Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the north-eastern corner of Uganda, near the borders of South Sudan and only 5 Km from the Kenyan border. This Park covers an area of 1,442 square kilometres. Kidepo NP is 576 Km away, the farthest from Kampala City Centre by road on a journey that takes about eleven and a half hours, yet this remote off the beaten track national park was voted Africa’s 3rd best wilderness park in 2013 by CNN Travel Awards. The Park is blessed with a wild life rich savannah grassland as well as rugged montane landscapes with Narus and Kidepo seasonal rivers. It has exceptional game viewing opportunities especially in the Narus Valley in the south west where there are dense populations of lion, buffalo, elephant and many smaller ungulates.
Originally a reserve, the park was upgraded to national park status in 1962 and is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is named after the Kidepo Valley, which runs through the north east part of the park. The Park ranges from altitudes of 914 m to 2750 m the highest peak being on Mt Murogole. Mt Lutoke whose peak is at 2797 m is across the border in Sudan but also seen in the park.
Animals & birds in Kidepo Valley National Park
One of the main attractions of Kidepo Valley National Park is its incredible biodiversity. The Park is home to over 77 mammal species. Predators are particularly well represented with 20 resident species including Lion, Leopard and the spotted hyena. The black-backed jackal, bat eared fox, aardwolf, cheetah and caracal are only found in Kidepo in Uganda. Five primate species are also present within the park such as the patas monkey. This Park is known to have between 650 – 1000 elephants, 10,000 – 15000 Buffallo, and more than 50 Rothchild’s Giraffe. Other animals regularly seen within the park include Burchell’s Zegra, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthog, Bohor reedbuck, eland and oribi. Animals such as the lesser kudi, greater kuddu, mountain reedbuck and Guenther’s dik dik are only found in Kidepo in Uganda but are not very common. Also seen here occasionally are the white eared kobs of South Sudan.
In addition to its mammals, Kidepo is also a haven for birdwatchers. With over 470 species of birds recorded within Kidepo, the park’s avain population is second to Queen Elizabeth’s 600 bird species in Uganda. The diverse habitats within Kidepo, from the open savannahs to the dense woodlands and wetlands, provide a rich and varied birding experience. The Park is the only one in East Africa where the Clapperton’s francolin and the rose-ringed parakeet are found. 56 raptors have been recorded in this park with the most common being, the Dark chanting goshawk, tawny eagle, pygmy falcon and several vultures. Other birds to be seen here include the common ostrich, secretary bird, white eyed kestrel, carmine bee-eater, white-bellied go away bird, fox kestrel, white eyed kestrel, red-bellied hornbill, Jackson’s hornbill, yellow billed hornbill, Abyssinian scimitar-bill, red eyed yellow barbet, black breasted barbet, purple grenadier among others.
How to get there
The fastest way to reach Kidepo is by air on a costly 2-hour scheduled or chattered flight from Entebbe, or Kajjansi airfield to Apoka Airstrip using either Fly Uganda or Aerolink.
A single day’s drive to Kidepo from Kampala is also possible with the most direct route being through Gulu and Kitgum to Lokumoit Gate. This route is only 576 Km and will take you as long eleven and a half hours. Coming from Murchison falls NP, the drive from Paraa via Pakwach, Gulu and Kitgum is only 380 Km and can also be achieved within 8 hours.
Activities and attractions at Kidepo Valley National Park
- Game Drives
These can be done with or without an UWA guide except for night game drives where its compulsory to go with an UWA guide. An UWA guide will cost 25/20 USD for foreign nonresidents and foreign residents and will cost 25,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans for a day time game drive but will cost 30USD per person for the night game drive.
Narus Valley
This is the best game viewing area. Wildlife here are in large numbers especially in the dry season from January to March when the Narus river is the only source of water for miles. The valley is usually explored along the Kakine and Katurum Circuit, both between 15 – 20 Km. Be on the lookout for herds of elephant that come to drink water from the river in the morning as well as a thousand strong buffalo herds seen around Apoka in the wooden savannah. Over 100 lions are found within the boundaries of Kidepo National Park and are usually seen perched on granite outcrops stalking buffalo herds their favorite prey.
Kidepo Valley
Though animals in Kidepo valley are scarce because its drier than Narus Valley, the area has very beautiful scenery. Thicker bushes here are the best place to look for the common ostrich as well as secretary-bird and Jackson’s hornbill. The speckle – fronted weaver and Karamoja apalis are also common here.
- Hiking at Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park offers the opportunity for hiking. The Kidepo Lonyili Summit 50/40 USD/Ugx 50,000 and the Lomej Hike costs 40/30 USD/Ugx 30,000 for foreign non-Residents, foreign residents and East Africans respectively.
- A Cultural experience in Kidepo Valley National Park
Aside from its wildlife, Kidepo Valley National Park is also renowned for its unique cultural heritage. The Park is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Karamojong, Ik, who have lived in the region for centuries.
One of the best ways to experience the culture of Kidepo is through a visit to the nearby Karamoja Cultural Village. Here, visitors can participate in traditional dances, sample local cuisine, and witness traditional ceremonies, providing an authentic glimpse into the rich heritage of the region.
In recent years, Kidepo Valley National Park has seen a growth in tourism as more visitors discover its untamed beauty. While still relatively off the beaten path, the park continues to attract those seeking a truly wild and authentic safari experience.
