Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the far north-eastern corner of Uganda near the borders of South Sudan and Kenya, is widely regarded as one of Africa's finest wilderness parks. Covering 1,442 km², the park protects a pristine savannah landscape dominated by the Narus Valley and the Kidepo River. Its remote location means it sees far fewer visitors than Uganda's southern parks, offering an exclusive safari experience.

The park is home to over 80 mammal species and 500 bird species. It is one of the few places in East Africa where you can see cheetahs, and populations of elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and the unique Karamojong ostriches are healthy. Kidepo feels like a true wilderness — the silence is broken only by birdsong and the distant calls of wildlife.

By Plane

The most practical access is by chartered flight to Kidepo's airstrip from Entebbe or Murchison Falls. Scheduled flights operate via Aerolink.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Kidepo.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 8–10 hours via Gulu, Kitgum, and Kaabong. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for the last sections. From Gulu, the journey is about 5 hours via Kitgum.

Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles operated by lodges and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The park has a network of tracks in the Narus Valley (prime game viewing area) and the Kidepo Valley.

• Narus Valley — The park's prime game-viewing area, with abundant wildlife year-round

• Kidepo River — A seasonal river that creates a striking landscape of sand and rock

• Apoka Hill — A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the entire park

• Kanangorok Hot Springs — Natural hot springs in the far north of the park, near the South Sudan border

• Karamojong boma (manyatta) — Traditional homesteads near the park boundary

• Morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles

• Guided nature walks with UWA rangers

• Birdwatching — Kidepo has over 500 bird species including ostriches, secretary birds, and martial eagles

• Visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs (requires a full-day trip from the main camp)

• Cultural visits to Karamojong manyattas (traditional homesteads)

Meals are provided by the safari lodges. Picnic lunches are arranged for full-day game drives.

Lodges provide drinking water and drinks. Stock up on supplies before entering the park as there are no shops inside.

• Budget: UWA campsite (from US$20 per person) — basic but well-positioned
• Mid-range: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (bandas from US$100 per person) and Kidepo Wilderness Lodge (from US$120)
• Upscale: Apoka Safari Lodge (from US$350 per person full board, exceptional wildlife-viewing lodge) and Kidepo Safari Lodge (from US$200)

Souvenirs are available at Apoka Lodge and the UWA offices. Karamojong crafts can be purchased from local communities near the park gate.

• Kaabong (40 km west, 1 hr) — Remote Karamoja town
• Kitgum (200 km south-west, 4 hrs) — Acholi region town
• Gulu (250 km south-west, 5 hrs) — Northern Uganda's largest city
• Moroto (120 km south, 3 hrs) — Karamoja regional capital