Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most interesting safari national parks, situated in the “Pearl of Africa,"  although a bit far from Kampala. Kidepo Valley National Park is located at the border of three different East African countries, namely Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan. Kidepo Valley National Park covers approximately 1442 square kilometers, offering a majestic landscape that hosts amazing natural wonders like unique wildlife species that may not be spotted anywhere else in Uganda and the endlessly beautiful savannah plains. Kidepo Valley National Park is best known as the third-largest national park in Uganda and provides thrilling safari activities that give travelers a unique experience with nature.

 

Wildlife in Kidepo National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is blessed with more than 475 bird species and over 77 mammals. The dry season is the best time for game viewing here, as you are in your 4x4 safari vehicle on an open roof, enjoying the wonderful wildlife species in this park. The Narus Valley, located near Apoka Tourism Center, is a feature of Kidepo Valley National Park and serves as the area's only permanent water source during the dry season. A thousand wildlife species gather at Narus Valley in particular to enjoy freshwater, which also freshens up travelers, thus making the game drives around the Narus River fascinating and rewarding.

 

Kidepo Valley National Park is among Uganda’s popular birding destinations for travelers’ delight and an unforgettable birding experience. Upon arrival in Kidepo Valley National Park, travelers are always impressed by the many exciting bird species.

 

While in Kidepo Valley National Park, travelers should expect to spot unique wildlife species such as an African buffalo, Uganda kobs, Rothschild giraffes, bat-eared foxes, caracals, and oribis, among others.

 

Attractions in Kidepo valley national park

• Narus valley

• Kidepo valley and kanangorok Hot springs

• Lomej Hills

• Apoka Tourism Centre, and many more.

 

Activities to participate in Kidepo valley national park

 

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park is best done during a game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle as visitors explore the enchanted Kidepo. The game drive is usually done either in the morning or, as some travelers prefer, in the evening with the accompaniment of a professional park ranger guide. Particularly, the night game drive is quite unique, offering a wonderful opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife species such as bushbabies, jackals, and leopards that will delight your stay in Kidepo Valley. The guided game drive to Narus Valley is situated within 5 kilometers of Apoka Tourism Centre, and the guided game drives offer a diversity of distinctive wild animals such as African elephants, duikers, zebras, reedbucks, and buffaloes, among others.

 

Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park 

Kidepo Valley National Park offers more than 475 bird species and is most popular as a birding destination with unique bird species in Uganda. Kidepo Valley National Park is ranked after Queen Elizabeth National Park as the second-largest park in Uganda, and Murchison falls national park comes first as Uganda’s largest national park. 

 

Hiking and guided nature walks within Kidepo valley national park   

Kidepo Valley National Park’s hiking and guided nature walks are the best adventure safari activities. Hiking kicks off early in the morning and is done within the Lomej Hills. Hiking and guided nature walks are done after the briefing at the park’s headquarters, after travelers are assigned to a knowledgeable and experienced Park Ranger who will take them through the hike. Travelers can always combine their hike tour with a 2-hour Kidepo Valley walk at Kidepo Valley National Park, which takes place within the banks of an amazing Borassus Palm Forest. Kidepo Valley's guided nature walk can also be best done from Apoka Namamukweny Valley, offering fabulous encounters.

 

Where to stay while in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park offers a variety of accommodation options both inside and outside the park, so it's up to the traveler’s decision to choose what he or she wants. These lodges in the national park range from budget to mid-range to luxury lodges, so travelers can book any safari accommodation depending on their actual budget. Kidepo Valley National Park offers extremely marvelous services and extraordinary care that supplement travelers’ adventures and make every traveler feel at home in the wild. Some of the Kidepo Valley lodges include the following:

• Adere Safari Lodge

• Apoka safari lodge

• Kidepo Savannah Lodge

• Nga Moru Wilderness Camp

• Apoka Rest Camp, among others.