Isolated in far North eastern corner of Uganda is Kidepo Valley National Park and Uganda safari destination. The area covered by Kidepo Valley national Park is about 1442 square kilometers. Kidepo valley National Park is the game haven of Uganda hosting some of the rarest wild animals not found in any other park in the country.
Kidepo valley National park lies close to the border of Uganda with South Sudan and Kenya in Karamoja district. A mesmerizing population of wild game find Kidepo valley national park a safe sanctuary. Some of the resident animals of Kidepo valley include lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and more.
The vegetation of Kidepo valley is mainly open savannah grassland, dry montane forest, acacia forest, swamp vegetation and more
Brief Details about Kidepo Valley National Park
Location: Kidepo valley National Park is the furthest Uganda National Park of Uganda however it is endowed with the best game spectacle in the country. Kidepo Valley National park was gazette as a Uganda game reserve in first in 1958 by the British to protect the wild animals from poaching. Later in 1962 was upgraded to a Uganda National Park
Game to see: More than 77 mammal species are residents of Kidepo National Park including lions, elephants, waterbuck, zebras, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, Klipspringer, bush pigs, waterbucks, Guenther’s dik dik, mountain reedbucks and more.
Bird list: An extensive bird list of more than 463 species are registered as residents of Kidepo National Park including Abyssinian ground hornbill, Kori bustard, yellow billed and Jackson’s Hornbill, red throated bee eater, ostriches, carmine and more.
Climate: In general, Kidepo valley National Park experiences semi-arid climate with one rainy season per year that is normally April to September.
The Narus River Valley in the southern part of the park is the water catchment area of Kidepo Valley receiving about 890 mm of rain per year. Kidepo valley from which the park gets its name receives 635 mm to the north.
All year, the Narus valley is the source of water and several wild animals are often seen around this area especially during the extreme dry spell that affect Kidepo. This is why Narus valley is referred to as the prime game viewing area of Kidepo Valley National Park.
Distance: From Kampala the distance to Kidepo Valley National Park is about 792 kilometers. Different routes lead to Kidepo Valley National Park including:
Kampala to Mbale to Soroti to Moroto to Kidepo about 792 kilometers
Kampala to Karuma to Lira to Kotido to Kidepo about 705 kilometers
Kampala to Karuma to Gulu to Kitgum to Kidepo about 571 kilometers
Kampala/Entebbe to Mbale to Sironko to Kotido to Kabongo to Kidepo about 740 kilometers
Air transport both scheduled and charter flights are available at Kajjansi or Entebbe to Kidepo.
What Safari Activities To Do In Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda
Game drives in Kidepo National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is the key game safari destination of Uganda hosting restricted wild animal species not found in any other Uganda National Parks. While on a game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park, you may spot lions, leopards, reedbucks, cheetah, aardvark, zebras, zebras, jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, eland, endemic primates like Kavirondo bush baby and more.
In the extreme dry season, the Narus valley is the congregation spot for most wild animals as they search for water or more grass. Several tracks are found in Narus valley to enable great wildlife viewing. Three loop circuits are found in the valley especially close to Apoka
Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park
As a birder on Uganda safari, you have chance to spot a variety of bird species more than 463 species. Some of the resident birds of Kidepo Valley National park include Abyssinian ground hornbill, Ostriches, yellow hilled hornbill, Abyssinian scimitarbill, Karamoja Apalis, secretary bird, Kori bustard, Abyssinian roller and more
Kidepo Valley national Park is famous for its birds of prey about 56 species but of them about 14 bird species are endemic to this park including Verreaux’s eagle, pygmy falcon, Egyptian Vultures and more.
Scenic viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park
To enjoy great scenery, Kidepo Valley National Park is that ideal Uganda safari destination with plains bordered by some highlands from where you can spot a variety of wild animals and other features. When standing at the rock kopje on the hill tops of Kidepo Valley National Park, you get a 360 degrees view of the park, sightings of klipspringer, montane forest, acacia forests in the watercourses and more.
Hiking Mountain Morungule
The Morungule ranges rise from the plains in the Northeast of Apoka. You need a ranger guide to escort you.
Visit the Karamajongo community
While on Uganda safari to Kidepo valley National park, a community visit to the Karamajong community allows you to know more about their life style. The Karamanjogs of Uganda live a life similar to that of the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania.
Karamajongs are mainly cattle keepers and have so long live a traditional life even with the influx of modernity. They live in Manyattas where they provide security for their cattle from poachers. You may participate in some of the daily activities of the Karamajongs like milking, bead making, traditional dancing, bow and arrow making and more.
Nyero Rock Painting
On the way or from Kidepo valley national park, a break in Kumi to visit the ancient Nyero rock painting takes you into history.
Accommodations of Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National park has limited accommodation options because it is less visited despite having a variety of wild animals not found elsewhere in Uganda.
Some of the accommodations to book while on Uganda safari in Kidepo Valley National park include Apoka lodge, UWA Bandas and more
How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda
From Kampala or Entebbe four routes lead to Kidepo Valley National Park when you travel by road
Kampala to Mbale to Soroti to Moroto to Kidepo about 792 kilometers
Kampala to Karuma to Lira to Kotido to Kidepo about 705 kilometers
Kampala to Karuma to Gulu to Kitgum to Kidepo about 571 kilometers
Kampala/Entebbe to Mbale to Sironko to Kotido to Kabongo to Kidepo about 740 kilometers
It is best to use a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition for transport to Kidepo Valley National park because of the rough nature of the roads in this area.
Air transport is open too from Kajjansi or Entebbe to Kidepo both scheduled and charter flights.
What To Pack For A Uganda Safari To Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo valley National Park packing list include
Insect repellant
Safari attire
Flip flops
Light and warm attire
Camera
Pair of Binoculars
Back pack
First Aid kit
Safari hat
Warmers
Toiletries
Torch
Extra fully charged batteries
Sun screen
Swimming costume in case your lodge has a pool
Battery charger
Drinking water bottle
How Safe Is A Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park In Uganda
- Kidepo Valley National Park is a safe destination to visit while on Uganda safari. On ground there are ranger guides from Uganda wildlife Authority who are trained to protect wildlife and tourists in the park. Every tourist visiting Kidepo Valley National Park must register at the Park entrance gate and at the Main headquarters of the Park at Apoka.
- This helps to trace the way abouts of the tourists in case an emergency arises and you need help.
- On ground are rules that guide safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park which every tourist is expected to abide by like no stepping outside your vehicle without a ranger guide while on a game drive.
- Avoid stepping outside your lodge especially in the night while in Kidepo Valley National Park because there are so many predators that may pounce on you. In case you realize something odd when in your facility in Kidepo Valley national Park, do not scream but request for assistance using the means provided by the lodge.
- Drive at a speed recommended by Uganda Wildlife Authority when on game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park to avoid getting into trouble.
When Is the best Time To Do A safari in Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda
The best time for a Uganda safari in Kidepo Valley National Park is the dry season which is normally April to December. Note that Kidepo area receives scanty rains with one season throughout the year.
Most wild animals tend to congregate closer to the Narus River valley in the southern part of the park where water never dries out. The vegetation around this area is greener so most animals find their way here especially in the extreme weather conditions.
The tracks in the Kidepo valley are easier to navigate in the dry season when the ground is drier, grass plains are lower allowing better visibility of wild animals and features that stand out. The terrain of Kidepo valley is composed of porous soil which creates a dusty appearance in the dry season and becomes very slippery in the wet season.
What is the cost of A Uganda Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park
The cost of Uganda safari in Kidepo Valley National Park varies with package you choose from luxury to mid-range to basic. Do not forget the cost of park entrance fees for Kidepo Valley National Park set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority that is between $40 and $45.
Additional safaris costs to consider while on this Uganda safari include accommodation cost, transport costs, personal expenses and more. Do carry some cash for on ground purchases because credit cards are not easy means of exchange in Uganda.
Additional Uganda Safari Activities To Combine With Safari To Kidepo Valley National Park
Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience in Uganda
Uganda is one of the only three homes of the remnant mountain gorillas in the world with Uganda hosting about half the total population. One must book a gorilla permit to be allowed to participate in gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience.
Gorilla trekking is an adventure with the fully habituated mountain gorillas and gorilla habituation experience is an adventure with semi-habituated gorilla family and 4 hours are allowed with these primates.
Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Forest National Park are the only homes of the mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation Experience in Uganda
To do chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience in Uganda one must secure a chimpanzee permit. Some of the chimpanzee safari destinations in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Budongo forest, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest, Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary and more
Game Safari destinations in Uganda
Uganda has four game safari destinations you can visit to spot more wild animals but you need a well planned itinerary. Some of the Uganda game parks include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
All these Uganda game safari destinations can be reached with a well planned itinerary and having ample time on holiday.
Uganda is home to more than 1000 bird species and a great birding safari takes you to some of the best Uganda birding destinations. Some of the outstanding Uganda birding destinations include Mabamba swamp, Mabira Forest, Mpanga forest, Queen Elizabeth national Park, Murchison Falls National Park and more.
Mountain hiking in Uganda
Several highlands are found in Uganda and hiking them may require a day to more days. The Rwenzori ranges are the most outstanding and hiking them may take 7 days or more. Other mountaineering destinations in Uganda include Mountain Elgon, Muhavura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo and more.
Uganda is a rich cultural destination in Africa and these are defined by tribe, cultural institutions and more. It is better to identify your niche while on cultural safari in Uganda so that you are not over whelmed by cultural diversity in the country.
Ugandans are proud of their heritage and the differences amongst the local people may be by local languages spoken, cultural beliefs, staple food, customs and more. Be open minded when on cultural safari in Uganda so as to collect more information especially from the locals.
Water safari activities on Uganda safari
Uganda may be a land locked country but has a variety of water bodies that substitute oceans. Some of the notable water activities to do in Uganda include boat cruise, white water rafting, sports fishing, kayaking and more. The source of River Nile is in Uganda at Jinja as the river parts from Lake Victoria