Size
1,442 km²

Location
In the semi-arid valleys of Karamoja province, North-East of Uganda, on the extreme northern border with Sudan and Kenya.

Description
The Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most wonderful parks in Uganda. It is 1,442 sq km large and has a landscape which is unsurpassed by any other National Park in East-Africa. It is accessible either by road or by air. The most commonly driven route from Kampala is via Mbale, Soroti and Moroto, an 840 km journey taking a minimum of 12 hours in a Four Wheel Drive.

Hidden in the extreme North-East of Uganda on the border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking savannah landscapes that end in a steep horizon. The Kidepo landscape is decorated with small hills, rocks carried by the wind and inselbergs, from which one gets wonderful scenic views in all directions.

In the South-West of the park is the Narus valley whose western border is formed by the steep Napore-Nyagea. Detached from the Kidepo valley are the Natira and Lokayot hills in the North-East. In the North, facing Sudan, the Lotukei mountains and the Morungole mountain ranges mark the southern border of the park. Visitors who decide to use the Soroti-Moroto road are always impressed by the view of the steep Alekilek volcano between Moroto and Soroti.

Because of its very large extent the visitor experiences an equally wide spectrum of climatic conditions from which an enormously diverse flora and fauna was able to develop over the centuries.

The vegetation can be described as open-tree savannah which varies much in structure and shape. At higher altitudes the scenery is dominated by mountain forest, and along the Lorupei river there are thick acacia forests. The flora and fauna of the park is actually rather characteristic of Kenya than Uganda.

The park is home to a variety of the most diverse animal species, more than other parks in Uganda. Of the 80 species of mammals listed in 1971, 28 were not known to occur in any other park in Uganda.

The carnivores species unique to Kidepo and Karamoja region include the bateared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. Less common ungulates include the greater and lesser Kudu, chandlers mountain reedbuck, klipspringer and dikdik. Among other large ungulates are Bush Elephant, Burchell’s Zebra, Bushpig, Wothog, Rotshchild giraffe, Cape buffalo, Eland, Bushbuck, Bush duiker, Deffassa waterbuck, bohor reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest and Oribi.

There are 5 types of primates in the park, of which the Kavirondo bush baby is endemic to this region.

Of the meat-eaters there are lions, leopards, a few small cat species, dotted hyenas, black backed and side stripped jackals. The jackals are the easiest to find, but the possibility of finding a lion lying on a tree along Narus valley or on a rock in the neighbourhood of Apoka (park headquarters) is high.

The park is a paradise for ornithologists and those who love birds. 465 types are recorded here, of which 3 new types were added to the list in 1995. The ostrich and the big Trappe should be of interest. Both can be found in the dry regions. Kidepo valley National Park is also famous for its birds of prey. It is believed that of 58 listed categories, 14 are endemic to the region around Kidepo and Karamoja. These include the Verreaux's-eagle, the Egyptian vulture and the pygmy falcon. It is also supposedly mentioned that 4 types of hornbill exist here. Whereas the Red, Yellow and Jackson’s hornbills are rather typical of Kidepo, the huge Earth-hornbill is generally quite widespread. There is nevertheless as yet no complete overview of the ornithological treasure of Kidepo, such that sharp-eyed visitors stand a good chance of adding a new category to the current list.

Activities

Game Viewing
Game drives are the preffered and the most exciting activity within the national park. Best done with a four wheel drive for the best views.

Nature Walks
Visitors who decide to follow the Soroti-Moroto road will be captivated by the view of the steep Alekilek volcano about midway between Moroto and Soroti. Those who choose the Lira-Kotido route will be able to enjoy the landscape of the Labwor hills, and particularly of the massive and bare Alerek- (Kidi Rwot) rock about 55 km from Kotido.

Walks and Landscape Viewing
One can go walking on the Lamogi mountains, just a few kilometres from the park headquarters. It is also possible to observe the magnificent Kidepo river valley which is dominated by the Borassus palm forest (from whose fruits the elephants like getting intoxicated). The wide, flat riverbed is dry for the most part of the year. From the Kidepo valley, one can visit the Kanangorok- springs on foot – they are only 11 km from the Kidepo river valley.

Cultural Walks
For those who are interested in widening their knowledge about African cultures, a visit to the Karamajong manyattas (homesteads) and kraals is a must. You will probably be offered traditional costumes, long spears, knives, bows and arrows and jewellery to see and to buy. The natives also like to demonstrate their traditional dances.

Visiting Time

All year round is a good visit. However, it is necessary to travel with a Four Wheel Drive especially during the rainy season.

Please contact us for more information and further inquiries:
office@equatorialwildsafaris.com.

Yours- EWS Team