Kidepo Valley National Park
Twelve hours by road. That is the price of admission to Kidepo Valley, Uganda's most remote park, and one ranked third best on the entire African continent. Few travelers make the trip. The ones who do get a wilderness with wildlife you will not find anywhere else in the country.
Kidepo sits in Kaabong district in Uganda's far northeast, 510km from Kampala. Moroto is the nearest large town. The park opened in 1962 and now protects over 75 mammal species and 470 bird species across dry savannah plains ringed by mountains.
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeastern corner of Uganda. Far away from everything, but a fantastic place to go to.
Kidepo is a semi-desert area which hosts over 77 mammal species including lion, cheetah, leopard, bat-eared fox, giraffe, elephant, buffalo as well as almost 500 bird species.
The Park comprises of 1445 square kilometres of savannah area.
The most important sources of water are the Kidepo river and the Narus river.
Distance from Kampala
510 km · 12–14 hours by road
Established
1962
Mammal species
Over 75
Bird species
470
Where is Kidepo Valley National Park?
Kidepo is far from everything, and that is the point. By road, the shortest route runs through Gulu, covering 571km and 12 to 14 hours of driving. Through Lira, the distance stretches to 705km. Connecting from Murchison Falls National Park, you are looking at 440km and roughly eight hours. Roads are rough throughout, so a 4x4 in solid mechanical condition matters more here than in most Uganda parks.
By air, Aerolink runs scheduled flights from Entebbe, with charter options available on request.
When should you visit?
Kidepo is open year-round. The dry season runs from roughly October through March, with the wettest months falling between June and September. Rain slows down road travel but does not close the park. Book through a local operator. Driving in this region takes local knowledge, and a good operator handles that for you.
What will you see here?
Narus Valley holds the park's best game viewing. Its permanent water source draws lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, hartebeest and cheetahs through most of the year, especially in the dry months when a water dam and waterhole near the tourism center pull wildlife in close.
Apoka Tourism Centre is your base inside the park. It houses the main lodge, UWA-run cottages, a craft shop and the ranger station that organizes your game drives and walks.
Mount Morungole rises 2,750m near Apoka and marks the park's southern boundary. Its slopes are home to the Ik people, one of Uganda's smallest ethnic groups.
Namamukweny Valley translates to "a place with no birds or people", which undersells it. The valley holds strong numbers of White-crested Turaco, Common Bulbul and Abyssinian Roller.
Kanangorok Hot Springs sit 11km past the Kidepo River, right on the South Sudan border, with mountain views that stretch past the frontier.
Things to do
What can you do in the park?
Game drives
Loop circuits across the Narus Valley put you in reach of lions, cheetahs, giraffes and buffalo, drawn in by the valley's permanent water.
Nature walks and hikes
Up Mount Morungole, 2,750m on the park's southern boundary, or through the quieter valleys on foot with a ranger.
Birding
470 species. Namamukweny Valley holds strong numbers of White-crested Turaco, Common Bulbul and Abyssinian Roller.
Kanangorok Hot Springs
11km past the Kidepo River on the South Sudan border, with mountain views stretching past the frontier.
Cultural visits
The Karamojong and Acholi communities around the park, and the Ik on the slopes of Mount Morungole.
Lodging
Where should you stay?
Luxury
Apoka Safari Lodge — rooms with private terraces, a pool, restaurant and bar.
Midrange
Kidepo Savannah Lodge, 500m from Kalokudo gate, with views over Narus Valley and Mount Morungole.
Midrange
Nga'Moru Wilderness Camp — en suite tents and cabanas 4km from Katarum Gate, with waterbuck, lions, hyenas, zebra and elephants passing through regularly.
Budget
Apoka Rest Camp — bandas run directly by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Access
How do you get there?
Fly if you can. Aerolink runs scheduled service from Entebbe and Kajjansi to Kidepo's airstrip, with charters available on demand. By road, plan on a full day of driving no matter which route you take: 571km through Gulu (12 to 14 hours), 705km through Lira, or 440km and about eight hours if you are connecting from Murchison Falls. Confirm your route and vehicle with your operator before you set out.
Plan it
Safaris that include Kidepo Valley National Park
Keep exploring
Other places to visit
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Southwest Uganda. Home to the mountain gorilla.
View destination
Kibale Forest National Park
Western Uganda. Home to the chimpanzee.
View destination
Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge here. Savannah game drives round out the visit.
View destinationReady to Plan Your Safari?
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