Kidepo Valley National Park, Things to Do & Guided Safaris

Kidepo Valley National Park Safaris

Kidepo Valley, one of the top safari areas in Uganda, is a great place to stay when you really need to get away from it all. This remote national park protects two valleys, and each of them experiences incredible mood swings. The availability of rainwater drives these dramatic changes several times a year.

The idly curious stay away from the Kidepo and its sister valley, the Narus, because of the perception that they are hard to reach. This wilderness region is therefore inhabited by dedicated safari-goers and, of course, the Karamojong people, who herd their hardy cattle here (and whose potential spouses have to wrestle to be married!).

Hundreds of bird species and a plethora of big-game species can be seen on safari, whether you choose a strolling or game drive.

Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park

Near the towns of Karenga and Kaabong in northern Uganda lies Kidepo Valley National Park. From Kampala Capital City, it is approximately 550 (320 miles) via road, while from Moroto, the main town in the sub-region, it is about 220 km (120 miles). There are a number of ways to get to the park by car, but the quickest is to take the approximately 10-hour trip through Gulu to the Lokumoit gate. Karamoja is also on a another path that leads to the Nataba Gate.

But a charter airplane is still the most convenient method to reach Kidepo Valley National Park. Your travel agency can book flights on domestic carriers like Bar Aviation and AeroLink. You will also be picked up from the airport and dropped off at your lodge, in addition to the flight itself. Both Entebbe International Airport (the primary gateway to the nation) and Kajjansi airfield serve as domestic airline departure points for Uganda.

Explore Kidepo Valley National Park | Uganda

Attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park

Wildlife

Kidepo Valley National Park is home to some truly remarkable animals. More than eighty different kinds of mammals call this park home, including Uganda’s biggest buffalo herds. Wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, antelopes, spotted hyenas, lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, leopards, bush pigs, black-backed and side-backed jackals, and Rothschild’s giraffes are just a few of the many animals found in the breathtaking Narus and Kidepo valleys. Kidepo Valley National Parks are home to a variety of primates, including baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black- and white colobus monkeys, and more.

Birds

With more than 475 species of birds identified, Kidepo Valley National Park is second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park in terms of the abundance of birdlife in a protected region. There are 56 species of raptors, including the pygmy falcon, bateleur eagle, black chanting goshawk, Egyptian vultures, white-headed vultures, etc., and uncommon birds like the African rose-hinged parakeet and the only population of the Clapperton’s Francolin in East Africa are also there. The common ostrich, Kori bustard, red and yellow barbets, Abyssinian roller, Greater Kestrel, Northern red-billed hornbill, Chestnut weaver, Secretary bird, and Abyssinian ground hornbill are just a few of the many recorded bird species that should not be missed on a Uganda birding safari in Kidepo.

The Narus Valley

The majority of the park’s animals gather on the undulating savannah plain, which is surrounded by faraway mountains and contains water all year round. Tourists may easily enjoy the valley’s natural treasures thanks to the well-established game tracks. Among the many animals and birds seen on game drives in the Narus valley are giraffes, buffalo, oribis, reedbucks, lions, and a plethora of species of birds.

Kidepo Valley

During the dry season, the Kidepo river and other water sources in the valley dry up, leaving the valley covered in barren white sand, in contrast to the Narus valley. The abundance of birdlife, particularly ostriches, makes this area of the park ideal for birdwatching.

Namakwa Valley

Located in Kidepo Valley National Park’s northwest corner is this valley. Unfortunately, the valley’s name comes from a native term that meaning “a place with no birds”—which is odd given the incredible birding opportunities that the valley provides. Abyssinian Rollers, White-crested Turacos, and Eastern Paradise Whydahs are just a few of the bird species that call the valley home.

Mount Morungole

At an elevation of 2,749 meters above sea level, Mount Morungole serves as the boundary between South Sudan and Uganda. The Ik people, Uganda’s smallest ethnic group, live on its mountain slopes. The mountain was the holy abode of the IK. On foot, visitors to Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda can explore Mount Morungole, providing excellent hiking opportunities and genuine cultural experiences.

Lomej Hills

One of the best places to see animals in Kidepo is at the Lomej Hills, which are not far from the park headquarters. A variety of mountain reedbucks can be spotted here.

Karamojong and Ik Culture

The Karamojong and Ik cultures are another intriguing part of Kidepo Valley National Park. Cattle are the Karamojong’s bread and butter, and they have a reputation for being vicious fighters. They have no difficulty raiding neighboring tribes to acquire more animals since they believe all the cows in Africa belong to them. On the other hand, the Karamojong culture and customs are fascinating; while the men tend to the home and children, they go cattle hunting. The Karamojong people also rely on milk and blood from animals. Polygamy is commonplace among them, and they live in humble dwellings called manyattas.

However, the Ik are the most diminutive of Uganda’s ethnic groups. In Kidepo Valley National Park, the Ik call Mount Morungole home. Moving away from the fighting and attacks of other tribes, particularly the Karamojong, they sought a sacred site on top of the mountain. In addition to farming, the Ik are known to be skilled cattle keepers. Warm and welcoming, they make their home in tightly knit groups. It is the responsibility of visitors to the Ik community to immerse themselves in the Ik culture and learn about their distinctive traditions. Learn about the native cuisine, clothing, and dance styles, and then enjoy some traditional entertainment.

Things to Do in Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in the rough, semiarid valleys between the borders of Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo Valley National Park is 1,442km2 in size and was gazetted as such in 1962. Few who have made it here believe that this Ugandan national park boasts the best wilderness in all of Africa. It is also the most remote park in the country. Roughly 475 bird species and 77 animal species call it home. Some of the best things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park are listed below.

Safari Game Drives

Tourists flock to Kidepo Valley National Park for safari game drives, where they may relax in a 4×4 pop-up safari truck while observing wildlife. There are two schedules for game drives at Kidepo Valley National Park: one in the morning and another in the afternoon or evening. On occasion, the park even offers full-day game drives. Guests here spend the entire time adventuring around Kidepo’s breathtaking wilderness. Wild animals such as reedbucks, lesser and greater kudus, Grant’s gazelles, giraffes, antelopes, lions, spotted hyenas, buffalo, elephants, zebras, and countless more can be seen during game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park’s Narus and Kidepo valleys.

Big 5 Game Drive in Kidepo Park, Uganda

Bird-watching

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to go birding because it is home to more than 475 different bird species, 56 of which are raptors. Most visitors to Kidepo Valley National Park go birdwatching in the Namamukweny valley and the vicinity of Apoka Rest Camp. Among the many bird species that can be seen in Kidepo Valley National Park are ostriches, pygmy falcons, abyssinian ground hornbills, Egyptian eagles, dark chanting goshawks, fox kestrels, and splendid starlings.

Nature walks

Another popular thing to do for tourists at Kidepo Valley National Park is to go on nature walks. Nature hikes at Kidepo give visitors a chance to interact with the park’s unique flora and fauna. On these nature walks, you’ll be accompanied by an armed ranger who will keep an eye out for any dangerous wildlife. Additionally, there are approved nature routes that provide breathtaking scenery, such as the Kakine trail, Narus Valley, and Namamukweny valley, among others.

The Remote Beauty of the Kidepo Valley National Park

Cultural Encounters

Visitors to Kidepo Valley National Park can immerse themselves in the culture of the Ik and the Karamojong through cultural interactions. Participants in the cultural encounters will have the opportunity to meet and talk with natives, gaining insight into their daily lives and customs. Traditional dances, folk songs, and theater will be part of the festivities, as will visits to homesteads and museums in the area.

The Ik people of Kidepo Valley National park

Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park

You can visit Kidepo Valley National Park at any time of year, but if you want to avoid the weather, the months of June through September and December through February are ideal. If you want to see animals at Kidepo Valley National Park, now is the time to go. It is much easier to see wildlife on a game viewing safari in the Narus valley during the dry season because that is where the park’s animals gather to drink.

However, due to the park’s inaccessibility, Kidepo Valley National Park is not a good choice to visit during the wet season (March to May). Even more so, it is difficult to locate the park’s animals because they are dispersed throughout this period.

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

There are a variety of places to stay at Kidepo Valley National Park, including safari tents and lodges. There is a wide range of housing options available, from inexpensive to luxury, including;