Kidepo Valley National Park
Home to Uganda’s only cheetahs and dramatic desert-like valleys, delivering one of the continent’s most authentic safari experiences.
Park at a Glance
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of East Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas, renowned for its dramatic scenery, sweeping savanna plains, and rare dry-country species found nowhere else in Uganda.
With its remote location and thriving wildlife populations, the park offers one of the most rewarding and authentic safari experiences in the country.
With its remote location and thriving wildlife populations, the park offers one of the most rewarding and authentic safari experiences in the country.
1,442 km²
Park Area
86+
Mammals Species
475+
Bird Species
1962
Year Gazetted
Wildlife
Cheetahs
Kidepo is the only place in Uganda where you can spot the majestic cheetah roaming vast open plains.
Rothschild’s Giraffes
A thriving population of Uganda’s tallest mammal can be encountered in the Narus Valley.
Lions & Leopards
Kidepo’s rocky outcrops and savanna plains are excellent habitats for big cats.
Massive Buffalo Herds
Narus Valley hosts enormous buffalo herds—truly a dramatic sight during dry months.
Ostriches & Secretary Birds
Unique dry-country species commonly spotted on Kidepo’s semi-arid plains.
Rare Dryland Birds
Includes Clapperton’s francolin, Karamoja apalis, Abyssinian rollers, and 56 raptors.
Cheetahs
Kidepo is the only place in Uganda where you can spot the majestic cheetah roaming vast open plains.
Rothschild’s Giraffes
A thriving population of Uganda’s tallest mammal can be encountered in the Narus Valley.
Lions & Leopards
Kidepo’s rocky outcrops and savanna plains are excellent habitats for big cats.
Massive Buffalo Herds
Narus Valley hosts enormous buffalo herds—truly a dramatic sight during dry months.
Ostriches & Secretary Birds
Unique dry-country species commonly spotted on Kidepo’s semi-arid plains.
Rare Dryland Birds
Includes Clapperton’s francolin, Karamoja apalis, Abyssinian rollers, and 56 raptors.
Park Sectors
Narus Valley
The Narus Valley is the heart of Kidepo’s wildlife activity, offering reliable water sources that attract animals year-round.
- Best place for wildlife viewing
- Permanent water sources attract animals year-round
- Main game tracks & ranger posts
- Ideal for lions, giraffes, buffalo, and elephants
Kidepo Valley
The Kidepo Valley is a vast, open landscape known for its dramatic desert-like scenery and unique dry-country species.
- Remote and sparsely vegetated
- Excellent for ostriches & secretary birds
- Home to Kanangorok Hot Springs
- Sweeping desert-like landscapes
Narus Valley
The Narus Valley is the heart of Kidepo’s wildlife activity, offering reliable water sources that attract animals year-round.
- Best place for wildlife viewing
- Permanent water sources attract animals year-round
- Main game tracks & ranger posts
- Ideal for lions, giraffes, buffalo, and elephants
Kidepo Valley
The Kidepo Valley is a vast, open landscape known for its dramatic desert-like scenery and unique dry-country species.
- Remote and sparsely vegetated
- Excellent for ostriches & secretary birds
- Home to Kanangorok Hot Springs
- Sweeping desert-like landscapes
Activities & Attractions
Narus Valley Game Drives
Experience some of Uganda’s best wildlife sightings as animals gather around remnant pools during the dry months.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
Kidepo Valley Drive
Travel across semi-arid plains to the stunning Kanangorok Hot Springs near the South Sudan border, with superb desert scenery.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Nature Walks
Guided walks around Apoka and East Kakine provide intimate encounters with zebra, giraffe, and antelope species.
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Cultural Encounters (Karamojong)
Visit local communities around Bwindi and learn about traditional farming, local customs, and conservation efforts by local people.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Mountain Hiking (Morungule Range)
Spot over 350 bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics in the diverse forest habitats with specialized birding guides.
- Duration: 5-7 hours
Birdwatching
Discover rare dry-country species with ranger guides, including giant hornbills, bustards, and over 100 regional specialties.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
Local People
The communities surrounding Kidepo are primarily the Karamojong, a proud and resilient pastoralist group known for their cattle culture, traditional dances, and handmade crafts like spears and jewelry.
High in the Morungule Mountains live the Ik people, one of Uganda’s most isolated tribes. Visiting them requires a guided hike and offers a rare cultural insight into their unique mountain lifestyle.
High in the Morungule Mountains live the Ik people, one of Uganda’s most isolated tribes. Visiting them requires a guided hike and offers a rare cultural insight into their unique mountain lifestyle.
Accommodation
Various accommodation options from luxury lodges to budget-friendly facilities
High-End Lodges
- • Apoka Safari Lodge (High-end private cottages overlooking Narus Valley)
Exclusive retreats with bespoke service and breathtaking experience.
Mid-Range Lodges
- • Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp
- • Kidepo Savannah Lodge
- • Local guesthouses near Kalokol & Karenga
Comfortable accommodations with good access to park activities.
Budget Options
- • UWA Bandas (21 units)
- • Self-contained & non-self-contained rooms
- • Basic campsite at Kakine & Nagusokopire
Affordable options including community run facilities and camping.
Access
Roads
Kidepo is about 571 km from Kampala via the Kampala–Gulu–Kitgum route. A 4WD vehicle is essential, especially in the rainy season. Roads can be rough in parts of Karamoja, and fuel stations are limited, so refuel in major towns before entering the region.
Air
Scheduled and charter flights operate from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kidepo Airstrip. This is the quickest and most convenient option, cutting travel time from a full-day drive to under two hours.
Climate & When to Visit
Temperature
Kidepo has a semi-arid climate with warm days (27°C–32°C) and cooler nights (17°C–20°C). Narus Valley receives about 890 mm of rain annually, while Kidepo Valley gets around 635 mm.
Best Time
The best time to visit is September–March, when dry conditions make wildlife viewing excellent as animals gather around water sources. Rainy months (April–September) can make some roads challenging.
Ready to Explore the Wild Frontier of Kidepo?
Plan your unforgettable safari to Uganda’s most remote and dramatic national park.