Kidepo Valley National Park is located in northeastern Uganda. “Kidepo” comes from an Indigenous word from the local tribes, “akidep,” which means to pick under. The park covers an area of 1,442 sq km (577 sq mi) and is located remotely compared to other Ugandan Parks. It is undoubtedly one of the best wilderness destinations in Africa. It is a hidden gem unknown to many, making it unique, engaging, and perfect for quiet and phenomenal game drives and birdwatching safaris.
The magnificent characteristics of the park are the savannah landscape and mountain features. The park has a plethora of wildlife, with over 77 mammal species recorded, some of them being endangered species only found in this park and not in other parks in Uganda, which makes it a fantastic location for prime game viewing. The park is home to over 475 bird species, making it a top destination for birding activities.
Kidepo is Uganda’s third largest national park, and only Queen Elizabeth National Park contains greater biodiversity. Kidepo is home to 77 mammal species and the park offers great opportunities for game viewing. 20 species of predator are present, including lion, leopard, and spotted hyena. In Uganda, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, cheetah, and caracal are endemic to Kidepo. The elephant population is over 650 (up from 200 in the mid ‘90s), buffalo are estimated to exceed 10,000, and there are over 50 Rothschild’s giraffes, an internationally important population.
The weather in Kidepo Valley is characterized by a semi-arid climate with only one rainy season throughout the year. The temperatures range from 29°/84°F to 40°C/104°F during the day, while the nighttime temperatures drop to about 17° C/63°F. The best times to visit the park are during the dry seasons, between September to March and June to August. September to November are the best times to visit since the months are not too hot and dry. Wet Seasons The wet season in Kidepo Valley is experienced from mid-March to August. Even though the months are considered wet, the rainfall is less than in other western and southern Uganda parks.
The climate in Kidepo Valley National Park is semi-arid. Droughts are common. Temperatures can reach as high as 40°C/104°F, but the average is 30°C/86°F in the afternoon and 16°C/61°F at night. There is one Wet season (differing from two Wet seasons in most of the country) from April to August.
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to over 77 mammal species, which include four of the Big 5 ( Elephants, Lions, Leopard and Buffaloes). Other animals include giraffes, lesser kudu, elands, Jackson's hartebeest, Guenther’s dik-dik, oribi, mountain reedbucks, caracal, aardwolf, cheetahs, bat-eared fox, zebras, black-backed and stripped jackals, hyenas among others. The population of Kidepo Valley elephants has increased from approximately 200 in the 1990s to about 1000 today. The population of African Buffalo is estimated to be about 10,000-15000, and giraffes have risen from a population of 3 in the 1990s to the current estimated 50.
By Air: You can access Kidepo Valley National Park from Entebbe International Airport in Kampala. The flight from Entebbe to Kidepo is about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Using Aerolink, the flight departs at 12:30 pm and arrives at 14:45 pm.
By Road: Kidepo Valley is located on the remote northeastern side of Uganda, making it challenging for a road trip. However, the most direct route takes approximately 10 hours, covering a distance of about 571 km. The trip can be broken down into overnight stops at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Gulu or Kitgum. The drive is by a 4WD vehicle, and expect poor road conditions on some routes. Even though the road distance is far too long, it is worth the experience.
Bird watching in Kidepo Valley National Park is the second destination after Queen Elizabeth National Park. A prevalent activity in the park, over 475 bird species have been recorded, which comprises migratory endemic and forest birds. The top areas for birding are around the Apoka Rest Camp, the fringes of Narus Valley and Namakwenyi Valley. For the best experience, morning or evening times are the best with the company of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Some of the birds include the Egyptian Vulture, Kori bustard, ostrich, red-billed oxpecker, pygmy falcon, white-bellied go-away bird, rufous chatterer, Abyssinian scimitar bill, black-breasted barbet, verreauxs eagle, Ethiopian swallow, Jackson’s hornbill, black coucal, superb starling, chestnut weaver, golden pipit, rose-ringed parakeet, dark chanting goshawk, red and yellow barbet among others. If you are an avid bird-watching lover, birdwatching in Kidepo Valley can be done any time of the year, with the best months of the rainy season from March to May and November
