Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem in the remote northeastern region of Uganda. The park is located in the Karamoja region, which is an area that has long been overlooked by tourists due to its reputation for instability and insecurity. However, in recent years, Kidepo Valley National Park has emerged as one of the top safari destinations in East Africa.
One of the unique features of Kidepo Valley National Park is its location. The park is situated in a valley between two mountain ranges, and it is surrounded by rugged hills and vast plains. This unique topography creates a diverse range of habitats, from open savannahs to rocky outcrops to riverine forests. The park is refugee to an array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and many species of antelope.
In addition to the wildlife, Kidepo Valley National Park is also known for its stunning scenery. The park is home to the Narus Valley, which is a vast plain that is dotted with acacia trees and surrounded by hills. The valley is a popular spot for game viewing, as many animals come to the valley to drink from the Narus River. Another popular attraction in the park is the Kidepo Valley, which is a rugged wilderness area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive cheetah.
One of the best ways to experience Kidepo Valley National Park is on a safari. There are a variety of safari options available, from game drives to walking safaris to bird-watching tours. The park is also home to several lodges and campsites, which offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury tents to basic campsites. Many of these lodges and campsites are located within the park, which allows visitors to experience the wildlife and scenery of the park up close.
The park has 2 main areas, the Narus Valley and the Kidepo Valley.
Narus Valley
Apoka safari lodge and rest camp both lie in the prime game viewing territory of the Narus Valley. Wildlife here is prolific throughout the year, but doubly so in the later dry season. when the Narus River is the reliable water source for miles around. The valley can be explored along two excellent road loops. These are the Katurum circuit, named after a cliffside lodge built in the Amin era. On either circuit, you should look out for the herds of 20-30 elephants that come to drink from the river in the mid-morning, before marching. back to more remote grazing grounds mid-afternoon.
For birders, Clapperton’s francolin rose-ringed parakeet is quite common around Apoka the latter usually seen in small squawking flocks while other conspicuous specials include Abyssinian ground hornbill, bateleur, Meyers parrot, black coucal and superb starling.
Kidepo Valley
Game is scarce in the kidepo valley, partly because it is drier than the Narus Valley, partly as a result of poaching by south Sudanese visitors. The thicker bush here looks promising for greater and lesser kudu, and it’s the place to look for Uganda’s only population of common ostrich, as well as secretary-bird, Jackson’s hornbill, speckle-fronted weaver, and Karamoja Apalis.
To do at Kidepo Valley National Park
Guided drives; game drives led by highly knowledgeable drivers/guides are part of the all-inclusive package offered by Apoka safari lodge Guided hikes; it is possible to arrange guided walks around the Apoka area in the hope of seeing more common species such as elephants, buffalo, zebra, waterbuck, and hartebeest.
Bird watching; It’s one of Uganda’s important bird areas [IBA]and an incredible Uganda birding destination. The park is only being discovered by birdwatchers since it has been off the main tourist circuit and more bird species are being added to the checklist of over 475 recorded species.
Nature walks; These can be done around Apoka camp at any time of the day and visitors can observe several animals such as zebra, elephant, reedbuck, and buffalo. There are also long trails and circuits where visitors can walk in the early morning to observe species at close range and enjoy the beautiful wilderness.
Climbing Mount Morungole; Trekking here is an attractive activity which leads to the IK people. The great Morungole expedition which involves a day’s hike through varying vegetation and rocky terrain commanding spectacular views of kidepo valley national park will expose visitors to the variety of dances from the IK, their way of life, and their unique settlement.