3-Day Safari at Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeastern corner of Uganda, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. The park is approximately 700 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. You can reach Kidepo by road, which takes about 10-12 hours, or by a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, which takes about 2 hours.

Kidepo Valley National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, some of which are not found in other Ugandan parks. Key species include:

• Lions, including the famous Kidepo Lions that often rest on rocky outcrops.
• Leopards, cheetahs, and African elephants.
• Buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes such as elands and Jackson’s hartebeests.
• Over 475 bird species, including the ostrich, Karamoja apalis, and the kori bustard.

Kidepo Valley National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes, including:

• Narus Valley: A wildlife-rich area with permanent water sources, making it ideal for game viewing, especially during the dry season.
• Kidepo Valley: Known for the seasonal Kidepo River and the Kanangorok Hot Springs.
• Mount Morungole: Standing at 2,750 meters, it offers challenging hikes and cultural encounters with the indigenous Ik people.
• Unique Vegetation: The park’s mix of savannah, acacia forests, and montane landscapes is unlike any other in Uganda.

Kidepo offers a variety of activities, including:

• Game Drives: Morning and evening game drives in the Narus Valley are the best for spotting wildlife.
• Guided Nature Walks: Walks with a ranger guide are available, especially in the Narus Valley and around the Kidepo River.
• Bird Watching: The park is a bird watcher’s paradise with numerous species, including some that are endemic to the region.
• Cultural Experiences: Visits to the local Karamojong and Ik communities offer insights into the traditional lifestyles of these tribes.

The best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park is during the dry season, from September to March. During this time, wildlife is more easily spotted around water sources, and the roads are more accessible. The wet season, from April to August, sees lush landscapes but can make some areas of the park difficult to reach due to muddy conditions.