The park is hidden in a valley in north eastern Uganda along the border with Sudan. Surrounded by mountains it is considered by many to offer the most stunning scenery of any national park in Uganda. At 1440 km2, Kidepo is notable for a number of animals that are not found anywhere else in Uganda including Cheetahs, Ostriches and bat-eared foxes.
Five primates have been recorded in the park including the localized Patas monkey. It also has large concentrations of elephants, zebras, bushbucks, buffaloes and a number of 20 predators including Lions, Leopards and hyenas .There’s also a variety of mustelids, genets, mongooses and small cats.
There are 12 different antelope species that are found in Kidepo and they include the greater and lesser kudu, Guenther’s dik- dik, and mountain reedbuck which occur nowhere else in Uganda. Others are Jackson’s Hartebeest, Eland, Bushbuck, common duiker, Klipspringer, Oribi, Defassa waterbuck and Bohor reedbuck.
The park also supports populations of elephant, Burchell’s Zebra, Warthog, Bush pig and buffalo. The black rhinoceros recently became extinct in kidepo.It’s also a good bird – watching destination, with a recorded number of 463 birds which includes endemic birds,%6 raptors including the pigmy falcon and Kidepo “specials” which are restricted to the park.
Why you should Explore the Plains of Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda wildlife tourism has a secret in Kidepo Valley national park and hundreds of people fly to Uganda every year on both budget and flying safari tours to Kidepo Valley in search of an incredible Africa safari tour experience.With the unspoilt beauty of plains and wildlife, Kidepo is a perfect destination for any nature lover searching for exceptional wildife experience in Africa.
Nothing compares to the beauty and cultural values of the Karamajong people around the park and any trip to Kidepo is worth every penny.The accommodation is affordable with all you need for a comfortable stay and that added to the endless plain views, it takes you straight into what is known as “Real Africa”. The vibrancy of the park makes it one of the world’s premier wildlife safari destination and the various park activities keep you entertained during your stay.See bellow why you should visit Kidepo Valley National Park.
Things to Do in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo valley national park harbors a great diversity of animal species than other parks in Uganda. These include carnivores, ungulates, and primates. The Uganda safari package takes you to Kidepo National Park offers high chances of viewing tree climbing lions that always sit on sauces trees along Narus valley or on the rock just as you enter the Apoka Park Headquarter. Right from Apoka Rest Camp other animals that can be seen include elephants, leopards, bush duikers, jackals, bushbucks, bush pigs, Kavirondo bush babies, buffaloes, and much more.
Birding:
The park boasts of an extensive avifauna. 465 species have been recorded Birds of particular interest include the ostrich and the Kori bustard which are principally associated with arid regions. The park also has outstanding numbers of birds of prey. In this category, 58 species of birds have been recorded. Amongst these 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and the Karamoja region. Bird lovers can look forward to seeing more than 58 bird species in their natural habitat recorded including fourteen raptors, honbills,black breasted barbet,apalis,Egyptian Vulture, Neophron etc.During the bird watching trip eyes can also feed on the roaming primates and wildlife hence adding value and memories to the trip.
Hiking and Scenery viewing
Hiking can be carried out on Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters.
Cultural Performance
For cultural lovers, its fan to explore the wonderful culture of Karamajongs, their lifestyle, tradition, craul, songs and dances.Taking back the Karamajongs are people who compelently refused to be changed by western culture .They lead a life just like in the ancient,and exploring the karamajong culture is another unique tour adventure in Kidepo National Park that you can regret once missed.
During safaris in Kidepo valley national park, tours to the local communities in the neighboring villages can also be arranged. The local community near the park stages cultural dances and performances. Traditional dances such as the Emuya of the Naporre and Nyangia, Larakaraka and Apiti dances of the Acholi are worthy to see and participate in.
Nature Walk and cultural visits to the Karimajong Manyatta (homesteads) where you will probably see kraals belonging to local communities, traditional costumes, stools, spears headdresses, knives, bows, and arrows, and jewelry among others are also interesting and worthy to take during a safari holiday in this park.
Travel Planner
All Budgets are Catered For
With Kidepo National Park safaris, there is some thing for every one regardless on what your budget and taste could be.The park has different accommodation facilities for luxury and budget travelers and offer only the best.Apoka lodge, Ngamoru wilderness camp and UWA bandas are some of the most loved and a night in any of the three makes your experience unforgettable. Above all the park tour adventures are open for all visitors either local or foreign and the experience is classic.
Best Wildlife park in Africa
Talking about great wildlife reserves in Africa, Kidepo valley ranks best among the most known Masai Mara in Kenya, Kruger national park in south Africa , Serengeti National Park in Tanzania etc.Did you know Kidepo and Masai mara border each other and wildlife roam across boarders giving you a chance to watch variety plus your favorite.Common wildlife species in the park include lions, cheetahs,wild dogs,black-backed jackals,bat eared fox, Antelopes, Elephants, hartebeest, oribi, eland,kobs,Klipspringers etc.Forsure, there is nothing more you will miss out once you take a wildlife trip to Kidepo valley National Park.
Easy Access
Travelling to Kidepo Valley National Park is very easy by either road or air and visitors to the park decide on the best means of transport to use depending on their budget and preferance. When using plane, there are charter flights from Entebbe to Kidepo and the journey takes only two and fifteen minutes to the park.While by road the drive takes almost a full day to kitgum entering the park through either Nataba gate or Lokumoit Gate.The drive is scenic with various stops at Karuma falls, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, Kitgum town etc.You now have more options than before do make it a point to add kidepo vallay on your safari in Uganda.
