KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Located in the distant north-east of Uganda, close by the borders of South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park but also the most magnificent teaming with Africa’s finest wilderness. This enthralling destination of semi-arid savannah, seasonal rivers and low mountain ranges remains unknown to many. It is at once hostile and beautiful and well worth exploring if you like to get off the beaten path. The park is home to a wide range of species including the greater and lesser kudu, eland, cheetah, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, elephants, Burchell’s zebra, bush duiker, Defassa waterbuck, bush pig, Kavirondo and an extensive list of around 475 bird species. Visitors can actually explore this land haunting of beauty on self-drive safaris and then camp or stay in national park lodges. Here are the incredible spots to visit as well as what to do while at the park;

 

Areas of interest

Narus valley

Loosely translated to mean soggy ground in English, the Narus Valley is the most splendid and rewarding location at the park. Stretching from Mount Morungole onto South Sudan in the North, Narus Valley contains the only permanent water points in Kidepo Valley National Park. This makes it the perfect location for scouting big game congregations for most of the year. In Narus Valley, you will find buffalo, elephants, warthogs, giraffes, lions, and zebras. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a cheetah. Watch the sunrise over the Narus Valley alongside wild game.

Apoka tourism centre

All safari activities in Kidepo valley national park starts at the Apoka tourism office. The tourism centre is constructed on a raised hilly area in the middle of the wilderness near Narus valley as it provides clear views of the valley and the park.

Kidepo valley

Kidepo Valley does not have as much big ‘game’ as Narus Valley, but it makes up for it with the scenery. While making the drive to Kidepo Valley, the road intersects with the Kidepo River. During the dry season, white sand and a Borassus palm forest are the only remnants of the once flowing Kidepo River. While in Kidepo Valley you can keep an eye out for ostriches and secretary birds. While on vacation at the park, Kidepo valley is a perfect spot to indulge even when the river is but white sand remnants.

 

Kanangorok hot springs

Located on the South Sudan border of Uganda, Kanangorok Hot Springs is one of the coolest remote attractions at the park. Surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with savannah trees, Kanangorok hot springs provide magnificent views of the mountain ranges. Enjoy a savannah landscape extending far beyond the gazette area towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.

 

Mount Morungule

At 2,750m, Mount Morungole is the highest point and the source to both the Narus and Kidepo Rivers in Kidepo Valley National Park. Mount Morungule is home to the smallest ethnic group in Uganda, the IK tribe. Planning a hike on Mount Morungole offers a chance to see forest vegetation and capture incredible photos of Kidepo Valley National Park from scenic view points.

 

Namamukweny valley

Meaning ‘a place with no birds’ even though it is inhabited with lots of birds, the Namamukweny Valley is an equally rewarding spot at the Kidepo. The valley is home to a variety of bird species including the Eastern paradise-whydah, white-crested turaco, Abyssinian roller, green wood hoopoe and common bulbul among others. Descend into the Namamukweny valley for great bird watching at the park.

Lamoj hills

If you are looking for an opportunity to spot wildlife within the adjacent valleys, Lamoj hills gives you this and more. For wilderness photography, it is Great spot for viewing the mountain reedbuck among other wildlife. Facing towards the parks headquarters, Lamoj hills harbor bird species and animals hence a great spot for wildlife viewing and birding.

Lonyili mountain

Situated near kidepo valley national park in north Eastern Uganda, is Lonyilli Mountain beaming with lush vegetation and a few primates. Bordering South Sudan and Kitgum, the Lonyili Mountain is largely covered in montane forest and serves as a home to primates such as colobus monkeys and many others.

 

Matheniko Bokora reserve

The remote Matheniko Wildlife Reserve is the 5th of the most endangered Wildlife Conservation Protected Areas in Uganda. This exceptional Wildlife Reserve is a section of the Karamoja Protected Areas and stretches from the spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park through the Bokora Wildlife Reserve to the Pian Upe Wildlife reserve-second largest protected Area in Uganda after the Murchison Falls National Park.

 

The North-eastern boundary of the Matheniko Wildlife Reserve lies in the Uganda-Kenya border.  Located within Moroto district, Matheniko Wildlife reserve covers an area of 1520 square kilometers/590 square miles and is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

This Reserve is a home to exceptional wildlife species that include Antelopes such as the Bright’s gazelle, lesser kudu, roan antelope, Waterbucks, Mountain reedbucks, Uganda kobs, Blue duikers, Orbis, Bohor reedbuck, Topi, Common duikers and Common elands, Primates such as Olive baboons, Patas monkeys and Vervet monkeys, Carnivores such as the Jackals, Cheetah, Striped hyenas, Servals, Civets, Leopards, Wildcats, Spotted hyenas. Matheniko is a gorgeous, sun-soaked destination, which every visitor to the park shouldn’t miss.

 

Activities

Game drive

Apoka game drives are the best way to explore the far reaches of the park within a short space of time. Wildlife is abundant and easily viewed thanks to the scant vegetation here. Coming face to face with large mammals and predators from the safety of your vehicle is an unforgettable experience.

Most drives follow two 20-kilometre routes through the wildlife-rich Narus Valley. Here, a small amount of water remains even in the dry season, attracting large buffalo herds, thirsty elephants, and antelope. A gathering of herbivores attracts predators, allowing you to see a range of beautiful animals.

In the hot, dry season, game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon. This allows you to witness the animals in their most active state and capture memories when the light is best for photography.

Nature walks

Step out on a trail and notice the sense of vulnerability that makes every walk a vivid experience. Comforted by the knowledge of your guide, you can encounter the wilderness in all its glory.

Most of the walking trails take 2 to 3 hours and wind their way through the Narus Valley. The walk through the Narus Valley is very popular as its short 5km radius is comfortable for most visitors. It gives you ample opportunity to see an abundance of magnificent mammals and birds within the backdrop of a stunning landscape. This is a place to find solitude in a land of big skies and bold hues.

Bird Watching

Birders will often patrol the fringes of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys looking for the mesmerizing scenery of the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and Clapperton’s Francolin, which is found only in Kidepo.

The bird list currently numbers 476 species. 60 of these are recorded in no other national park in Uganda. East Africa’s population of Clapperton’s francolin and the rose-ringed parakeet are found only in Kidepo. There are 56 species of raptor, and the park’s vultures are thriving. Kidepo is also the only place in Uganda where bird enthusiasts can encounter the majesty of the Common Ostrich.

When is the best time to visit the park?

The best time to visit Kidepo National park is during the  dry season around the months of September to March. However, it is important to note that Kidepo is accessible all year around since the park is semi-arid with no heavy rains during the wet season. Visit the park any time throughout the year and enjoy the most exclusive wild game.

How do you get to Kidepo Valley national park?

The Park is accessible by both road and air. Kidepo is 7 hours drive or less on the sealed road drive from Murchison Falls. Some visitors choose to break up the journey by spending a night near Sipi Falls. From Kampala, Kidepo is located 571km which is approximately a 10-hour drive from Kampala via Gulu and Kitgum although few people choose this route.

By air, Kidepo is serviced by a couple of light aircraft companies flying into the airstrip close to Apoka. These flights only operate on certain days and require a guaranteed number of passengers to fly. There is something very special about flying out of Entebbe, circling over the drama of Murchison Falls, before pressing on to the expanse of Kidepo.