Kidepo Valley National Park

Mountain ranges circle around Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda. The secluded savanna grasslands and rugged mountains host large mammals and plenty of bird species.

How to get to the Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo is close to Uganda’s border with South Sudan. A road trip to Kidepo Valley National Park will help you experience the wild beauty of Uganda.

It is a long trip and not all the roads are passable. A good 4 wheel drive is essential.

Flights are much faster and more convenient.

What to wear while on Safari in Kidepo Valley

Wear dull colors to avoid attracting bugs. Cotton fabric will absorb sweat. Sunglasses, sun screen, binoculars, and a hat will help.

When to Visit Kidepo Valley

If you want to see all the animals, visit between July and August.

This is the dry season. It is hot, dry, and dusty. The animals converge around water points; which makes for easy viewing.

During the wet season, animals hide in tall vegetation. This makes them harder to spot.

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley

• Apoka Rest Camp
• Apoka Safari Lodge
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge
• Nga Moru Wilderness Camp

Kidepo Valley National Park Attractions           

• Kidepo is a seasonal river. You can camp on the white sands of the river bed in dry seasons. In the wet season, animals congregate to drink at the banks of the Kidepo River.
• The Kangorok Hot Springs is at the South Sudan border. Here, travelers enjoy great views of the surrounding mountains.
• Bird watching at Kidepo is a joy. The Clapperton’s Francolin is found nowhere else in Uganda – only here. There are 475 different types of birds living in Kidepo National Park.

The best spots for bird watchers are the Narus Valley and the Namamukweny Valley. Secretary birds and ostriches live in northern Kidepo Valley.

• Game drives at Kidepo Valley are particularly scenic.
• The Narus Valley is blessed with permanent water points, making it a dry season hotspot for game viewing. Find buffalo, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions. On a good day, you might see a cheetah.
• Mount Morungole is the home of Uganda’s smallest tribe, the Ik. A hike up Mount Morungole will acquaint you with unique forest flora. Don’t forget your camera.
• The Lorokul cultural group exists to acquaint visitors with the unique Karamojong culture. The Karamojong are a cattle-herding tribe in Uganda.