Kidepo Valley National Park was gazatted in by government of Uganda in 1962 covering a total surface area of 1,442 KM. Kidepo valley is composed of savannah grassland and wood land and was ranked the wildest park in Africa by CNN in 2015.It lies in the semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s border with Kenya and South Sudan. Its composed of open flat plains which allow a lot of wildlife to graze and thrive. The highest point stands at 914m and the lowest point is at 2,750m above sea level. Kidepo valley national park hosts over 77 mammals including Cheetah, Leopard, Lions, buffaloes, elephants, Zebra, warthogs, and different species of antelopes most of which are found in Narus valley. Kidepo Valley National Park has 2 seasonal rivers and they include Narus and Kidepo which disappear during dry season, and re-appear during the rainy seasons.
It’s the furthest national park from the city center Kampala which is around 700k from Kampala but once you get there, it’s worth rewarding with a lot of wildlife in the finest wilderness area. Apoka is the hub of tourism activities which also hosts the visitor information center and UWA Apoka Bandas and other camping sites, Apoka Safari lodge and Kidepo air strip.
The most activities in this park include:
Game drives; Kidepo has over 77 registered mammal species that give a rich game drive experiences to tourists. Day game drives are done in Narus valley and Kidepo valley. However, night game drives are only recommended around Narus valley. Narus valley is around Apoka which is the tourism center of Kidepo with a lot of wildlife including Cheetah, Leopards, lions, large herds of buffaloes’ elephants, zebras, bush back, water buck, duikers, oribi, and other different species of antelopes. Game drives can also be done in Kidepo Valley near the border with South Sudan which harbors Ostriches forming the main attraction. On your safari to Kidepo valley, you will get a chance to see the Kidepo valley seasonal with lots of only sand during the dry season. However, when it rains, the empty sandy channel fills up with water.
Birding; The park also offers a good birding experience which takes place both in the morning and afternoon hours, and popularly takes place near Apoka in Narus Valley and also near Namamukweny valley. Birds that can be sighted include; purple Hern, Absyssian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Clapperton’s Francolin found only in Kidepo valley national park.
Cultural Experiences; The community surrounding Kidepo Valley National Park is mostly the Karamojong tribe who used to be the cattle wresters before government embarked on a disarmament program and then encouraged them to go to school for civil education. The other tribes include the Masai of Kenya and the IK a hunter gatherer tribe. They have a rich cultural history and this can be explored by taking a cultural walk or visit in the Karamojong neighboring community. You will visit their hut like homesteads to learn their way of living. The climax of the cultural community walk is the music, dance and drama by the organized community groups of which clients are also free to participate during the entertainment.
Guided Nature Walks; The UWA ranger guide will take you on a short nature walk which lasts 3 to 4 hours while observing the beautiful scenery in terms of hills like Lomey mountains, rocks, endless wilderness, fauna and flora. You will have an opportunity to sight some birds during your nature walk. While on the walk, you are also be able to meet IK tribe near morungole mountain outside the park.
Some of the accommodation in Kidepo include:
- Apoka Safari camp
- Apoka UWA Bandas
- Buffalo base camp
- Adere safari Lodge
- Public camping run by UWA
- Kidepo Savannah lodge
- Ngamorou among others
Accessing Kidepo Valley National Park
- Kampala- Karuma- Gulu- Kitgum –Kidepo = 571km (10 hours). You can take a break at Ziwa wildlife sanctuary and track rhinos on foot or look for the shoe bill. Spend a night in Gulu or Kitgum town and proceed to Kidepo the next day.
- Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo =740km (12 hours). You can break the journey at Sipi and climb to the Sipi falls.You can spend a night around Sipi falls or in Kapchorwa town.
- Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo = 792km (13 hours). You can make a stopover in Kumi town and visit Nyero rock paintings. Spend a night in Kumi or Soroti town and proceed the next day.
- Kampala-Karuma-Lira-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo= 705km (12 hours). You can take a break at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and track rhinos on foot or look for the shoe bill. Spend a night in Lira town and proceed the next day.
It can also be accessed by air using the local flights from Kajasi/Entebbe to Kidepo air strip which is just with in Apoka the tourism center of Kidepo.
