Kidepo Valley National Park: Location, Animals, Things to do & Map

The ultimate travel guide to discover the rugged isolated wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda – a true African wilderness. Lying in isolation in the extreme North-east of Uganda is a spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park one of the exceptional Uganda safaris offering authentic African safari experiences. Visit Kidepo National Park to experience completely authentic wilderness of truly Africa.

Kidepo Valley National Park still stands out as the unspoiled destination. A visit to Kidepo is a lifetime opportunity to experience the African naturalness as it is. In 1962, Kidepo National Park was established as a park, but originally, it was a Game Reserve. Today, this wilderness paradise covers an area of 1442sq.kms, consisting largely of rugged semi-arid landscape.

Two scenic rivers run through Kidepo National Park: River Kidepo (seasonal) and Narus River (the only permanent source of water for wildlife). The park lies between altitude of 914m and 2750m in the far Northeastern Uganda close at the border with South Sudan and Kenya.

Diverse Attractions in Kidepo Park, North-eastern Uganda

Kidepo National Park Animals or Wildlife

Boasting of over 77 mammal species, numerous reptiles all roam freely in the magical savannas of Kidepo Valley National Park. The park is rich in wildlife including the lesser and greater kudus, elands, stripped hyenas, the Rothschild giraffes, gazelles, elephants, cape buffaloes, reedbucks, duikers, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, jackals, roan antelopes and more.

Birdlife -Kidepo National Park

Kidepo National Park prides of its over 475 bird species. A special birding safari in Kidepo is a remarkable opportunity to sight include Nubian woodpecker, Karamoja apalis, pygmy falcons, yellow billed hornbill, Abyssinian rollers, Egyptian vultures, Kori bustard, Karamoja apalis, Verreaux’s eagle, ostriches, yellow spotted petronia, Northern carmine, straw-tailed whydahs, red cheeked cordon-bleu, Bruce’s green pigeon, red winged pytilia, eastern pale chanting goshawk.

Other birds of interest on Kidepo Valley National Park birding safaris: white billed buffalo weaver, African moustached francolin, Clapperton’s francolins, superb starling, secretary bird, fox kestrel, Ethiopian swallow, silver bird, red billed ox-pecker, little green bee-eaters. Birding sites of Kidepo NP: Lomej Hills, Namamukweny Valley, Mount Morungole, Kanangorok Hot Springs, Lonyili Mountain, Apoka Tourism Centre and more.

Top Activities to do while on Uganda safari tour in Kidepo National Park (Things to do)

Guided game drive

A game drive in Kidepo is a great chance to meet African big game, 4 of the big 5 members all live here. These and more are spotted in a 4×4 safari vehicle. The wild animals to catch a glimpse while on guided Kidepo game viewing include bush elephants, leopard, the Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, antelopes, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, etc.

Birding, bird watching -Kidepo National Park

Bird watching in Kidepo can be done anywhere. But the key habitats or sites worth spending time on birding tour include Apoka Rest Camp, Narus Valley, Namamukweny Valley and more. The birds to be identified range from red billed ox-pecker, superb starling, red and yellow barbet, sectary bird, Kori bustard, Abyssinian roller, Karamoja apalis, Northern carmine bee-eater, Jackson’s hornbill.

Expect to come across other birds as well including the white bellied go-away, verreaux’s eagle, golden pipit, steel blue whydah, black breasted barbet, rufous chatter, little green bee-eaters.

Guided nature walks or hiking safaris

Experience Kidepo naturalness as its while on a guided nature walk. Visit the various habitats rich in wildlife, birdlife and other species. What distinguishes nature walks from other activities is the fact that you get to enjoy wildlife at a close range.

Authentic African cultural encounters

No experience beats a cultural safari in the Karamojong manyatta. Visit the Karamojong community to explore in depth about their ancient traditions, practices, lifestyle. Enjoy great dances, music performance and inspirational stories about them as told by the elders. Besides the Karamojong, there are

When should I Visit Kidepo?

African safari tours in Kidepo Valley National Park are best done during the dry season. The ideal dry months to consider planning your Uganda safaris: September, October, November while birding is great during the months of April, May.

Best places to consider for overnight stay

Kidepo National Park is absolute African safari destination with an incredible list of lodges. Luxury Uganda safari lodges to consider spending a night: Apoka Safari Lodge, Midrange lodges Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp.

How do I get to Kidepo National Park

By road travel:

• Kidepo Valley National Park is found in the far North-east, accessible about 10 to 12 hours’ drive. The two routes to take: Eastern route via Jinja-Mbale route or Northern route through Gulu highway.

By air

• Schedule/chartered flights can be arranged for Kidepo setting off from Entebbe Airport to Apoka Airstrip.

More About Kidepo

Why is Kidepo National Park important?

Kidepo Valley NP is an important destination for birding tours in Uganda, inhabiting 475 species of birds. These include endemic species to Karamoja region and prey birds. This makes it an ideal spot to find not only unique mammals like cheetahs, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, and antelopes but also for you to enjoy exceptional birding experience.

Why are there no hippos in Kidepo Valley National Game Park?

Considering the long drought periods, some mammals like hippos aren’t in position to survive due to limited water sources. Common wildlife/animals to see in Kidepo include the Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda Kobs, elephants, Klipspringers, buffaloes, zebras, and more.

Are there lions in Kidepo National Park?

Kidepo is home to not only large herds of elephants, but also significant prides of lions. These roam freely with other species of wildlife including leopards, antelopes, and variety of bird species.

Is it safe to go to Kidepo National Park?

Kidepo Valley National Park is a safe and secure African safari destination in Uganda. It is open and attracts all visitors with safety guaranteed thanks to the team from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) equipped ranger force and other security agencies.

Map of Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda