Kidepo Valley National Park

OVERVIEW

This park is an unmatched treasure trove that is parked with 475 bird species and 77 mammals inclusive of the big five (except for rhinos). Its permanent residents include buffaloes, zebras, hyenas, wild dogs, greater and lesser kudu, caracal, jackson’s hartebeest, elands, Uganda kobs, klipspringer, guenther’s dik dik, ardwolf and patas monkeys among many. If you scan the bush near these animals more keenly, you are likely to see the most sought three species of big cats, lions, leopards and cheetahs. In an effort to boost the park’s population of rothschild giraffes which is currently stagnating at 34, ten giraffes were translocated to it from Murchison falls N/P about three years back.

Why Visit Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo is so much like Kenya’s Masai Mara. It is chock-full of wildlife and endowed with an open savannah where animals can be easily seen with little obstruction. What’s more, its dramatic grasslands come alive with golden grass, clear blue skies, occasional tree and jagged mountains.

The only difference is that while over 50 vehicles line up to watch animals in Masai Mara every day, in Kidepo it is the opposite as it is not crowded. Countless big cats come towards one side of your vehicle to stock herbivores on the other side. When all seems to be in their favour, they launch a fierce surprise attack causing prey to dash out at blinding speeds. This happens so fast and blows up a massive cloud of dust. It is such a spectacle and the best part of the story is that there are few tourists in sight to watch the drama as it unfolds. This will give you that feeling of been in a remote area that is thousands of miles from busy cities. Indeed, the park is over 500 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Remote in the real sense of the word!

The trail of seasonal river that runs through the park is very rugged and wild. It slithers its way through a forest of towering borrassus palm trees. It is so beautiful and worth a visit, even in dry seasons when its water has dried up. During this time which takes place between December to February, you will find powder-soft white-sand that is fun to play on. In the wet season, the river bed blossoms with water that is fed by lakes atop the neighbouring mountains like Morungole. This water in turn feeds different ponds in the park with a good water retention capacity. In the dry seasons, the herbivores flock them for rehydration. This presents a perfect hunting opportunity for hungry cats. Our driver guide will take you to such arenas where you can get very close photos and videos of the spectacle. They are within easy reach from tall termite hills that point to the sky.

The highlight of your game drives is likely to be unbelievable sight of buffaloes. They move in hundreds of thousands. Watching them from a far, you are bound to think they are an army of ants that are migrating. They look so small.

A visit to Kidepo is incomplete without watching the biggest land birds as they sprint across at blinding speeds (ostritches). The other movie-like scene is watching shy cats like leopards they hunt down prey before devouring them with passion. And that is where a night game drive comes in. Such national Geographic moments will leave you with tears, so take some tissues.

Best time to visit Kidepo

Thanks to its location in a semi-arid region, Kidepo Valley National Park can be visited throughout the year. If your biggest interest is in seeing wildlife, the dry season from September to March is highly recommended. On the other hand, if your interest is bird watching, look out for the wet season months from April to August. During this time, the park is pleasantly less hot and brings beautiful scenery.

Things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park

  • Game drives
  • Bird watching
  • Boat trips

 

Lodges of Kidepo Valley National Park

Apoka Safari Lodge

A great place to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park as you mingle with wildlife. The lodge has a magnificent disposition sitting on a rise overlooking the plains. It features luxurious tents provided with any kind of comfort. All are within easy walking distance from a swimming pool area that is built into the rocks. It is a cozy setting where you can cool off after a long game drive or nature walk. One of Apoka’s biggest assets is its location in the middle of a vast savannah plain with a thriving population of the Big 5 animals. In the distance it is surrounded by mountains.

During your stay here, you will be blown away by the silence of the place as you listen to nature take control. As you relax at your balcony or room, you will enjoy the sight of lots of giraffes, buffaloes and zebras as they stroll through Narus Valley in search for water, some might even reach your balcony.

Apoka Safari Lodge will treat you to bush breakfasts and evening meals with a table set out under the stars. Absolutely enchanting!

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Each day at this lodge has its new surprises and in a discrete way they steal your heart! It offers a sweet taste of Africa’s hospitality industry. The food is delightful to the taste buds but what you will really enjoy is its fabulous views of the mountains and abundant wild life. Here, you will find twelve beautifully appointed safari tents on raised decks. Each of the spacious ensuite tents has a private verandah offering splendid views of the mighty savannah. Even with all the great things about this peace of paradise, the staffs make it one of the best experiences in Africa.

Meals are a mix of buffet and a la carte depending on the time of the day and guest numbers. If you wish to explore Ugandan dishes, there are a couple of options to try out.

If bird watching is your cup of coffee, we can ask the lodge to arrange a private easy trek for you to photograph a considerable number of species that are unique to this part of the world. Along the way, you will find monkeys, and watched other monkeys cavorting.

If you want to skip the long drive from Kampala to here, we shall organise for you a direct two hours flight from Entebbe Airport.

Adere Safari Lodge

We have visited so many different parts of Africa and Kidepo Valley National Park is one of our favorite parks. This lodge is one of the reasons why. It makes you really feel like you are on the edge of nowhere. Adere breaths authenticity and features 20 self-contained chalets, each with a comfortable lounge where you can read an in-house book collection. Adere offers views of an endless flat savannah, with beautiful mountains on the background.  Beyond this is South Sudan and Kenya is on your right, Ethiopia is just a hundred kilometers away. Having a binocular will of course increase your viewing pleasure.

If you come hear around December, you will experience a dry hot weather while outside the lodge. Interestingly, a stay inside the lodge is super comfortable. It is pleasantly cool as the roof is made of grass thatch and thus reflects heat.

The swimming pool of this gem is a necessity after a day of riding around the park viewing lions, huge herds of buffalo, elephants, zebras, giraffes…….the list goes on.

 Nga Moru

Strategically located at the boundary of the park and community, Nga Moru is a midrange destination with five caravans. Their ventilation is made of nets that stop intrusion of all insects including mosquitoes.  The safari tents have all you need, including spacious washrooms that offer a nice shower to travellers after long and dusty game-drives in in Kidepo National Park.

Beyond offering lovely views of the Narus Valley and open Savanah, Nga Moru has a lovely outdoor sitting arena where you can behold the beauty of the incredible sky at night. If you wish to treat yourself to a romantic experience, you can take a short walk from your chalet for sunset viewing. Don’t forget to carry with you a glass of wine or beer.

The employees always tell you with a smile “This is your home”. Even better, they make you feel better than at home. Mary knows how to make you feel special and ensures the team anticipates all your needs.