Kidepo Valley National Park covers 1.442 km in size, is among the most spectacular parks in Uganda, though it is not very accessible because it is far out. It lies at an altitude range between 914 m and 2.750 m. above sea level. This consideration, combined with the Valley’s open, savanna habitat, makes it the Park’s prime game viewing location.
Indeed, it is possible to sight a good variety of wildlife simply by scanning the valley with binoculars from the comfort of the Apoka lodge. It is much interesting to take a trip to Kidepo by use of surface road transport which provides en-route view drives and charter flights are booked from Entebbe-Kajjansi airstrip to reach Kidepo Valley National Park.
PARK AT A GLANCE
✓ Size: 1,442 km2
The park’s altitude ranges between 914 m and 2,750 m above sea level. The park contains two rivers – Kidepo and Narus – which disappear in the dry season, leaving just pools for the wildlife.
Species found in Kidepo Valley National Park
The vegetation is dominated by an open Savannah, with dry mountain forest and acacia forest. The Park hosts at least 86 mammal species (elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, bush pig), including many predators, like a black-backed jackal, African hunting dog, bat-eared fox, cheetah, caracal, lions, leopards. There are 17 antelope species. The bird checklist is of 463 species recorded, including 56 raptors, like a pygmy falcon, Ostriches, tawny eagle, secretary bird, vultures.
Activities in Kidepo Valley
Several game drive loops direct visitors to wildlife viewing locations in the Narus valley in the Southwest of the park, mountain hiking, bird watching, camping, community visits, and cultural performances participation.
Accessibility to Kidepo Valley National Park
The park can be reached by both road and air. Driving is more rewarding, as much of Karamoja, like Kidepo itself, is a vast and unspoiled wilderness. However, road conditions are sometimes difficult and 4WD vehicles are usually essential. There are four possible routes by road: routes via Mbale pass to the east of Lake Kyoga to reach northern Uganda; routes via Karuma pass to the west.
- Kampala – Karuma – Gulu – Kitgum – Kidepo = 571 kms
- Kampala – Karuma – Lira – Kotido – Kidepo = 705 kms
- Kampala – Mbale – Sironko – Kotido – Kaabong – Kidepo = 740 kms
- Kampala – Mbale – Soroti – Moroto – Kidepo = 792 kms
Visitors should note that the road mainly in use from Kotido to Kaabong passes via Kanawat not via Losilang as indicated on most maps. Enquire at Kotido. Prospective visitors should contact UWA Headquarters or Wild places (the Apoka lodge operator) to obtain up-to-date advice about road conditions and safety to identify the preferred choice of route.
Charter flights to Kidepo may be arranged from Kampala (Kajjansi), Kampala Aeroclub, or Entebbe with Eagle Aviation. Flights take about two hours. The Civil Aviation Authority has plans to make Lomej, to the east of Apoka, an international airport to enable visitors to fly direct to Kidepo from other countries.
Accommodation facilities in Kidepo Valley National Park
At Kidepo national park accommodation is provided at Apoka lodge, N’gamoru wilderness camp (Luxury), and Uganda wildlife authority Banda’s luxury and mid-range respectively. There is an option of camping in the park.