Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with south Sudan in the north west and only 5km from the eastern border of Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species.Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.
During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location especially with its dense populations of Lion,Buffalos,Elephant and many similar angulates.

What To See at Kidepo Park

Bird Life

Kidepo Valley has a very impressive bird list of more than 470 species, the second-highest population of any Ugandan reserve, following only Queen Elizabeth National Park. Sixty birds on its list haven’t been recorded in any other Ugandan park. No comprehensive survey has been done, so visitors could easily see some species not previously recorded for the park. Kidepo is especially good for spotting raptors, with 56 species on record. Migratory birds are present from November to April.The Bird Species include Ostrich, Kori bustard, red and yellow barbet, Karamoja Apalis, pygmy falcon, white bellied go away bird, red throated bee-eater, Jacksons hornbill, black breasted barbet, chestnut weaver among others.

Cultural Encounters

The people of Karamoja call them the Karamojong use traditional Instruments and costumes in their life styles. Such items include Instruments like Stools, Knives, Jewels, Bows, Spears, Arrows and Beads.
These People stay adjacent to the Park especially in the far Northern Eastern part of UgandaCultural encounters to the villages around Kidepo will make you feel the true African people and style. See how the Karamojong sleep in Grass- thatched houses and how extend Families live with each member possessing a house and family

Wild Life

Kidepo is Uganda’s third largest national park. It is home to 77 mammal species and the park offers great opportunities for game viewing. 20 species of predator are present, including lion, leopard, and spotted hyena.
In Uganda, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, cheetah, and caracal are endemic to Kidepo. The elephant population is over 650 (up from 200 in the mid ‘90s), buffalo are estimated to exceed 10,000, and there are over 50 Rothschild’s giraffes, an internationally important population. Zebra graze on the plains and both greater and lesser kudu roam around the thick bush.
Fortunate adventurers may even see a white-eared kob, more commonly seen in South Sudan and Ethiopia. The bird list currently numbers 470 species. 60 of these are recorded in no other national park in Uganda. East Africa’s population of Clapperton’s francolin and the rose-ringed parakeet are found only in Kidepo. There are 56 species of raptor, and the park’s vultures are thriving. Kidepo is also the only place in Uganda where bird enthusiasts can encounter the majesty of the Common Ostrich.

Rothschild’s giraffes

Lion

Zebras

Spotted Hyena

antelope.

Buffalo

How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park

Drive through Soroti-Moroto road and you will be amazed by excellent views over the steep Alekilek volcano about midway Moroto and Soroti. And if you take the Lira-Kotido road, expect to enjoy the scenery of the Labwor hills and in particular the massive and bare Alerek (Kidi Rwot) rock about 55 km to Kotido.

Note that: The beautiful national park though rarely visited has a wonderful scenic viewing, game viewing, visit to the hot springs, hiking on Morungole Mountain, bird watching, community walks while learning the ancient customs and beliefs of the karimojong people and dancers.

Kidepo Valley National Park