The park’s vegetation cover is shaped by its topography and climatic conditions, resulting in a mix of open grasslands, seasonal wetlands, acacia woodlands, and montane forest patches. The Narus Valley is dominated by short and medium-height grasses interspersed with whistling thorn acacia (Acacia drepanolobium) and red oat grass (Themeda triandra), which provide critical forage for herbivores.
In contrast, the Kidepo Valley region is marked by drier vegetation, featuring desert date trees (Balanites aegyptiaca) and bushwillow species, which are more resistant to prolonged drought. Borassus palm trees thrive along the dry riverbeds, creating a striking visual contrast against the arid backdrop. The higher elevations of Morungole Mountains support a montane forest ecosystem, distinct from the valley floor, which harbors unique plant species and serves as a critical habitat for birdlife and primates.
The diverse range of vegetation types supports various trophic interactions. Herbivores feed on seasonal grasses and woody shrubs, while predators capitalize on concentrated prey populations within the more resource-rich Narus Valley. This ecological interplay highlights the significance of Kidepo’s landscape in sustaining a functional and relatively undisturbed ecosystem.