Kidepo National Park
Kidepo National Park is one of the magnificent national parks in Uganda located in the border of South Sudan in the Northeast. Termed as the true African wilderness due to its remote location in the pastoral Karamojong locals which are the “Maasai of Uganda” similar to Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania. Kidepo national park is found in the rugged semi-desert valleys of the Northern Uganda bordering Kenya and South Sudan.
The park covers an area of 1,442 square kilometers making it one of the largest national parks in Uganda. Kidepo national park was established in 1958, gazetted as a national park in 1962 and managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Its characterised by open savannah vegetation with dotted Acacia trees and Rocky outcrops. Its also crossed by two seasonal rivers which are the source of water for wildlife at the park those are River Kidepo and River Narus. Some long dry season the rivers dry up leaving little pool of water where all the wildlife concentrates.
Kidepo national park is an isolated national park in the country but remains the most outstanding park. It’s a virgin tourist destination less crowded and the best destination for private Uganda safaris. The park is a home of more extinct and rare wildlife species with over 77 mama species at the park. It is only in Kidepo national park in Uganda where one can see the Cheetahs in plenty. It habits over 450 bird species with great number of Ostriches and Kori bustards which is the largest flying bird on earth.
The park is less exploited and known to many tourists hence making its treasure hidden due to remote located and distance from, the capital of Uganda. The park is located 510 kilometers away from Kampala the capital of Uganda. Kidepo national park is located in Kaabong district found in the North Eastern part of Uganda.
Accessing/getting to Kidepo national park
Kidepo national park can be accessed by both road and air along with the good road network. The park is remotely located but can be accessed using two routes and via Northern passing through Murchison falls and the other route is the Eastern route via the capital of Adventure Jinja. One has to use 4WD to be safe especially during the wet season since the road network is poor after branching off from the main road.
There are four possible routes one can use in order to reach to kidepo valley national park. These routes include two from the Eastern side and two from the Northern side.
Routes passing through the North
- Kampala to Karuma to Gulu to Kitgum to Kidepo which is the shortest route among all. It takes around 10 hours to reach to the park covering an area of 571 kilometers.
- Kampala to Karuma to Lira to Kotido to Kaabong to Kidepo. This is the second shortest route which can take up to 12 hours drive with a distance of 705 kilometers.
The Eastern routes
- Kampala to Mbale to Sironko to Moroto to Kotido to Kaabong to Kidepo this takes also 12 hours covering a distance of 740 kilometers. This is the most scenic route passing through River Nile, sipi falls and many tourist attractions.
- The second Eastern route is from Kampala to Mbale to Soroti to Moroto to Kotido to Kaabong to Kidepo. This takes 13 hours, it’s the longest route that covers 792 kilometers.
The most used routes are the Northern route for going and some like coming back using the Eastern route with a stop at the Sipi falls or enjoy the adventure in Jinja along with the source of the Nile. The route can be broken into 2 with a brief stop in one of the towns especially Gulu or stop at Murchison falls national park.
On the other hand, one can use charter flights from Entebbe or Kajjasi to Kidepo using Kampala Aeroclub or Eagle Aviation which takes about 2 hours. Due to the remoteness of the park, the government of Uganda is on plans to upgrade the Lomej airstrip near Apoka as an international airport so as to reduce the driving distance and make iot easy for guests to access the park as they can fly direct from their countries to Kidepo national park.
Attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo national park like most of the African national parks can be visited throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season due to the soil terrain of the park. In the dry season, the grass is short and animals can be easily viewed in the water catchment areas. The Cheetahs are seen on top of the anti-hills sunbathing during early morning time. Even during the rainy season, the storms do not easy for long making it possible for all activities to be done though it will need 4 WD cars.
Mammals: Kidepo national park is rich with wildlife with over 77 mammal species that are found at the park. Kidepo is best for wildlife experience with 4 of the African big 5 viewed at the park only missing Rhinos. The park is the only park where one can see Cheetahs in Uganda, large prides of lions, Elephants, Leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hartebeest, reedbucks and many more. The catchment areas is always the best spotting point, especially during the dry season.
Birds: Are you great birder looking for the destination where you can have over 400 bird species list in short period of time? Kidepo national park is the place your looking for. The vast park with diversified vegetation zoning has created a room for a wide range of bird species. The different habitats are a key to this unique birding species. Birding can be done at your relaxing time if you stay around Apoka rest Camp. This camp is considered as one of the hot spot for birding in Kidepo. Other birding spots are along the Narus river, Namamukweny valleys and others. The most sited birds are Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Clapperton’s Francoli (Found only in Kidepo national park) Purple Heron, Abyssinian Roller, Kori bustard, Ostriches, Pygmy Falcon, Violet-tipped Courser
Apoka Tourism centre: This is the information center where one can get all the documentaries about the Kidepo national park. It is also the starting point of all the park activities, you can get guides if you went using your own car. If you do not have a car you will also be helped at this point where you will hire a car or join the group if available. There are also craft shops with tourist books, souvenirs, cold drinks and many more.
Kidepo valley and Kanangorok Hot springs: Kidepo valley is on the river banks of the seasonal river called Kidepo river, this is a home of palm trees where locals go and collect the palm fruits. Tourist like visiting this area to meet more locals who are doing this business picking the fruits locally. Another important area along the river is the Kanangorok Hot springs that are located 11 kilometres ahead of the Kidepo river as one approaches the border.
Mount Morungole: Morungo mountain is 2,750 meters high located inside Kidepo national park. Its crossed by the two rivers that are a source of water at the park. Its found in the Southern part of the park that gives boundary as the elevation of the park rises as one approach to the South. This is where the guests do hiking and birding is done. Other hills at the park include Lomej Hills that are found at the centre of the park just near the park headquarters. Lonyili Mountain lies in the middle of Kitgum and South Sudan. This is where the montane forests are found and a home of more bird species and some primates like Colobus monkey.
Activities in Kidepo National Park
The virgin Kidepo national park is one of the Uganda National Parks that are enjoyable with many activities that can be done in this remote national park. Take time and more around the park and visit nearby unique local communities that have more to offer to our guests.
Are you very fit do not miss to hike any of the hills around the park, below are the highlights of your trip to Kidepo national park:
Birding: Kidepo national park is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda, located in the remote area of Karamoja. Untapped land that makes birds easily visible at all times, your birding safari starts from the Apoka rest camp. You only need to have enough time to enjoy your long list of birds like Ostrich, Bee-eaters, vultures, kori bustard, common bulbul, African Grey Flycatcher, Karamoja Apalis, white-bellied Tit, Black-headed plover, Bruce green Pigeon, Fox Kestrel, Abyssinian Ground bill, Singing Bush Lark mention but a few. Birding can be done along the Namamukweny valley of Kidepo near Narus or Kidepo river.
Game viewing: Game drives in Kidepo national park are done alongside a game ranger. All the game drives are more rewarding. You will have a chance to see rare mammals with 77 species available. The train ranger or experienced driver-guide will help you spot these animals like Jackal, leopards, elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, bush pig, bush duiker, bush pig, kobs, Cheetahs and many more. Game drives can be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon or even for the whole day.
Hiking/ nature guide walks: Another good activity that is done at Kidepo national park is hiking or nature walks. The park can be also explored at our leisure by our foot with the lead of the game ranger. This needs some level of fitness. You can walk through the famous Narus valley and meet the IK tribe one of the most unique locals in Africa. Visit the Borassus palm forest where the locals pick the fruits for making the local palm wine. This is great for birders where you can enjoy the fresh breath of Africa.
Cultural tours: Your trip to Kidepo national park is incomplete without visiting the local IK and other Karamajong locals. The unique cattle pastoralists who have the same lifestyle as the Maasai people of Kenya have more entertainment during your visit to them. They occupy the largest part of the North-East of Uganda. Discover the culture of the remote tribe with the Lorukul Cultural Group which is found outside the park.
Are you tired of busy crowded tourism destinations, look no further come and enjoy the best virgin land of Kidepo national park. It is a very safe and unique national park that gives you all the true African wilderness to come true.
