Hiking in Kidepo Valley National Park: Though the Karamoja region is mostly flat, Kidepo Valley National Park has a variety of sceneries and geographical characteristics. From stunning flat plains teeming with grasses to plateaus teeming with woods, arid riverbanks fringed with desert palm trees, and mountains teeming with montane forests, there is something for everyone. Kidepo Valley National Park is a Uganda safari destination that has it all. Each region has its own set of wildlife animals, birds, and other wildlife species that grab every traveler’s interest as they go about their daily activities. The stunning natural environs pique visitors’ interest but also raising doubts.
Many tourists find it difficult to resist the desire to venture into the wilderness, explore it, and uncover the beauty hidden away from the population. It should be noted that any climb requires a ranger escort. Many guests leave Apoka assured that the ranger has the necessary experience and drive to meet the visitors’ goals. The optimal time to begin the trekking safari is early in the morning, before the heat of the day rise. Lomej Mountains are the most popular hiking safari location since hikers meet magnificent sightings along the route and it just takes a few hours for even novice hikers. The peak of the Lomej Mountains provides breathtaking views over the Narus valley and surrounding places.
The Kidepo valley hiking safari allows you to discover the picturesque sand banks surrounded by gorgeous borassus palm groves. Winds whip the palm woods in all directions, creating a cracking sound as branches crash into one other, transporting trekkers to another realm. Many visitors find the Kidepo Valley sand banks to be an ideal location for a picnic lunch, sand sports, photography, and sundowners. Other adventurers travel the additional mile to the Kanangorok hot spring and discover a unique natural spa with interesting legends about its creation.
The 9-hour hiking safari to the Morungole Mountains is a challenge of physical fitness, endurance, and patience that is rewarded with an exhilarating balanced blend of scenic exploration, wilderness adventure, and cultural excursions. Hikers travel through montane forest, rugged terrain, and to higher altitudes with spectacular views of the Karamoja plains.
The journey culminates with a visit to the Ik tribe, a population that has kept close to traditional African traditions, viewing anything foreign with distrust and resisting interference with their way of life. Any hiking expedition into Kidepo Valley National Park must be accompanied by a ranger who is familiar with the wilderness environment, language, culture, and customs of the indigenous people.
To experience the splendor of the environment, begin the journey early in the morning when animal species are most active. Carry plenty of drinking water, snacks, a lunch box, a first aid kit, a walking stick, binoculars, cameras, maps, sunblock, bug repellent, and a guidebook. In the rainy season, safari pants tucked into thick socks, long sleeved light garments in drab colors, hiking shoes, safari hut or hat, sunglasses, and rain gear are acceptable. Hiking costs are $30 for non-foreign residents, $15 for foreign residents, and $10,000 for East Africans.
Other safari activities in Kidepo Valley National Park
Game drives are the most popular of the activities in Kidepo Valley National Park. Narus Valley is where most drives take place because many wild animals congregate here, especially in March. Tourists usually have a clear view because the savannah grassland at the park is low due to a lack of rain, and the lions and other big cats are mostly seen on the rocks of kopjes looking for food. The game drive is best in the morning because most wild animals are looking for food. Some game drives can be organized for afternoon and night. Occasionally, game drives are conducted along Kidepo Valley, where tourists can enjoy the sand bed river “oasis” in the desert. The valley has palm trees and a large number of birds, and is only visible during the dry season. Because Kidepo Valley National Park is a Ugandan desert with tsetse flies crossing the Sand bed River, this is best done in the morning before it gets too hot.
Nature Walks
Nature walks can be done at any time of day around Apoka Camp, and tourists can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as Elephants, Reedbuck, Zebra, and a few others that have not been mentioned. These are best in the morning because tourists can observe the animals closely as they hunt for food.
Bird Watching
When it comes to this activity, this is a fantastic view for birders. The park has a wide variety of birds, some of which are not found in other birding areas in Uganda. The park is ranked second in Uganda for its variety of bird species, and this activity is what drives the park’s popularity. Over 50 species of outstanding bird prey have been recorded in Kidepo Valley National Park.
