Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s border with Kenya and South Sudan. The Park was ranked the best wildest park in Africa by CNN because of its verdant plain hills and array of wildlife features. Kidepo is an open flat plain that allows a lot of wildlife to gaze and thrive.

Kidepo valley national park covers a total surface area of 1,442 KM, covering the Plain vast area of Mt Morungole and Narus river. The highest point stands at 914m and the lowest point is at 2,750m above sea level. The mountain is an habitant to the small population of the rare indigenous IK people, whereas Narus river has array Of Bird species such as the Ostrich and wildlife including the big cats.

WILDLIFE IN THE PARK

Kidepo is compared to none among the savannah parks, it comes 3^rd largest to Queen Elizabeth national park, led by the Murchison falls, National Park. In total, the park has over 77 mammals including the rare Cheetah not seen anywhere else in the savannah parks, Leopard, Lions, buffaloes, elephants, Zebra, warthogs, Giraffes, Hyenas, wild dogs, mountain reedbuck, lesser kudu, caracal, aardwolf, and different species of antelopes among many others.

Kidepo currently has a bird checklist of 470 bird species including 60 bird species recorded nowhere else in any other national park in Uganda, there are 56 species of raptor, and the park’s vultures are thriving. Kidepo is also the only Park in Uganda to have a close encounter with the rare endemic the Ostrich is known as the fastest bird to run on the ground.

HOW TO GET THERE

Kidepo valley is an isolated park in the North of Uganda, about 571km from Kampala, The Park can be accessed by road however the distance can also be shortened with a scheduled charter flight of about 1-2 hours flight. Much as it is far, its once you get, the ambiance is a true wilderness feeling

By road:  Kidepo is a 9 or more hours depending on the route you choose to take. The access routes include;

Kampala – Karuma – Gulu – Kitgum – Kidepo = 571km

Kampala – Karuma – Lira – Kotido – Kaabong – Kidepo = 705km

One of the usually accessible routes with en route travel adventure passes via Gulu and Kitgum with a stopover and overnight in Murchison falls National Park near Karuma and proceed the following day.

By air: Kidepo can easily be accessed by a scheduled flight from Entebbe or Kajjasi airstrip to Apoka. The flights only operate on scheduled dates with a maximum capacity of 7 seats per chartered plane. Before landing you are treated to an aerial view of the vast plain verdant savannah land. The flights are scheduled in the morning and afternoon hours.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The savannah parks are almost all year round. The general climate changes have become unpredictable, the dry season runs from December to March with 40 degrees Celsius during the time, whereas the wet season now covers April to November. However, the rains are minimal with fewer disruptions for a safari.

The best time to visit would be during the dry season as Wildlife viewing is easier as animals tend to seek out reliable water sources and vegetation thin giving clear views. In contrast, animals are difficult to locate during the wet season and the access roads within the park are almost impassable.

ACTIVITIES WITHIN KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Game drives & viewing

Game drives and viewing are the main highlights of the Kidepo valley excursion. Usually, game viewing is done in Narus valley and Kidepo valley. Narus Valley is around Apoka the center of Kidepo with a lot of wildlife including Cheetah, Leopards, lions, large herds of buffaloes elephants, zebras, bush back, waterbuck, duikers, oribi, and other species different species of antelopes. Game drives can also be done in Kidepo Valley near the border with South Sudan where you will encounter with Ostriches as the most attraction. You will also have a chance to visit the hot springs in this area and will come across the Kidepo seasonal river which dries up during the dry season.

Birding

Kidepo valley has an array of 470 bird species while over 60 birds are not recorded anywhere. Birding takes place in the morning and afternoon hours and popularly takes place near Apoka in Narus Valley that offers a great birding experience and even near Namamukweny valley. Birds that can be sighted include; purple Hern, Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Clapperton’s Francolin, Golden pipit, ostrich, chestnut weaver, Karamoja applies, Pygmy Falcon among many others which are only found in Kidepo valley national park.

Birding in Kidepo is an all-year-round activity but best from March to April to see the migrants and special birds. November to February has the least rain, while June to August has more Migratory birds are usually seen in Narus valley from November to April.

Cultural Experiences

Kidepo Valley National Park is surrounded by the Karamojong community who used to be the cattle wresters before the government took an interest to civilize them and most of them started enrolling in civil education. There are also the Masai of Kenya and the IK people, an indigenous small tribe known as cattle keepers. They have a rich cultural history and this can be explored by taking a cultural tour in their community especially the Karimojong neighboring community. You will visit their homesteads to learn their way of living and this will end will lots of entertainment from the community entertainment groups where clients are also free to participate.

Guided Nature Walks & wildlife walk

The guided nature walk within the park is led by a ranger guide will take you on a short nature walk which lasts 3 to 4 hours while observing the beautiful scenery of the backdrop beauty of the park around Narus river, Lomey mountains, rocks, endless wilderness, fauna, and flora. This is normally good for zoologists, botanists and Researchers. While on the walk, you are able to meet IK tribe near morungole mountain outside the park.

ACCOMMODATION IN KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

• Apoka Safari camp
• Apoka UWA Bandas
• Buffalo base camp
• Kidepo Savanna lodge