Kidepo Valley National Park is among the most amazing wilderness destinations in Africa. From Apoka, in the heart of the national park, a savanna landscape stretches out in all directions, far beyond the gazetted region of 1442km2, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.
The National Park has a semi-arid climate with only one rainy season for every year (April-September) and rainfall is light. The valley of the Narus River in the south of the national park gets some 890mm of rain/year while only 635mm of rain/year falls in the Kidepo valley toward the north. Both rivers in the park are seasonal, and decrease and vanish in the dry season. During these months, the only permanent water in the national park is found in wetlands and remnant pools along the southern Narus valley close Apoka and thus, wildlife is concentrated in this area. This consideration, consolidated with the valley’s open, savanna habitat, makes it the national park’s main game viewing location. In reality, it is possible to sight a good variety of wildlife basically by scanning the valley with binoculars from the comfort of the Apoka Lodge.
The national park is situated in the North-eastern corner of the country in Kaabong district, some 700 km from Kampala and tucked between the borders with Sudan and Kenya. The park also has a variety of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species.
Size – 1442 sq km
Getting there
Kidepo Valley National Park can be accessed by both road and air and it is the most isolated national park in the country. Driving to the park is more rewarding, as much of Karamoja, like Kidepo itself, is vast and pure wilderness. On the other hand, road conditions are sometimes difficult and 4WD vehicles are generally essential.
What to do
- Game watching drive and wildlife study.
- Bird watching
- Nature walk
When to visit
Any time throughout the year
