Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem of wilderness found in the remote gorgeous landscapes of rugged hills and vast savannahs in Northern Eastern corner of Uganda on Karamoja Region. From Kampala – the capital of Uganda, Kidepo is approximately 700 km away. The park sits on a massive 557 sq-mile (1,442-sq-km) rocky, semi-arid Karamoja province on the northeastern frontier with Kenya and South Sudan.
Sprawling savannah plains, soaring mountains, spectacular landscapes and various wildlife species spreading across the grasslands, Kidepo Valley National Park ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses.
Kidepo Valley National Park is the most remote safari park in Africa and is recognized for hosting a number of animals some of which are endemic and restricted to the park in the entire country, these include aardwolves, caracal, and cheetahs, greater and less kudus, bat-eared foxes among others.
History of Kidepo Valley National Park
Officially Kidepo Valley National Park was designated as a national park by the Ugandan government in 1962, purposely to preserve the area’s unique ecosystem and the diverse species it harbors. Prior to being designated as a national park, the area was inhabited by the indigenous Karamojong and Ik people who practiced pastoralism and small-scale agriculture.
The establishment of Kidepo Valley National Park resulted into increased conservation efforts including initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting the park’s rich biodiversity and ensuring the continued coexistence of the local communities and wildlife. Despite challenges over the years including periods of civil unrest and limited infrastructure development, the park has remained a critical conservation area in Uganda and a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Geography of Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park’s geographical terrain is as diverse as its wildlife. It encompasses a blend of acacia woodland, expansive savannah and montane forests providing varied habitats for its rich flora and fauna. The two main rivers that cross the park, the Kidepo and Narus play an important role in the ecosystem of the park.
During the dry season, the Narus Valley becomes a critical water source for wildlife.
Kidepo Valley National Park is surrounded by mountain ranges, with the southern boundary defined by the Morungole range reaching heights of 2,750 meters above sea level. The northern boundary, in contrast is characterized by rugged savannah, dominated by the towering Kidepo Mountain.
Wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is characterized of a rare list of animals not seen in other parts of the country, the park hosts over 77 animal species protected within the conservation. Some of the resident wildlife in Kidepo include the black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, caracal, and cheetah.
Other interesting wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park include bush pigs, warthogs, zebras, leopards, Kongoni, spotted hyenas, Beisa Oryx, Roan Antelope, hartebeests, lion, leopards, spotted hyenas, leopards, Jackson’s Hartebeests, buffaloes, Kori Bustard among others.
Birdlife in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park has an impressive bird list of over 470 species with 28 species from the Somalia-Masai and Sudan – Guinea savannah biomes, Kidepo has the second-highest bird recorded of any Ugandan protected areas, after Queen Elizabeth National Park. Also, it is the only Important Birding Area (IBA) located entirely within the Somali – Masai Biome. It supports some of the rarest species in Uganda such as Black-breasted Barbet and Karamoja Apalis.
Other bird species in Kidepo Valley National Park include Common Ostrich, Secretary Bird, African Swallow-tailed Kite, Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Fox Kestrel, Stone Partridge, Clapperton’s and Heuglin’s Francolins, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Kori, White-bellied and Hartlaub’s Bustards, Violet-tipped Courser, Black-headed Plover, Four-banded Sand Grouse, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Rose-ringed Parakeet, White-crested Turaco, White-bellied Go-away bird, White-faced Scoops Owl, Long-tailed and Standard-winged Nightjars, Little Green Bee-eater, Abyssinian and Rufous-crowned Rollers, the Abyssinian Ground, Eastern Yellow and Jackson’s Hornbills, Red-fronted and Black-breasted Barbets, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Singing Bush lark, Red-winged Lark, Ethiopian Swallow, the Pied, Isabelline and Heuglin’s Wheaters, African Grey Flycatcher, Foxy and Red pate Cisticolas, Karamoja Apalis, White-bellied Tit, Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, Northern White-crowned and Yellow-billed Shrikes, Slate-coloured Boubou, Fan-tailed Raven, Superb Starling, Red billed Oxpecker, Eastern Violet backed, Pygmy and Beautiful Sunbirds, Rufous and Chestnut Sparrow, Yellow-spotted Petronia, White-headed and White-billed Buffalo Weavers, White-browed and Chestnut- crowned Sparrow Weavers, Grey-capped Social and Speckle-fronted Weavers, the Green-winged, Orange-winged and Red-winged Pytilias, Black-bellied and Black-faded Waxbills among others.
Uganda Safaris to Do in Kidepo Valley National Park
Game Viewing Safaris
Kidepo Valley National Park is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opptotunities, making game drives a must do activity. The park hosts over 80 mammal species including elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes and zebras among others.
Kidepo Valley National Park presents a genuine Africa Safari Experience.
Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park are very rewarding in the Narus Valley where the permanent water sources attracts a high concentration of wildlife, expecially during the dry season.
Morning and evening game drives offer the best chances to see a range of wildlife, with night drives providing the rare opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures like aardwolf, white-tailed mongoose and even leopards on the prowl.
Birding Safaris
Kidepo Valley National Park hosts a record of over 475 bird species making it a paradise of bird enthusiasts, the diverse habitats ranging from semi-arid savannah to montane forests provide a home for a variety of bird species.
Notable birds in Kidepo include the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, and the endemic Karamoja Apalis.
Birding excursions in Kidepo Valley National Park can be done throughout the park, but areas around Apoka Rest Camp and the fringes of the Narus and Kidepo Rivers are particularly rewarding. The wet season months from April to July is an excellent time for bird watching as migratory birds enhance the park’s avian diversity.
Guided Nature Walks and Hikes
Kidepo Valley National Park offers various guided nature walks and hikes, providing a more intimate way to experience Kidepo’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. These walks are led by knowledgeable guides ensuring both an educational and safe exploration.
The Lomej Hills present a popular hiking destination in Kidepo offering panoramic views over the park, for a more adventurous retreat, a hike up the Morungole Mountains to visit the indigenous Ik people provides a mix of physical challenge and cultural immersion.
Hot Springs Visit
Visiting the Kanangorok Hot Springs is an adventurous experience, the springs are located near the South Sudanese border in the Kidepo Valley and they are a unique attraction. The hot springs emerge in a rocky outcrop and visiting them provides an exciting deviation from the usual wildlife-focused activities.
The area around the hot springs also offers good chances of spotting ostriches and secretary birds.
Cultural Visits
Visiting the local Karamojong and Ik cultures provide a profound appreciation of the Karamoja region’s heritage. On the visit to the nearby villages are an opportunity to interact with the local communities and learn about their pastoral lifestyle and unique traditions.
For a more immersive experience, the hike to the Ik communities in the Morungole Mountains offers a fascinating cultural encounter. Despite their challenging living conditions, the Ik people are known for the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage.
Best time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is open for a Uganda Safari all year round, however the perfect time is September to March which is the dry season and catching sight of wildlife. In these months many of the water sources dry up, so it is easy to see animals congregate around available water sources or in search of water. Permanent water sources in the park during these hot months are found in the wetlands and along the southern Narus Valley.
It is also a good time to visit because there are hardly any threats of malaria because there are very few mosquitoes if any.
Where to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park on a Uganda Safari
There are limited accommodation options in Kidepo Valley National Park and the available options include
- Apoka Safari Lodge
- Kidepo Savannah Lodge
- Kidepo River Lodge
- Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
- Adere Safari Lodge
- Kakine Self-Catering Campsite
- Apoka Rest Camp
- Morungole Camp
- Lobolo Camp
- Karenga Community Camp
How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the remote Northeastern region of Uganda approximately 320 kilometers north of Kampala, it is an exciting drive from Kampala on the smooth 540-km Gulu-Kitgum road about 9 to 10 hours to get to the park.
Also, you can take the 792-km Soroti-Moroto road to the park which takes about 13 hours. On of the most rewarding sites on this route is the steep Alekile Volcano located almost midway between Moroti and Soroti town.
There is also an option of flying from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kidepo Airstrip, the scheduled and charter flight take approximately 2 hours and they are operated by Bar Aviation and Aerolink.