Get an updated travel guide to help you plan a memorable tour to Kidepo Valley National Park. This visitor guide includes geographical location, size, establishment of Kidepo, attractions, safari activities, where to stay, and how to get to the park etc.
Kidepo Valley National Park, often referred to as Kidepo National Park, is found in the remote Northeastern Uganda. Kidepo lies in the remote Karamoja area and borders South Sudan and Kenya. This park was created in 1962, and this was the same period when Uganda was granted independence. Today, Kidepo covers 1442 sq. km of surface area with an altitude range of 914 to 2750m.
Kidepo’s landscape is exceptionally diverse, featuring the semi-arid valleys, rugged, and savanna plains largely. The landscape of Kidepo is a perfect description of the Karamoja plains. The park features largely the Narus and Kidepo Rivers, which are the park’s key water sources. Kidepo is one of the National Park’s in Africa that is situated in the rugged and semi-arid region, with its peak rainy/wet season often experienced from April to September.
Attractions in Kidepo
An estimate of 77 species of mammals reside in Kidepo, plus 475 species of birds. The checklist of wildlife to explore during the Kidepo tour includes the cape buffaloes, hyenas, Burchell’s zebras, gazelles, elands, African elephants, Oribis, Jackals, patas monkeys, mongoose, cheetahs, and Kudus. The Park also supports a range of other species, including wild dogs, klipspringers, Bohor reedbucks, caracals, Uganda Kobs, Aardwolf, Kavirondo bush babies, bat-eared foxes, leopards, dik-dik, hartebeest, lions, and Rothschild giraffes.
The birds that live in Kidepo
At Kidepo, more than 475 species of birds can be spotted. These include birds such as the Karamoja apalis, ring-necked spur-fowl, Eastern violet-backed birds, Taita fiscals, Kori bustards, dusky turtle dove, yellow-billed shrikes, little green bee-eaters, pygmy falcons, and ostriches. Kidepo also supports birds such as dark chanting, golden pipit, Jackson’s hornbills, slate-colored boubou, secretary birds, Egyptian vultures, black coucals, fox’s cisticola, rose-ringed parakeets, pallid harrier, Northern carmine bee-eaters, purple grenadiers, and others.
Activities in Uganda’s Kidepo National Park
The key experiences that await you on your Uganda safari in Kidepo Valley National Park include game drives, nature walks, cultural tours, bird-watching, hiking, and more. Below is a detailed list of safari experiences to enjoy on a tour in Kidepo National Park.
Game drives
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best destinations in Uganda that offers exciting game viewing opportunities. While in Kidepo, the focus is to explore different savanna species in the park’s Narus and Kidepo Valley areas. These game tracks boast of diverse wildlife such as klipspringers, Rothschild giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, Burchell’s zebras, Kudus, Cheetahs, leopards, lion, elephant, dik-dik, buffaloes, and reedbucks. If you are keen enough, expect to also observe the Oryx, warthogs, elands, and many bird species ranging from scarlet-chested sunbirds, yellow-billed hornbills, Nubian woodpeckers, bush larks, Kori bustards, and others.
Birding –(bird watching)
While in Kidepo, you can be part of the rewarding birding expedition. With over 475 species of birds, expect to search for unique birds such as Kori bustards, Karamoja apalis, white-bellied go-away birds, Eastern violet backed sunbirds, Clapperton’s francolins, red spotted barbet, Dark chanting goshawk, and pallid harrier.
Other birds include black winged pratincole, chestnut sparrows, Abyssinian rollers, and Taita fiscals. The amazing birding sites to visit to begin your bird search include Apoka Rest Camp, Narus Valleys, and Namamukweny. Each of these birding sites comprise of varied species of birds with Namamukweny Valley lying in the Northwestern part of the park and is popular for birds like Eastern paradise whydahs, white-crested turacos, and more. At Apoka Rest Camp, the common birds to identify range from little weaver birds, super starling, purple herons, silver birds, scarlet-chested sunbirds, and others.
Nature walks & Hiking.
Embark on a journey to enjoy a captivating nature walk and hiking adventure in Kidepo National Park, a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself into the park’s diverse habitats. Kidepo offers diverse hiking and nature walking options for you to enjoy, including Mount Lomej, Narus Valley, and Namamukweny Valley.
Community visits
Besides wildlife excursions, Kidepo Valley National Park is known for its amazing cultural experiences. You can visit the communities located adjacent to the park like IK and Karamojong communities. During the cultural/community visit, you can explore the distinct cultures and traditions. The IK community, for instance, resides on top of Mt. Morungole, and getting there involves hiking 2750m.
When to visit Kidepo for wildlife viewing
Kidepo National Park is an all-year-round park. However, the dry season offers ideal conditions for you to embark on a successful game viewing. You can successfully explore the game tracks while spotting abundant wildlife without interference.
The wet/rainy months fall around April and June. As you organize your vacation to explore Kidepo, ensure that you carry the right gear, including comfortable safari clothes, a safari hat, waterproof hiking or walking boots, a camera, and many other items.
Where to Stay
Kidepo Valley National Park contains a range of accommodation options, including budget, midrange, and luxury. On the list of the top lodges include; Apoka Rest Camp, Kidepo Savanna Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Katuruma Lodge, & Zebra Safari Lodge.
Getting to Kidepo (by road and air)
Road transportation to Kidepo involves driving for 10 to 12 hours. The available access routes/options include the Eastern or Northern route. The Eastern route involves driving through Jinja to Mbale, and the Northern path takes you through the Kampala-Gulu highway. If you are not ready to for long hours on the road, then you can consider taking a domestic flight from Entebbe Airport to Kidepo Airstrip. Traveling by road to and in Kidepo should be done in a 4×4 tourist car. Luckily, we have the right safari cars suitable for your holidays in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Conclusion: Visit Kidepo Valley National Park to enjoy thrilling savanna game viewing in Uganda. With the above guide, expect to plan and book a successful tour to explore the wonders of Kidepo National Park. Contact Rivo Safaris Ltd, your trusted travel partner, to organize and book your dream vacation.