What to See and Do in Kidepo Valley National Park

 What to See and Do in Kidepo Valley National Park

The top attractions to see and activities to do in Kidepo Valley National Park. Along the wild, remote, and semi-arid land tucked into the North-eastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is undeniably one of the crown jewels of the country. This Protected Area is the third largest National Park in Uganda (at 1442 square kilometers) and due to its size, it includes several unique landscapes. The Park is a haven for a wide variety of incredible wildlife and is home to four of the big five game (lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants). You will also find many species of antelopes (Bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, Topis, and waterbucks), Burchell’s zebras, Rothschild’s giraffes, and so much more. This outstandingly secluded safari destination also has a ton to offer, so read on to plan your next safari!

The uniqueness of Kidepo Valley National Park

Sheltering some of the rarest, endangered, endemic, and common species, wildlife species in Kidepo Valley National Park creates an outstanding biodiversity to explore. The entire region of this Protected Area is known for its Acacia vegetation and sweeping savannah grassland that makes it an ideal habitat for Rothschild’s giraffes and African bush elephants. With four of the big five animals, bird species, and migratory species, Kidepo Valley National Park attracts wildlife and nature lovers across the Globe to uncover the hidden beauty, vibrant hues, and the folks of some incredible and rare species. Home to exceptional birdlife, Kidepo supports birds like the World’s highest and heaviest bird (Ostriches) and Kori bustard, and other species extending to several 475 unique species. Such remarkable species and the breathtaking landscape make Kidepo Valley National Park a wonderful hot spot for birders, Adventure enthusiasts, and Nature lovers.

How many days do you need in Kidepo Valley National Park?

The perfect visit to Kidepo Valley National Park is 3 nights and 4 days. With this amount of time, you will ably go on guided bush/nature walks, visit the Karamojong communities, and get in plenty of daytime self-driving through the wildlife-filled game tracks and to the watering holes as well as other outstanding wildlife viewing spots such as Narus Valley.

When is the perfect time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park?

Exploring Kidepo Valley National Park at the right time is imperative as after all you wish to see wildlife at its most prevalent. The perfect time for this could therefore be the dry season. During the dry months – between June and September and December to February, you will find a lot of wildlife gathering at many of the renowned water sources present in the National Park. These months are also a wonderful time to visit but opt for game drives and guided bush walks that are early morning as temperatures can rise fast and become unbearable. This season affects birding but a lot of animals can still be spotted around water points.

Another wonderful time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park is early October to early December because there are virtually no crowds. Interestingly, the odd rain showers during the night don’t affect the early game drives (6:00 am to 12:00 pm) which are usually fruitful with an abundance of wildlife sightings. With less vegetation, short bushes, and fewer wet months, Kidepo counts as the best wildlife viewing destination in Uganda that provides you with a long period for wildlife safaris.

What to do in Kidepo Valley National Park

The main things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park include game drives, visits to Karamojong communities to experience their unique cultures, bird watching, guided bush/nature walks, and Mount Morungole hiking tours, to mention but a few.

Game drives

Kidepo Valley National Park as you can imagine is packed with lots of wildlife and you can see a lot of it driving down the main game tracks and water holes. It is easy to spot a herd of elephants during these game drives, especially around Narus and Kidepo Valleys in the dry season. If you wish to see Jackson’s hartebeests, Topis, Uganda Kobs, blue monkeys, Cape buffaloes, Burchell’s zebras, and Rothschild’s giraffes, then there is no better place than Kidepo. This Park is also home to cheetahs, leopards, and lions. Besides animals, you can also appreciate the vastness of this Park when doing game drives. Game drives are led by our experienced and professional safari guides who offer great insight into the whereabouts of wildlife and their behavior.

Bird watching in Kidepo Valley National Park

It is usually not just the animals and extraordinary vegetation that attracts nature lovers to Kidepo Valley National Park, because it shelters some of the rarest and vibrant bird species. The Ostrich, Kori bustard, Rufous Chatterer, Dark chanting goshawk, little bee-eaters, Fox’s weavers, and lesser kestrel are some of the species dwelling there.

Guided tour through Karamojong communities

Native Africa Tours’ safaris to Kidepo Valley National Park also involve visiting typical Karamojong communities to discover their homesteads (known as Manyattas) and get immersed in their cultures. Here, be prepared to learn about the culture of these pastoralist tribes and the history related to them. Additionally, interaction with the complex society of the Karamojong pastoralist allows visitors to also understand the rich and local diversity of Kidepo as these people lived in these lands thousands of years ago before it was gazette into a National Park. From the local’s perspective, you will be amazed by the history, animals, and geography of the Protected Area in addition to understanding their unique cultures.

Guided nature walks

Guided nature walks in Kidepo Valley National Park heights the senses because it is from these Adventures that visitors can connect with Mother Nature on a more intimate level. Led by experienced and armed Ranger guides, these guided walks take nature lovers off the beaten paths, offering the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe unique animals up close while on foot. Sounds are amplified, movements magnified and the sheer size of large mammals put into perspective while on foot.

Guided nature walks are normally done in the less densely populated areas of Kidepo Valley National Park where terrains are suitable for walking and where encounters with animals are likely. Expect to relish more intimate and authentic safari experiences compared to traditional game drives. Remember that these guided nature walks are sensory experiences that make it possible to immerse in the sounds, sights, and smells of the untouched African wilderness. Thanks to the training and experience of the Park Rangers, safety is guaranteed during guided nature walks. The dry months are the best for these nature walks, especially early morning or late afternoon when temperatures have cooled and animals are more active.

Photography safari in Kidepo

Photography safaris provide the unbeaten opportunity to capture breathtaking landscapes (rock kopjes, savannah grasslands, woodlands, and Valleys), a plethora of birds, and stunning wildlife actions. These adventures are designed to cater to the needs and aspirations of every photographer, providing outstanding experience and access to top photography hot spots within Kidepo and surrounding areas. Photography safaris are best done in the early mornings and late afternoons when animal activity is at its peak and lighting is perfect for the activity.

Conclusively, with proficiency and wildlife safaris at Native Africa Tours, visitors are guaranteed to relish an unforgettable experience in Kidepo Valley National Park. Packed with unique wildlife, a plethora of birds, and jaw-dropping landscapes, the Park provides unparalleled adventure in a typical African wilderness.