A Guide to Kidepo Valley National Park
A Complete Guide to Kidepo Valley National Park, the purest African national park waiting to be discovered. Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most virgin area and yet one of Africa’s best National Parks according to CNN International and Australian based travel guide, Lonely Planet. This travel resource is packed with all the travel information you need to know to plan a safari to Kidepo National Park. On this guide find park information, things to do, things to see, places of interest to visit within and outside the park, updated maps & guides, where to stay, as well as more safari tips & advice.
Kidepo Valley National park is Uganda ‘s best safari destination that should not miss on your bucket-list most especially if you are interested in wildlife safaris, scenic viewing and nature tours.
Kidepo is the last remaining bastion of wildlife in the entire area. The park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys of Karamoja province, and it is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It harbors scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa as well as great numbers of wild animals, birds and plant species.
From this guide learn about the wonders of Kidepo National Park, why you should visit, adventure activities not to miss, travel tips and places where to stay during your safari.
Experience Kidepo Valley National Park
Hit the Road and Experience the best of Kidepo Valley National Park. Here are the most popular Uganda safaris in this remote but rewarding national park in northern Eastern Uganda. Often referred to as “The True African Wilderness”, it’s always been the cool wild vibe, that raw and true feeling of the African bush and the thought that “surprises are ceaseless in this part of the world”. Oh and should you experience a magical wildlife sighting, it will just be you and the wilderness. This park is free of the typical safari jeep traffic in most African national parks.
Kidepo National Park at a Glance
Kidepo Valley National park is Uganda‘s best safari destination for wildlife safaris (also known as game viewing tours). Located in Uganda’s remote north-eastern corner, some 700km from Kampala and tucked between the borders with Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo Valley is our most isolated park. It covers an area of 1,442 sq km. Tucked in a rugged and semi-arid stretch of the Eastern Rift Valley, around the boarders of Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo was once the playground of the late Ugandan president Idi Amin and you can still visit the haunting ruins of a lodge that could just as easily have been designed as a massive bunker.
Great Scenery
The park harbors scenery unsurpassed in any other park of East Africa as well as great numbers of fauna and floral species. The vegetation can best be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forests.
Lying in the rugged, semi-arid valleys of Karamoja province, the Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It harbors scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa as well as great numbers of wild animals, birds and plant species. The vegetation can best be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forests.
Things to See
Kidepo Valley National Park is a place for your visit for such remote and authentic safari experiences of Africa’s wilderness that will enhance your imaginations in reality. Consider visiting the park for exploration of vast ecological species that are incredibly outstanding in the country at large and if you miss to visit, then it means you will not find them in other parts of the Uganda.
There are lots of things to see in Kidepo Valley National Park. From the impressive mammals to birds, there is a lot to see if you stay several nights in this remote national park.
Mammals
Kidepo Park has over 80 mammalian species with around 28 of them being not found in any other Ugandan National park. These include lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Zebras, Buffaloes, etc
Birds
Kidepo is blessed with a number of bird species and it is among the best birding destinations. The park boasts an extensive bird list of 463 species confirmed and 26 unconfirmed sightings.
Kanangorok Hot Springs
Visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs, located only 11 km from Kidepo River Valley. You can also go picnicking from the sand.
Wildlife
When you visit Kidepo Valley National Park (KVNP), there are several attractions for you enjoy. The untouched fauna and flora in the destination are some important tourist attractions you should not miss in your life. There are over 86 mammal species, 475 bird species and over 692 species of plants. Several of these animals are restricted to the Kidepo and Karamoja region. There is plenty of birds and reptiles.
Mammals
Kidepo National Park has over 80 mammalian species with around 28 of them being not found in any other Ugandan National park. These include lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Zebras, Buffaloes, etc. The unique thing about the mammal species in KVNP is that you may not find the same mammals in any of the national parks. Meaning unless you visit the park, then chances will be you will enjoy these incredible species. Among the incredible mammals species in the KVNP are the stripped hyenas, lions, cheetah, caracal, greater and lesser kudu. Furthermore, the park is also an incredible area for Nile crocodiles, and African elephants.
Localized carnivores include the bat-eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal and cheetah. Other carnivores present are lion, leopard, and spotted hyena. And black-backed and side-striped jackal. Less common ungulates include the greater and lesser kudu, Chandlers Mountain reedbuck, klipspringer and Guenther’s dikdik.
Other large ungulates include elephant, Burchell’s zebra, bush pig, warthog, Rothschild’s giraffe, Cape buffalo, eland, bushbuck, bush duiker, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest and oribi. Five species of primates are found in the park including the endemic Kavirondo bush baby.
Birds
Kidepo National Park is blessed with a number of bird species and it is among the best birding destinations second only in Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park boasts an extensive bird list of 463 species confirmed and 26 unconfirmed sightings. A few species of note, at least in a Ugandan context, are the ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, carmine, little green and red-throated bee eaters, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Abyssinian roller and Abyssinian scimitar bill, yellow-billed and Jackson’s hornbills and the Karamoja apalis. Kidepo is also notable for its birds of prey. Of the 56 species recorded, 14, including Verreaux’s eagle, Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon, are believed to be endemic to the Kidepo and Karamoja region. There has however been no comprehensive survey of birds in Kidepo and visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list.
Things to Do in Kidepo
There are lots of things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo is everything! She presents countless species of wildlife to see on a wildlife safari through the African wilderness. Lots of wildlife sought after include lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, ostriches and many other bird species, antelopes, etc.
The stunning landscape is guarded by authentic local communities with fascinating cultures. A visit to the Kanangorok Hot Springs, located only 11 km from Kidepo river valley is also a must do activity. You can also go picnicking from the sand while in the park.
Game Viewing
The park harbors a great diversity of animal species that include carnivores, ungulates, and primates. Animals that can be seen include elephants, leopards, jackals, bush bucks, buffaloes and much more.
Birding
About 465 species have been recorded in the park. Some birds of particular interest include the ostrich and the Kori bustard and outstanding numbers of birds of prey.
Hiking
You can enjoy hiking and scenery viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park. Hiking is carried out on Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters.
Game Viewing
The Kidepo Valley National Park harbors a great diversity of animal species that include carnivores, ungulates, and primates. Animals that can be seen include elephants, leopards, jackals, bush bucks, buffaloes and much more. The park protects a great diversity of animal species than other parks in Uganda. These include carnivores, ungulates, and primates. There are high chances of viewing tree climbing lions that always sits on sauces trees along Narus valley or on the rock just as you enter the Apoka Park Headquarter. Right from Apoka Rest Camp other animals that can be seen include elephants, leopards, bush duikers, jackals, bush bucks, bush pigs, kavirondo bush babies, buffaloes and much more.
Birding
The Park boasts of an extensive avifauna. bout 465 species have been recorded in the park. Kidepo national is birders destination where you can enjoy several of the prey bird species, and rare raptors. In this category, 58 species of birds that have been recorded. Amongst these 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and the Karamoja region.
Birds of particular interest include the ostrich and the Kori bustard which are principally associated with arid regions. The park also has outstanding numbers of birds of prey. Interestingly, your visit will be amazed with the glance at an ostrich that is only seen in the park not any other place in Uganda. Some birds of particular interest include the ostrich and the Kori bustard and outstanding numbers of birds of prey.
Hiking
You could have imagined why you are always in the track for wildlife viewing and yet in Kidepo Valley National Park you can as well go for nature and bush walks. You can enjoy hiking and scenery viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park. Hiking can be carried out on Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Remember not all destinations can provide the same nature walks like Kidepo, because as you walk you will be exploring the Morungole mountains as you visit the Ik people; this is notably one of smallest units amongst the tribes in the country.
Experience the Culture
The local community near the Kidepo Valley National Park stages cultural dances and performances. Nature Walk and cultural visits to the Karamajong manyattas (homesteads) where you will be able to see kraals belonging to local communities, traditional costume, stools, spears headdress, knives, bows and arrows and jewelry among others. Visit the splendid Kidepo River Valley dominated by Borassus palm forest.
Meet the Karimojong
On your safari, meet the The Karamojong who are the ‘Maasai’ of Uganda. You can experience a homestay with the Karimojong People in their village.
Meet the IK People
The IK People live in the mountains of Northeastern Uganda and are an ethnic group with about 10.000 individuals.
Places of Interest
There are various places of interest in Kidepo Valley National Park.
The Morungole Mountain
For all the adventurous tourists interested in hiking, Kidepo valley national park is a also a very good tourism destination for mountain hiking especially around the Morungole mountain. Hiking this mountain provides great views of the surrounding environments and there no need to fear as hikers are usually protected by armed rangers.
The Narus Valley
Being the only place with water even during the dry season, the Narus valley is one-place tourists’ in Kidepo valley national park should not miss visiting. While here, tourists will not miss seeing the major animals in the national park.
Plan a Safari to Kidepo
The logistics of reaching Kidepo Valley National Park and its remote location in the past put many tourists off the area. However more tourists are traveling to the park and you will hear consistently high praise for its beauty and great game viewing. Tours to this park are often combined with other Uganda national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest the best place to go gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife safaris and Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking etc.
Highlights of Kidepo
Kidepo is the only park in the country where one can find both the zebras and the Rothschild giraffes, a profusion of big game with thousands of buffaloes, 77 mammalian species and approximately 475 birds species that dot its colourful plains. However, it is visited by a rather lesser number of tourists due to its isolation (700kms by road from Kampala). The park is one of the finest and has been recognized multiple times among Africa’s finest since 2000 among them by CNN as one of Africa’s best national parks to visit. CNN described it like this:
“With sprawling savannah and soaring mountains, Kidepo National Park might be the most picturesque park in Africa.”
Due to its location in a savannah stretch that experiences extreme dry seasons, the park is served by only a handful of permanent wetlands and remnants of pools near Apoka. It is here that game viewing is at its best will a mix of an array of species to catch up with.
When is the Best Time To Visit?
This national park can be visited at any time of the year however the major wildlife species in the national park can be best viewed during the dry season (between July and August) when most of them gather around the Narus valley.
Are UnGuided Walks allowed?
The truth is this park is wild, so you must be on your guard and very careful not to wander off alone, but the park management deploys armed rangers all around the park to ensure that tourists are safe and get the very best experience here.
Getting There
Kidepo Valley National park is located in the north- Eastern part of Uganda, 700km from Kampala and it is tucked between the borders of Uganda, Kenya and Sudan. Kidepo valley national park is located over 700 kilometers from Kampala and getting there by road may take about 10 hours or more. Kidepo Valley National Park is a protected area in the northeastern corner of Uganda shouldering the mountains of South Sudan and bordered by Kenya to the East.
By Road
Most tourists take road trips in Uganda to the Kidepo Valley National Park. Driving is more rewarding, as much of Karamoja, like Kidepo itself, is a vast and unspoiled wilderness. However, road conditions are sometimes difficult and 4WD vehicles are usually essential.
Most tourists who go to Kidepo by road some times have a stop over for an overnight in Gulu and proceed to the national park the next day. The journey takes you through Luwero, Nakasongola, Karuma and Gulu town which is always a stopover for most tourists. Head to Kitgum town. Kitgum – Kidepo road and it was soon a mere 64 kilometers to the park gate.
There are four possible routes by road: routes via Mbale pass to the east of Lake Kyoga to reach northern Uganda; routes via Karuma pass to the west.
Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Kidepo (792km)
Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kaboong-Kidepo (740km)
Kampala-Karuma-Lira-Kotido-Kidepo (705km)
Kampala-Karuma-Gulu-Kitgum-Kidepo (571km)
By Air
Other tourists travel by air from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airstrip. You can fly to Lomej airstrip or Apoka Airstrip. The flight takes about 2 hours. There are scheduled flights offered by Aero Link and Bar Aviation. Charter flights are also available from several domestic airliners.
What are the Most Popular Animals to see in Kidepo?
The park hosts unique wildlife species. Popular animals that can be easily seen include the Jackson’s Hartebeests, countless herds of buffaloes, beautiful zebras in their signature black and white costumes, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, hartebeests, oribis, jackals and elephants, etc
Where is Kidepo Valley National Park?
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in Uganda’s remote north-eastern corner, some 700km from Kampala and tucked between the mountains of South Sudan and Kenya. Thought the park is one of the most isolated Ugandan national parks, it is yet the most amazing when it comes to wilderness safaris. The park is located this semi-arid part of Uganda, the little cute settlements and shelters called “manyatas” along the slopes that are common in the Karamoja Region.
How Much is the Entrance Fees?
Where Do I Enter Kidepo Valley National Park?
The park is accessible through one main gate.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Park
The park can be visited Any time throughout the year. This national park can be visited at any time of the year however the major wildlife species in the national park can be best viewed during the dry season (between July and August) when most of them gather around the Narus valley.
Do I Need a Car to Tour the Park?
You need a 4×4 vehicle to access the Kidepo Valley National Park. You are advised to rent a 4X4 Car if you are looking to exploring Kidepo National Park. Please note that small 4×4 cars may not manage the terrain of the park.
Park Fees and How to Book Passes
Check out the park Use fees and activity fees for Kidepo Valley National Park.
What to Pack for Kidepo Visit?
It is important to pack for the ultimate safari in Kidepo National Park. Check out the list of top items to pack for a wildlife safari in Kidepo.
Where Should We Stay
There are a few lodging options in Kidepo Valley National Park. The popular accommodation properties in this national park include Apoka Safari Lodge, Adele Safari Lodge, Ngamoru Wilderness Camp, Kidepo safari lodge.
The major accommodation facilities in this national park include Apoka safari lodge that offers luxury services.
The mid range safari lodges to book for overnight stay at Kidepo National Park include Adere Safari Lodge, Kidepo Savanna Lodge.
Budget safari lodges include Apoka rest camp for budget tourists, Kidepo Safari Lodge, Buffalo Base and more. Camping is available at the park headquarters at Apoka.
Who to contact:
A list of tour operators and agents is available to guide you through. You can choose from our directory.
Latest News & Updates
Here are the latest news and updates from the Kidepo Valley National Park, the remote national park in north western Uganda.
Kidepo National Park: Uganda’s Best-Kept Secret
Explore Kidepo on Self Drive
Tips for Nature Travelers Exploring Uganda Parks
AWF and UWA Handover Schools to Communities in Kaabong
Lion King Visits Kidepo Lodge Cafeteria