Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most remote and breathtaking safari destinations. Tucked away in the rugged northeastern corner of the country, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya, this park offers raw wilderness, striking landscapes, and some of Africa’s most elusive wildlife. Its vast savannahs, mountains, and dry riverbeds evoke a sense of untouched Africa rarely found elsewhere.

Brief History of Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1958 by the British colonial government to protect wildlife from poaching and overhunting. In 1962, it was declared a national park, the same year Uganda gained independence.

The park is named after the seasonal Kidepo River, which flows through the Kidepo Valley. Kidepo has long been home to the IK and Karamojong communities—indigenous pastoralists and subsistence farmers with deep cultural ties to the land.

What to Do at Kidepo Valley National Park

1. Game Drives
Kidepo offers some of the best game viewing in East Africa, particularly during the dry season when animals gather at water sources like Narus Valley. You can expect to see:

Lions, often resting on rocky outcrops

Cheetahs, a rare sight in Uganda

Leopards

Buffaloes in massive herds (some of the largest in Africa)

Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks

2. Bird Watching
With over 470 bird species, Kidepo is a paradise for birders. Notable sightings include:

Kori bustard

Karamoja apalis

Ostrich (only found in Kidepo in Uganda)

Secretary bird

Abyssinian ground hornbill

3. Cultural Encounters
Engage with the Karamojong and IK people to learn about their rich heritage. Experiences include:

Visiting traditional homesteads (manyattas)

Cultural performances with music and dance

Stories about their way of life and survival in the harsh semi-arid environment

4. Nature Walks and Hiking
Guided nature walks allow visitors to explore the park on foot, offering chances to:

Spot wildlife close up

Climb Mount Morungole, the sacred home of the IK people

Enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding mountains

5. Visit the Hot Springs
The Kanangorok Hot Springs, located in the Kidepo Valley near the South Sudan border, are a scenic and geologically interesting site surrounded by palm trees and rocky terrain.

How to Get to Kidepo Valley National Park

By Road:
Kidepo is about 700 km from Kampala and the road trip takes 10–12 hours, depending on the route and road conditions. Popular routes include:

Kampala–Gulu–Kitgum–Kidepo

Kampala–Mbale–Moroto–Kidepo (more scenic, passing through Karamoja)

While long, the road journey offers a chance to experience Uganda’s changing landscapes and cultures.

By Air:
Chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Apoka Airstrip in the park are available and significantly reduce travel time to about 2 hours.

Accommodations at Kidepo Valley National Park

Inside the Park:
Apoka Safari Lodge – A luxury lodge offering spacious rooms, elegant decor, and sweeping views of the Narus Valley.

Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp – Mid-range, situated just outside the park, with canvas tents and great hospitality.

Apoka Rest Camp (UWA) – Budget option run by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with basic bandas and camping facilities.

Camping:
Camping is possible in designated areas within the park. Bring your own gear or rent from local lodges.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park is during the dry seasons:

December to March

June to September

These months offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around the remaining water sources.

The rainy season (April–May and October–November) can make roads impassable and wildlife more dispersed.

Why Visit Kidepo Valley National Park?

To explore Uganda’s most remote and wild national park

For exceptional game viewing in open savannahs

To spot rare species like cheetah, ostrich, and bat-eared fox

To enjoy authentic cultural experiences with the Karamojong and IK people

For dramatic landscapes of mountains, valleys, and desert plains

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s ultimate wilderness destination. With its dramatic scenery, unique wildlife, and cultural richness, it offers an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to go off the beaten path and experience one of Africa’s last truly wild places.