Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s third-largest, is a breathtaking wildlife haven, rich with diverse species and dramatic landscapes.
Established as a game reserve in 1958 to protect its wildlife from hunting and poaching, Kidepo became a national park in 1962. However, Kidepo’s story hasn’t been without its challenges. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, political unrest and armed conflicts ravaged the region, leading to overgrazing and rampant poaching.
Sadly, this period saw the disappearance of species like African Painted Wolves, rhinos, and roan antelopes from the park. Today, Kidepo National Park is recovering and evolving, with plans underway to reintroduce lost species.
Since 2006, the park has been a safe and welcoming Uganda safaris destination for visitors, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most untouched wildernesses.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) now manages Kidepo Valley National Park with a careful balance, dividing the park into four zones, including one that supports local communities in sustainable resource harvesting.
Kidepo is located in Uganda’s Karamoja Region, in the far northeastern corner of the country, bordering South Sudan to the north and Kenya to the northwest.
It is possibly the most remote safari destination in East Africa. It is also one of the most beautiful. The journey to Kidepo takes a challenging 10 to 12-hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, though it can also be reached by plane.
There are many reasons to vsit Kidepo. Covering 1,444km2, this park offers an incredible mix of wildlife and natural beauty. Its rolling savannahs, dotted with rocky formations (called ‘kopjes’), river valleys, tall grasses, Borassus palms, and sausage trees, create a scene that’s reminiscent of Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
CNN even named it “possibly the most picturesque park in Africa.”
Kidepo Park is home to four of the Big 5—missing only rhinos—and huge herds of buffalo often roam the plains. It is also a sanctuary for rare species that can’t be found elsewhere in Uganda. What makes Kidepo even more special is its tranquility.
With an average of just 16 visitors per day, it remains a hidden gem, allowing you to experience nature and wildlife in complete peace. Additionally, a safari to Kidepo offers a fascinating authentic cultural experience. The Karamojong people, traditional cattle herders who migrated from Ethiopia around 1600 AD, call this area home.
You can also encounter the Ik tribe, a small group of hunter-gatherers living on the slopes of Mount Morungole, one of the most marginalized communities on Earth. With so much to offer, Kidepo is a true treasure waiting to be explored!
While some operators offer 3-day budget safaris to Kidepo Valley National Park, it is best to allocate at least 4 days for a road trip that focuses solely on the park.
This allows you enough time to enjoy the park’s wildlife and landscapes without feeling rushed. For a more relaxed experience or if you’re combining Kidepo with other Uganda destinations, 5 days or more is ideal.
The reason for this is simple: Kidepo is over 550 km (340 miles) from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, and the drive can take more than 10 hours each way.
A 3-day trip would leave you with only 1 day to explore the park, which doesn’t do justice to what Kidepo has to offer. In our opinion, if you only have 3 days available, it may be better to consider closer parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the drive is much shorter.
For those short on time but still eager to experience Kidepo Valley, there’s an option to take a charter or scedued flight from Entebbe International Airport to the Apoka airstrip. Scheduled flights are available on certain days of the week and require a minimum number of passengers, so be sure to check availability in advance.
Kidepo Valley National Park is a unique and rewarding destination, and taking the time to truly soak it all in is definitely worth the effort!
Kidepo Valley National Park contains diverse range of savannah wildlife. On a safari, you can be almost certain of seeing;
You are also likely to see a fair variety of antelope including;
Kidepo hosts several dry-country species that are otherwise absent or uncommon in other Uganda parks, including bat-eared fox, aardwolf, kudu and Guenther’s dik-dik.
he carnivores you are most likely to see in Kidepo are side-striped jackal, but lucky visitors might also see;
Kidepo Valley National Park also has an alluring checklist of more than 470 bird species, and it’s the only Ugandan stronghold for the likes of;
Kidepo is also home to the recently discovered West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus), a species first identified in 2012. For a long time, it was believed to be a type of Nile crocodile, but genetic research revealed it is actually a distinct species.
What’s fascinating about this crocodile is its connection to Ancient Egypt—temple priests mummified these creatures and placed them in the tombs of pharaohs as offerings to the gods or to join the pharaohs in the afterlife.
The easiest protected area to visit alongside Kidepo Valley National Park is Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Located along the main road from Kampala, this ranch offers the exciting opportunity to track Uganda’s only rhinos on foot.
If you’re planning an itinerary of at least 5 days (though 6 or 7 days is better), you can easily combine a visit to Kidepo Valley with Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest national park.
Murchison Falls National Park is famous for boat trips on the Nile River, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds. You can also enjoy chimpanzee trekking in the nearby Budongo Forest Reserve.
Some longer safaris to Kidepo Valley also include other attractions in eastern Uganda, like the Karamoja district, known for its unique culture, Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon, and exciting white-water rafting on the Nile near Jinja, located by Lake Victoria.
However, because Kidepo Valley is located in the far northeast of Uganda, it is quite remote from the more popular southwestern parks like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale Forest National Parks. Combining these regions typically requires safaris that are 2 weeks or longer.
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in a semi-arid region, experiences low rainfall even during the Wet season, making it an ideal destination year-round.
However, the best wildlife viewing typically occurs during the Dry season (September to March), when larger animals congregate around the park’s permanent water sources.
For those looking for more pleasant temperatures and lush, green landscapes, the Wet season (April to August) offers a comfortable climate and a vibrant countryside.
If your Uganda safari includes gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking, it’s best to consider the seasonal factors that impact those activities when planning your visit, rather than focusing solely on Kidepo Valley’s climate.
Kidepo Valley National Park offers a wide array of activities that immerse visitors in its breathtaking wilderness and rich cultural heritage.
Guided walks and game drives provide an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, with the dry season being the best time to walk, as trails can become slippery in the rainy season.
For a unique experience, enjoy bush breakfasts and sundowners in scenic spots. The park boasts stunning viewpoints, such as Mount Morungole, towering at 2,750 meters, offering panoramic views that feel like a gateway into the heart of Africa.
The Namamukweny Valley, located in the park’s northwest, is known for its stunning vistas and vibrant birdlife, including sightings of the white-crested turaco, Abyssinian roller, and green woodhoopoe. Visitors can also explore the Kanagorok Hot Springs in Lotukei, a sacred site for local tribes, believed to have healing properties.
To fully immerse in the local culture, take a trip to the Karamojong villages, where you can experience traditional dances, savor regional dishes, and learn about their history and customs through captivating storytelling.
Whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover, or cultural explorer, Kidepo Valley National Park offers a truly unique and enriching experience.
Apoka Safari Lodge, with its exclusive 10 cottages, is the only luxury accommodation in Kidepo National Park. For a more budget-friendly option, the state-operated Apoka Rest Camp is highly recommended.
Situated in the wildlife-rich Narus Valley, it offers basic hut accommodations and features an affordable restaurant-bar.
A bit more upscale but located further from the park’s center, Kidepo Savannah Lodge is a charming, traditional camp, with safari tents that provide stunning views over the plains. Both lodges are comfortable and perfectly suited for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic safari experience.
Expect to pay in the range of US$200 to US$300 per person per day for 4- or 5-day budget packages that focus solely on Kidepo Valley and sites en route.
Daily rates for longer safari tours that continue on to Murchison Falls or elsewhere tend to be similar, but they may work out higher if a gorilla trekking permit is included.
You can usually assume that the quoted price will cover all transport, accommodations, meals and park fees for the duration of the safari.
We will be happy to answer all your questions about highlights, accommodations and possible travel routes!
Since 2016, Greenway Nature Tours Africa has been offering 4×4 vehicle rentals, safari packages with accommodations, and guided tours for both individual and group travelers throughout East Africa, covering countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The ideal time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. These months provide the best weather for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, with less rainfall, making travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
