Kidepo Valley National Park is lying in the rugged, semi-arid valleys of Karamoja province on the far northern border with the Sudan and Kenya on area of 1.442kms in size which is Uganda’s most remote national park. The Park lies at an altitude range between 914 m. and 2.750 m. above sea level with the spectacular beauty of this pristine wilderness impresses all that make it. For the visiting birder, Kidepo Valley National Park boasts a bird list of over 475 species, a total second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Amongst the host of dry, eastern “specials” not found in any other Ugandan National Park are some of East Africa’s rarest and most sought after birds such as Black-breasted Barbet and Karamoja Apallis. 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.
Species in Kidepo valley
Kidepo’s mammal list of over 80 species (elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, bush pig), including many predators, like black backed jackal, African hunting dog, bat eared fox, cheetah, caracal, lions, leopards. Amongst these are such charismatic African animals as Bat-eared Fox, Carcal, Cheetah and Klipspringer. The vegetation is dominated by an open Savannah, with dry mountain forest and acacia forest. There are 17 antelope species. The bird checklist is of 463 species recorded, including 56 raptors, like pygmy falcon, Oustriches, tawny eagle, secretary bird, vultures.
Popular Activities.
Game viewing is what mostly brings visitors to this park – viewing herds of different game while driving in vehicles on dirt roads that crisscross the southern and western parts of the park in Narus valley. A few improved murram roads exist and are easily passable no matter the weather.
Kidepo Valley and Kanangorok Hot Springs
Kidepo Valley and Kanangorok Hot Springs and for most of the year, a lack of surface water means that little wildlife is found in Kidepo Valley, though it is still worth the drive to visit the dry Kidepo River to stroll along its 50m wide bed of white sand between banks covered with borassus palms.
Mount Morungole
Mount Morungole stands at 2,750m and is crossed by the Kidepo and Narus Rivers that nourish the park’s wildlife and this natural habitat as a whole. The Morungole Range marks the southern boundary of the park and rises from the plains a few kilometers northeast of Apoka and bird watching, camping, community visits and cultural performances participation.
Accommodation facilities
The facilities of accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park are currently three; Apoka Safari Lodge, Apoka Rest Camp and Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp all distributed in Luxury (Apoka Safari Lodge), Mid-Range (Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp) & Budget (Apoka Rest Camp) safari settings.
How to get there
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 = 571kms
- Kampala – Karuma – Lira – Kotido – Kidepo = 705kms
- Kampala – Mbale – Sironko – Kotido – Kaabong – Kidepo = 740kms
- Kampala – Mbale – Soroti – Moroto – Kidepo = 792kms
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.
By Air
Charter flights to Kidepo may be arranged from Kampala (Kajjansi), Kampala Aero club, 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.