Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park in the far north of Uganda is one of Africa’s hidden gems and is constantly named one of its most beautiful parks. Remote and wild, nothing prepares you for the beauty of this western edge of the Great Rift Valley with sweeping African plains lined by mountains and volcano peaks.

Kidepo’s mammal list of over 80 species includes 28 that are found in no other Ugandan National park such as Bat-eared Fox, Carcal, Cheetah and Klipspringer. Unfortunately, Kidepo suffered the same fate as many other Ugandan parks during the Amin era and is still recovering from years of poaching that left game herds depleted. Many large mammals however have shown a remarkable recovery and there are now healthy population of elephant, zebra, buffalo, Bohor reedbuck, waterbuck and kongoni. Predators are plentiful and spotted hyena, leopard and lion are frequently seen.

Did you know?

• It really is one of the most beautifully wild parks in Africa.
• You can visit the local Karamajong community who have been known as great cattle raiders!
• Kidepo Valley boasts a bird list of over 475 species (34 endemic to the area), a total second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park. 
• Apoka safari lodge has a fantastic view and looks over the waterhole where they also have a hide so you can get within a trunks distance of the thirsty elephants. 
• There are lovely walks all over the park, on the plains and in the surrounding hills.
• You can walk up Mt Morungole and visit the IK people who live on the mountain.
• A new road to the north makes the park easier to visit by road rather than the expense of flying.
• There are huge herds of buffalo and plains game in the dry season.
• It really is one of the most beautiful and wild parks in Africa.