Kidepo Valley National Park

Home » Destinations » Uganda » Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s most remote and, for many travellers, its most rewarding wilderness. It lies in the far north-east of the country, in the Karamoja region, close to the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. In fact, many safari lovers rank it among the finest wild places in Africa.

The park is known for wide, open plains, rugged mountains and scenic borassus palms. Because so few people make the journey, you often have the sightings to yourself. In addition, Kidepo is home to several animals that you will not see in any other Ugandan park, such as cheetahs and ostriches.

The name comes from the local word for “to pick from below”, after the palm fruit that people once gathered in the valley. On this page, you will find the park’s wildlife, the best activities, when to visit and how to get there.

Wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo has a wonderful mix of savannah wildlife. On a game drive, you may see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras. You can also look for elands, roan antelopes, lesser kudus, oryx, reedbucks, waterbucks, Uganda kob and duikers. Predators such as spotted and striped hyenas and jackals also roam the plains.

The Narus Valley is the best place for game viewing. Above all, it holds water for most of the year. As a result, animals gather there, especially in the dry season. Meanwhile, the seasonal Kidepo River runs north into South Sudan, where it joins the Narus River before feeding into the White Nile.

Birding in Kidepo

Kidepo is a meeting point for birds from several regions. As a result, the park has around 450 recorded species. It is also especially good for birds of prey. Look out for the Egyptian vulture, Verreaux’s eagle and pygmy falcon. Other highlights include the Kori bustard, Karamoja apalis, Jackson’s hornbill and yellow-billed hornbill. For more ideas, see our page on birding in Uganda.

Things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park

Game drives

First of all, game drives are the main activity. The flat terrain and open grassland make wildlife easy to spot. Morning and late-afternoon drives in the Narus Valley usually give the best sightings.

Nature walks

Guided walks let you explore on foot. For example, a walk into the Lamoj hills rewards you with views over the valleys and the chance to see wildlife below. You can also drive from Apoka to the Kanangorok hot springs, a natural spa in the wilderness.

Hiking Mount Morungole

Mount Morungole rises in the south of the park. It is the source of the Kidepo and Narus rivers, which are the lifeblood of the park’s wildlife. Hiking the mountain gives you superb views over the whole Kidepo Valley.

Visiting the Ik people

The Ik are a small indigenous community who live on the slopes of Morungole. Traditionally, they hunted game and gathered fruit, leaves and roots. They are also skilled at finding wild honey. Today, they welcome visitors with songs, storytelling and local food. To discover more cultural visits, see our community tours in Uganda.

Nearby wildlife reserves

Matheniko Wildlife Reserve

Matheniko covers about 1,520 square kilometres in Moroto district. It is part of the wider Kidepo conservation area, although it is separate from the national park. This semi-arid savannah lies along the border with Kenya. Wildlife includes cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, roan antelopes, lesser kudus, elands and hyenas. Birds include the black-headed plover, Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon.

Bokora Wildlife Reserve

Bokora is one of the largest protected areas in Uganda. It became a wildlife reserve in 1964. It borders Matheniko in the north-east and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in the south-west. Together, these reserves give wildlife a large area to move through.

Best time to visit Kidepo

Kidepo Valley National Park is open all year. However, the dry season from September to March is usually the best time to visit. During these months, animals gather near water and are easier to find. From December to February, the park is hot and dusty, but game viewing is excellent.

On the other hand, April and May bring heavy rain. Some roads and camps can be affected, so this is the hardest time to travel. We will help you choose the right dates for your trip.

How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park

By road, Kidepo is a long journey of more than 11 hours from Kampala. Therefore, most road trips include overnight stops on the way. There are several entry gates. Nataba Gate is the main entrance from the south-east. Meanwhile, travellers coming from Gulu and Kitgum use Lokumoit Gate.

Alternatively, you can fly. Domestic flights run from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Lomei airstrip in the park. Once you land, you clear in at Apoka, where the park offices are.

Apoka tourism centre

Apoka is the heart of tourism in Kidepo. For this reason, every visitor stops here on arrival. It is where the park offices are, where you register and where most activities begin.

Adding Kidepo to your Uganda safari

Because Kidepo is so remote, we usually plan it as a tailor-made trip or an extension. For example, you can fly in for a few nights after gorilla trekking in Bwindi. If you prefer to drive, you can combine Kidepo with Murchison Falls on the way north. To see which parks suit you best, read our overview of Uganda national parks or browse our wildlife safaris and game drives.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the park and sets entry fees, which change from time to time. So, Roots will confirm current rates when you enquire. Tell us your dates and interests, and we will send you a free itinerary for Kidepo Valley National Park.