful park. Visitors who come on our safaris for bird watching in Kidepo Valley National park will see the superb sterling, Ostrich, Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Clapper ton's Francolin which is only found here. The list of the many bird species goes on and on. There are many birds sighted from Apoka Rest Camp, Narus valley and Namamukweny which can be seen in the mornings and in the evenings
Cultural Tour
Bird Watching
Bird Watching
The park is surrounded by local communities of the Karamajong and IK people. So travellers to this wilderness national park can include a cultural tour on the top activities to do in Kidepo Valley National Park. The Karamajong and IK are similar to the Masai of Kenya and a cultural tour to these people will help you discover the unique culture of this remote tribe with the Lorukul Cultural Group or other cultural groups bordering the park.
Experience the Wonders of Kidepo Valley National Park.
