Activities of Kidepo Valley National Park

Listed among the most typical wilderness destinations in Africa, Kidepo valley national park is situated in the extreme northeast Uganda which is also known as the Karamoja region. The jungle is arguably among the utmost beautiful places for adventure on the continent. Covering a total area of 1,442 sq km, Kidepo consists of stunning short grasslands, scattered trees, a variety of hills and rocks and magnificent mountains in the background.

Due to the remoteness of the park, it is the least visited in Uganda. However, if you want to get lost in unspoiled nature, then visit Kidepo. Its beauty is better explained by travelers who have been there. We have a number animals that are found nowhere else in Uganda but only in Kidepo, they include cheetahs, caracals, greater and lesser kudu and bat-eared foxes. It is also home to zebras, elephants, lions, jackals, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and oribis among others. With all these attractions, there are various tourist activities to do in Kidepo valley national park to make great memories of a safari in Africa.

Game drives

The rugged valley is characterized with extensive plains of savannah along with disperse trees, where lots of animals are sighted. The Karamoja region experiences a semi-arid type of climate and is therefore very hot. However, the Narus valley has permanent water supply and this is the reason why it is a good place for game drives as lots of animals frequent it for water. Alternatively, you head to Kidepo valley for the game drive, it as well offers an interesting experience. Tourists have great chances of sighting more animals by doing the morning and evening game drives. Animals commonly seen during include buffaloes, giraffes, waterbucks, zebras, warthogs and oribis. Lions, cheetahs and hyenas are occasionally spotted. Ostriches are most likely to be seen on any game drive.

Night game drive

Yearning to see nocturnal animals like reedbuck, Guenther’s dik dik plus predators hunting in the night like the cheetah and lions? Book for a night game drive at the Visitors Centre where tourists meet the game ranger that is to accompany them through the tracks in search of the animals.

Nature walks and hiking

Explore Kidepo on foot by conducting a nature walk to the Narus Valley or Kidepo River valley. The two hours walk is a great adventure of the scenery and wildlife around the park. The armed ranger is there to keep you safe and protected as you walk through the home to different mammals. Short hikes lasting for about 4 hours are done on Lamoj Mountains. Hiking and nature walks in Kidepo expose tourists to picturesque landscapes, countless birds, animals and facts about the area.

Cultural experience

Communities that live close to Kidepo valley national park are some of the few tribes in Uganda that have kept their norms, traditional practices and culture. The Karamajongs and the Ik people have not embraced modernity. Their lifestyle depicts the ancient African kind of living including the way of dressing, daily practices and cultural practices. Just like the Masai in Kenya, Karamajongs are also an interesting tribe to meet and have a real insight of culture. To encounter the Ik people, prepare to climb Morungole Mountains just outside Kidepo national park and see how they live in this remote area.

Birding

Kidepo valley national park ranks the second destination with a high checklist of birds in Uganda after Queen Elizabeth national park. It has less habitats that most of other protected areas yet boasts over 400 bird species. Of these, 60 bird species are found only in Kidepo considering Uganda. With less effort, you can see ostriches in Kidepo as much as you want. This park is a superb area for birding safaris.

Where to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park

There are not many accommodations around Kidepo since it receives few tourists. It is however amazing to know that no matter how big your group is, the lodges available are enough to handle all visitors. They range from budget to luxury plus camping sites for visitors who wish to spend their nights under the colorful moonlight.

Lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park include Morungole Wilderness camp, Kidepo Savannah lodge, Apoka Safari lodge and Apoka rest camp.

Looking for a treat in the wilderness on an African safari? Plan for your trip with Jeisking Tours Ltd by contacting us on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.