Kidepo National Game Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is a remote and rugged savannah wilderness located in the northeastern corner of Uganda, bordering South Sudan and Kenya. Despite its isolated location, it is widely considered one of Africa’s most breathtaking and undisturbed safari destinations, often called “the true African wilderness
Top wildlife and birdwatching
The park is home to over 77 mammal species and 476 bird species, some of which are found nowhere else in Uganda. Key wildlife and birds to spot include:
- Unique species: Kidepo is the only park in Uganda where you can find cheetahs and the graceful greater and lesser kudu.
- The Big Four: Visitors can reliably see four of the “Big Five” African animals: lions, elephants, leopards, and vast herds of buffalo, which number in the thousands.
- Other mammals: The park is also home to Rothschild’s giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, striped and spotted hyenas, aardwolves, and numerous antelope species, including the Jackson’s hartebeest and oribi.
- Birdlife: Kidepo is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering sightings of Uganda’s only population of wild ostriches, as well as secretary birds, kori bustards, and a high density of raptors.
Prime game viewing areas
The park is divided into two main valleys, which offer different game-viewing experiences:
- Narus Valley: As the primary permanent water source in the park, the Narus Valley is the best place to see wildlife year-round, especially during the dry season. Key areas include the water hole near the Apoka Tourism Centre and the lily-covered crocodile ponds.
- Kidepo Valley: This area offers more dramatic scenery, with a dry, sandy riverbed flanked by borassus palms. While it has less wildlife than Narus, it is the best place to find ostriches and offers magnificent views toward South Sudan.
Cultural experiences
Kidepo’s location in the Karamoja subregion provides a unique opportunity to experience the culture of two distinct communities:
- The Karamojong: A visit to a traditional homestead, or manyatta, offers insight into the semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle of the Karamojong people, their traditions, and unique dances.
- The Ik people: For a more adventurous cultural encounter, visitors can take a guided hike into the Morungole Mountains to visit the remote Ik tribe, a community with a unique history and language.
Other notable activities
Beyond the classic safari, Kidepo offers a range of other activities:
- Nature Walks and Hiking: Guided walks from the Apoka Tourism Centre offer close-up encounters with animals like zebras and reedbucks. For a more challenging hike, Mount Morungole offers stunning views of the park.
- Kanangorok Hot Springs: Located on the border with South Sudan, these hot springs are a scenic destination, best reached during a game drive through the Kidepo Valley.
- Photography: The park’s dramatic and undeveloped landscapes, defined by savannah plains and mountain ranges, are a photographer’s dream.
Accessibility and travel
Kidepo’s remoteness means a visit requires careful planning.
- By Air: The most convenient option is a 2-hour domestic flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi to the Apoka Airstrip. Scheduled flights are available a few times per week.
