Kidepo Valley National Park is one true African wilderness, set within the remote north-eastern side of Uganda and is a perfect place for visitors looking forward to experiencing the real wilderness feeling.
Size and Location of Kidepo valley National Park
Sprawling over 1442 square kilometers in the Karamoja sub-region, Kidepo Valley National Park is the unequalled Sanctuary for unique and threatened game species in the country thus making it a real African wilderness destination. It is in this remote north-east based Protected Area that some of Africa’s best kept secrets are found. It is strategically located in the north-east of Uganda, bordering two wonderful countries-South Sudan and Kenya, within the rolling hills of Karamoja and Nageya Valley.
Sweeping savannah plains meet Valleys that become Oases during the dry season, while towering mountains and hills overlook the majestic plains. The beautiful landscape of Kidepo Valley National Park is separated by two incredible River Valleys-Narus and Kidepo, which in the dry season are expected to become watering points and seasonal oases for numerous animals converging to drink water or feed on fresh pasture. These places reward travellers with unmatched game viewing experiences.
History of Kidepo Valley National Park
Before becoming the majestic Kidepo valley National Park, the entire Karamoja region (including where the Park currently sits) was originally occupied by the Dodoth Pastoralists as well as the IK farmers. The area was then gazetted as a Game Reserve in 1958 by the British Colonial Government, with the intention of protecting the animals that were indiscriminately hunting in addition to putting a stop to further clearing of the grasslands for tsetse fly control. It gained its “National Park” status in 1962, the same year the country gained Independence from British rule.
Highlights
Are you looking to see the extraordinary wildlife species of Uganda? Then visit Kidepo Valley National Park, the third most diverse Park in the country after Bwindi Impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. There are about 86 species of mammals in this National Park alone. Expect sights of Jackson’s hartebeests, serval cats, cheetahs, giant elands, bush pigs, Rothschild giraffes, Klipspringer, black-backed jackals, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, Impalas, African bush elephants, duikers, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Side-striped jackals, Burchell’s zebras, Oribis, Senegal Galago, common warthogs, bat-eared foxes, striped hyenas, lions, Reedbucks, caracals, leopards, African wild dogs and many others.
Game drives
Kidepo Valley National Park features well-maintained and mapped game tracks, offering visitors the opportunity to uncover the Park’s hidden treasures. Don’t leave out the spectacular Narus Valley where many animals converge to drink water and feed on fresh pastures. Unmissable animals during these guided game drives are Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, Defassa waterbucks, lions, hartebeests, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, Rothschild giraffes, zebras, impalas, Topis, to mention but as few.
Bird watching
Kidepo Valley National Park shelters outstanding and colorful bird species and the best pot for watching numerous bird species is the Narus and Kidepo Valleys where Ostriches, Red-throated bee-eater, Golden Pipit, Black-breasted barbets, White-eyed kestrel, Abyssinian Rollers, Karamoja Apalis and many others can be sighted.
Mountain hiking/climbing
With the existence of Mount Morungole that summits at 2749 meters above sea level, the physically fit travellers can challenge their stamina by hiking to its peak. There is also an opportunity of interacting with the IK People and even spot some unique wildlife species during the climb.
Village/Community walks
Interacting with the IK and Dodoth people allows visitors to understand and appreciate the rich and local diversity in the stunning Kidepo Valley National Park as these people occupied the area long before the Park was even gazetted. From the locals perspective, learn about the rich history of the Park, its animals in addition to learning the ways of life, dressing, traditional dishes and cultural dances of these people.
Walking safaris
Ranging from short guided walks around the places of lodging to long guided walks through the vast wilderness, walking safari in Kidepo Valley National Park is indeed unforgettable experience. Led by armed Ranger and a guide, you will learn about the Park’s unique ecosystem, African game and bird species in Kidepo Valley National Park.
How do i get there ?
By Road
For road, Kidepo Valley National Park is a whole 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala City and drivers to this remote Protected Area attest that getting behind the wheel to Kidepo Valley National Park is an adventure itself.
By Flight
Scheduled flights are organized daily by Aerolink from Entebbe International Airport to Apoka Airstrip or Kidepo Airport.