The rugged isolated wilderness of the Kidepo Valley National Park ranks as one of Africa’s most prized, less explored destinations. Here, over 77 mammals and around 475 bird species find shelter amidst a pristine savannah lansdcape, broken by the Kidepo and Narus Rivers.
Kidepo Valley National Park’s landscape extends across 1,442km². Altitudes range from 914m above sea level on the valley floor to the 2,750m peak of Mount Morungole which dominates the horizon.
The Kidepo and Narus rivers glide through the savannah landscape in the rainy season and disappear in the dry season. Kidepo’s remote location makes it Uganda’s most isolated national park. The low number of visitors has preserved the unique ambience of this untouched wilderness.
Cut off for years by conflict of varying forms, it has only recently become accessible by both road and air. Currently, there are only two lodges and a government rest camp available. These two factors, along with the relatively high cost of reaching the park, have combined to keep visitor numbers low. But those who do make it are in for a treat, with enjoyment only amplified by the fact you are well off the beaten track, miles from anywhere.
The Kidepo Valley National Park harbors a great diversity of animal species that include carnivores, ungulates, and primates. Animals that can be seen include elephants, leopards, jackals, bush bucks, buffaloes and much more. The park protects a great diversity of animal species than other parks in Uganda. These include carnivores, ungulates, and primates. There are high chances of viewing tree climbing lions that always sits on sauces trees along Narus valley or on the rock just as you enter the Apoka Park Headquarter. Right from Apoka Rest Camp other animals that can be seen include elephants, leopards, bush duikers, jackals, bush bucks, bush pigs, kavirondo bush babies, buffaloes and much more.
The Park boasts of an extensive avifauna. bout 465 species have been recorded in the park. Kidepo national is birders destination where you can enjoy several of the prey bird species, and rare raptors. In this category, 58 species of birds that have been recorded. Amongst these 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and the Karamoja region.
Birds of particular interest include the ostrich and the Kori bustard which are principally associated with arid regions. The park also has outstanding numbers of birds of prey. Interestingly, your visit will be amazed with the glance at an ostrich that is only seen in the park not any other place in Uganda. Some birds of particular interest include the ostrich and the Kori bustard and outstanding numbers of birds of prey.
You could have imagined why you are always in the track for wildlife viewing and yet in Kidepo Valley National Park you can as well go for nature and bush walks. You can enjoy hiking and scenery viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park. Hiking can be carried out on Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Remember not all destinations can provide the same nature walks like Kidepo, because as you walk you will be exploring the Morungole mountains as you visit the Ik people; this is notably one of smallest units amongst the tribes in the country.
The local community near the Kidepo Valley National Park stages cultural dances and performances. Nature Walk and cultural visits to the Karamajong manyattas (homesteads) where you will be able to see kraals belonging to local communities, traditional costume, stools, spears headdress, knives, bows and arrows and jewelry among others.
