Planning a trip to Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda sounds like an amazing adventure. The park is located in the northeastern part of Uganda. Kidepo is one of the country’s most remote and stunningly beautiful national parks, known for its rich wildlife, vast savannah, and breathtaking landscapes.
When planning for a trip to Kidepo Valley National Park, there are a number of factors one should consider before embarking on the journey such as you should consider the kind of operator to travel with. The 4×4 rooftop tent car under Nature Adventure Africa Safaris is always available to serve you/plan for your trip. We can help you to book your favorable lodgings and provide you comfortable transportation at a favorable cost.
Your travel budget. The budget for visiting Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda depends on the length of your stay, the type of activities you want to do and the type of accommodation you choose. Park entrance per day costs USD40 (only park entrance).
The best time to visit Kidepo. Kidepo Valley National Park can be visited all year around though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. The dry season is the best time for game viewing since during this period the vegetation is not all that thick hence giving clear views. During the dry season, animals gather around the water bodies to drink some water which makes wildlife viewing easier.
Kidepo Valley National Park can also be visited during the wet season in the months of March to May and November. During the wet season, you will be able to enjoy the park with fewer crowds and for bird lovers, this is the best period to spot variety of bird species. During the wet season, game viewing becomes somehow difficult since the vegetation can be thick and greener.
Safari activities in Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo Valley National Park offers a number of safari activities that you can engage in during a Uganda wildlife safari including; game drives, nature walks, bird watching, cultural tour, hiking among others.
Where to stay. There are few accommodation facilities in Kidepo Valley National Park where you can stay during your safari. The accommodations range from budget, mid-range and luxury including Apoka safari lodge, Kidepo savannah lodge, Apoka rest camp, Nga’Moru wilderness camp, Adere safari lodge, zebra safari lodge among others.
What to pack. When visiting Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda, you should pack clothing, shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars, Waterproof jacket, Antiseptic hand wash, Electric plug adaptors, Spare or rechargeable batteries among others.
How to reach the park. Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the North Eastern part of Uganda and can be accessed with our best 4×4 jeeps from Entebbe International Airport and connect to the park headquarters by road. Domestic flights to Kidepo Valley National Park can be organized by your tour operator especially for the escorted tours.
Kidepo Valley National Park can also be accessed by road transport means with 4 routes. The first route is from Kampala via Lira, Kotido, Kaabong and then to Kidepo Valley National Park. the second route is from Kampala via Mbale, Soroti, Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong and then to Kidepo Park. The third route is from Kampala Via Mbale, Soroti, Moroto, Matany, Kotido, Kaabong and then to Kidepo Valley National Park. The fourth route is from Kampala via Gulu, Kitgum and then to Kidepo. All these routes require you to have a 4×4 vehicle especially during the rainy season.
Below is a sample of already planned trip to Kidepo:
On your arrival day in Kampala or Entebbe International Airport (in case it’s a morning), you will be picked up by our company representative who will brief you about your journey and later embark on your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. You will take the Nakasongola – Kitgum route which comes with en-route view of the beautiful countryside landscape, homestead, River Kafu, Karuma Wildlife Reserve and lunch stop will be made along the way. Upon arrival, you will check in at your wildlife safari lodge in Kidepo National Park for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options include; Apoka Safari Lodge, Nga’moru Wilderness Camp, Apoka Rest Camp among others.
Next morning, have breakfast and after embark on your game drive through Narus Valley of Kidepo Valley National Park. Expect to enjoy excellent view of wildlife like buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, birds and many more attractions. Retreat from a game drive to have lunch and some relaxation at the lodge. In the afternoon, a visit to Karamajong Manyatta will be your next tour activity. A cultural tour at Karamajong community offers you opportunity to learn more about their lifestyles, enjoy their dances, music and also explore other cultural practices. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and a night stay.
The following morning after having breakfast, set out for a guided nature walk via Kanangorok hot springs. Expect to see variety of wildlife and birds including lots of ostriches. Go back to your hotel for lunch and in the afternoon, you will go for evening game drive to see more wildlife you missed to see the previous day. Later return to the lodge for dinner and sleepovers.
The next morning after having your breakfast and your picnic lunch ready, you will go for the whole day hike on Mt. Morungole in the north of the park. Along the mountain, you shall visit the IK people. The IK is a unique tribe in Uganda because its traditions, language and way of life is not similar to any other people in Uganda. After a long day of hiking, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Wake up for breakfast, check-out of the lodge and get ready for your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport to catch up with your flight to the next destination.