Kidepo Valley National Park was established as a national park in 1962 and spans the rocky, semi-arid valleys between the borders of South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.
Compared to other national parks, this remote park receives fewer visitors, making it a must-see for travelers looking for untouched wilderness and an authentic African experience.
The journey from Kampala City to Kidepo National Park is long and tiring, covering 700 kilometers (10–13 hours). The best option is to fly in, though it is expensive, or endure the long drive to experience what other, more accessible national parks cannot offer.
This beautiful national park is home to large wildlife populations and amazing landscapes. Kidepo Valley National Park has over 77 animal species and 475 bird species.
Wildlife in this park is abundant, with impressive lion prides, especially in the dry seasons, and large numbers of buffaloes and elephants.
Some of the rare mammals and bird species found only in Kidepo include leopards, cheetahs, ostriches, wild dogs, pangolins, aardwolves, caracals, hunting dogs, and bat-eared foxes.
Antelopes are also common in Kidepo Valley National Park, including Defassa waterbucks, elands, oribis, reedbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, bush duikers, bushbucks, and topis. Bird enthusiasts can spot remarkable species such as raptors and the rare Karamajong Apalis.
Things to See in Kidepo Valley National Park
Founded in 1962, Kidepo Valley National Park is home to a variety of animal species, including over 77 mammal species and 475 bird species.
The park offers one of the best safari experiences in Uganda, with sightings of lions, Uganda kobs, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, kudus, buffaloes, oryx, and bush babies.
Wildlife in the Park
Kidepo Valley National Park has an abundance of wildlife, including cape buffaloes, lions, zebras, gazelles, hyenas, cheetahs, crocodiles, and wild dogs, which often migrate from South Sudan and return later.
Other animals found in the park include elephants, jackals, giraffes, hartebeests, and a variety of birds such as barbets, vultures, and eagles.
The park is well known for species like bat-eared foxes, ostriches, and cheetahs, which are unique to Uganda. It is also home to five primate species, including the native Patas monkey.
Additionally, elephants, zebras, bushbucks, buffaloes, and over 20 predator species, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, can be seen in large numbers. Smaller mammals such as mustelids, genets, mongooses, and wild cats are also present.
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to twelve antelope species, including the greater and lesser kudu, Guenther’s dik-dik, and mountain reedbuck, which are unique to Uganda.
Other species include the Bohor reedbuck, Defassa waterbuck, klipspringer, oribi, eland, bushbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, and common duiker. The park also has elephants, Burchell’s zebras, warthogs, bush pigs, and buffaloes.
However, black rhinos became extinct in Kidepo not long ago. With many documented bird species, the park is also a great destination for birdwatching.
The Narus Valley
The Narus Valley is the main area where most of the park’s wildlife is found, as it is the only part of the park that retains water even during the dry season.
Herbivores gather here to graze on fresh grass, and predators like lions and hyenas remain in the valley to hunt for food.
The Morungole Mountain
Kidepo Valley National Park is an excellent destination for mountain hiking, especially around Morungole Mountain. Adventurous hikers can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding Savannah plains while climbing the mountain. For safety, armed rangers accompany visitors during hikes.
