Ultimate Guide for Booking Safaris to Kidepo National Park in Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park is the most remote park in Uganda. It lies in the far northeastern corner of the country, about 520 km from Kampala, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya.
The park covers 1,440 square kilometers of dry savannah in the Karamoja region.
The name “Kidepo” comes from the Karamojong word “Akidep,” which means “to pick.” This land was once used by the Dodoth people, a sub-group of the Karamojong who kept livestock.
The Ik people, who were mainly farmers, also lived here before the park was created. The British declared it a game reserve in 1958 to reduce poaching and control tsetse fly infestations.
In 1962, the reserve became a national park, the same year Uganda gained independence.
Park Entry Fees
Entry fees are charged per person per day:
- Foreign Non-Residents (Adults): $40
- Foreign Residents (Adults): $40
- Foreign Non-Residents (Children): $20
- Foreign Residents (Children): $20
- East African Citizens (Adults): 20,000 UGX
- East African Citizens (Children): 5,000 UGX
- Ugandan School Groups: 3,000 UGX
- Uganda Wildlife Club Members: 2,000 UGX
Annual Passes (not for Foreign Non-Residents):
- Foreign Resident (Individual): $350
- Foreign Resident Couple: $500
- Family with up to 4 Children (Foreign Residents): $700
- East African Citizen (Individual): 150,000 UGX
- East African Citizen Couple: 200,000 UGX
Tourist Attractions in Kidepo
Wildlife in Kidepo: Kidepo is home to over 80 mammal species. Twenty-eight of these animals are not found in any other park in Uganda. Some of the special animals include cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, and klipspringers. More common animals are zebras, warthogs, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants.
Kanangorok Hot Springs: These natural hot springs are 11 km from River Kidepo near the South Sudan border. The water is warm, and the area has dry plains and distant mountain views.
Mount Morungole: This is the highest point in the park at 2,750 meters above sea level. It is located on the southeastern border with Kenya. It is the source of rivers that flow through Narus Valley. A hike on Mount Morungole takes about 8 hours and gives you a chance to visit the Ik people who live on the mountain.
Scenic Views: The park has two main valleys: Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley. These areas sit below mountain ranges and are filled with open Savannah grasslands, thorny acacia trees, and rocky outcrops.
Tourist Activities in Kidepo
Game Drives: Narus Valley is the best place for game drives. A small river flows through the valley, attracting animals like buffaloes and antelopes, especially during dry days. Lions are often seen here, and with luck, you may see a cheetah. Kidepo and Pian Upe are the only two places in Uganda where you can see cheetahs. In the northern part of the park, sightings are fewer because of limited water and food. However, ostriches are commonly seen, and the dry plains provide wide views of the land.
Bird Watching: Bird watching often starts from Apoka Rest Camp or the park headquarters, which overlook the Narus Valley. Kidepo has about 475 bird species, the second highest count after Queen Elizabeth National Park (619 species). Notable birds include the ostrich, Karamoja apalis, rose-ringed parakeet, Clapperton’s francolin, and about 56 species of raptors.
Community Tours: The Karamojong people, who once lived in the park, now live around its edges. Their lifestyle is like the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania. They mainly depend on livestock and have strong traditions, which you can experience through their dress, dances, homes, and daily life. The park supports local communities by giving back 20% of entrance fees for clean water, schools, and health services. Some villages you can visit include Lorukul (home to the Dodoth) and Nakapelimoru in Kotido (home to the Jie sub-group).
Nature Walks: Nature walks start from the Apoka park office. Visitors walk through the park with a guide and armed ranger. You may see animals like zebras, giraffes, hartebeests, and antelopes. The walk also offers wide views of the park. The time spent on the walk depends on animal sightings, weather, and fitness levels.
Getting There – Location of Kidepo
Kidepo Valley National Park is about 520 km from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. By road, the journey takes around 12 hours. For those with limited time, flying is a better option.
There is an airstrip inside the park at Apoka, and the flight takes about 2 hours. This option is mostly used by travelers on luxury safaris.
Best Time to Visit Kidepo
The park is in the northeastern part of Uganda, near the dry Turkana region of Kenya and the border with South Sudan. Because of its location, the park has long dry seasons, especially from March to September.
The heavy rainy season runs from August to December. During this time, it is important to watch the weather as you move around the park. Average afternoon temperatures are around 28°C, but they drop suddenly in high places like Mount Morungole.
Kidepo can be visited throughout the year. However, roads inside the park and in nearby areas become difficult to use during the rainy season. This is why travelers are advised to use a strong 4×4 vehicle.
Accommodation in Kidepo National Park
The park has few accommodation options due to its remote location and fewer visitors. Some of the mid-range or budget places to stay include Apoka Rest Camp inside the park, Ngamoru Camp, and Kidepo Savannah Lodge.
For those who want a luxury experience, Apoka Safari Lodge offers a private and high-end stay inside the park.
New mid-luxury lodges are also being built near the park. These offer good service and better facilities. One of them is Adere Safari Lodge, located just 2 km from the park gate.
