Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda

Kidepo valley national park Uganda derives its name from Kidepo Valley which loosely translates ‘to pick’ from under. Therefore the national park is situated in a valley. This park is located in the northeastern region of Uganda in Karamoja. Kidepo is dominated by Mount Morungole and transected by Kidepo and Narus rivers. The distance from the capital city of Uganda, Kampala, and this park is approximately 520 kilometers.

Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda is the most isolated national park in Uganda and is definitely one of the best wilderness areas in Africa. Kidepo is ranked the third-best national park in Africa because of its diversity in wildlife and park activities. The animals at the park include; Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, Buffalos, Hyenas, Warthogs, Zebra, different Antelope types, and a variety of bird species including the Ostrich.

Activities are done in Kidepo Valley National park Uganda

Game viewing

Game viewing is the major activity that brings tourists to the park because of the large number of animals and birds in Kidepo valley national park. The tourists take early morning game drives to catch the nocturnal animals as well as the evening game drive where they are guaranteed of seeing over 60 animals as well as a variety of birds. This thrilling activity allows travelers to see the beauty, relief, and vegetation in the Kidepo valley.

Additionally, there are activities such as hiking to the top of Mount Morungole where you will get a splendid view of the entire Kidepo valley with all its beauty.

Nubian Giraffe in Kidepo Valley National Park

Nature walks

Nature walks are also a very exciting activity in Kidepo Valley National Park. In this activity, the tourists walk through the beautiful Lamoj hills and they are able to spot various wildlife species in the valley. This activity is a thrilling one and the travelers are able to take pictures of the scenic landscape.

During the dry season, the river Kidepo runs dry and this gives the tourists an opportunity to walk on this dry path barefoot and feel the Wilderness under their feet. This walk also takes you to the Kanangorok springs which are a natural spa in the wilderness.

Other activities include birding where you catch a glimpse of over 450 species of birds and the highest possibility of sighting the famous Ostriches, Karamoja Apalis, Jackson’s hornbill, and many other unique and common species. Other activities include visiting the traditional communities of the Karamojong and learning their way of life.

Best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park

The best time to visit this park is during the dry season which is between the month of September to March because the park is semi-arid with no rain. To add on, wildlife viewing is easier because the animals move in search of water and vegetation and the roads are navigable.

Getting there

The park can either be accessed by road on a 12-hour drive from Kampala through Gulu and Kitgum to Kidepo Valley National Park. Alternatively, the travelers can take a flight from Kajjansi Airfield to Lomej airstrip near Apoka which is exactly a 2 hours flight.

Accommodation

While at Kidepo Valley National Park, your comfort is catered for at Apoka Safari Lodge, if you want a luxurious lodge, for midrange, there is Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, and on budget, there is Apoka Rest Camp.

In conclusion, Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda is the ideal park to visit while in Uganda if you have your eye out for wildlife diversity and adventure.