Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park Ivan Taremwa (Atlas Obscura User)

Tucked away in the Northeastern part of Uganda lies Kidepo Valley National Park. This 557 square miles of pure wilderness borders South Sudan and Kenya.

Nestled between the rugged hills of the semi-arid Karamoja, the park is nourished by two seasonal rivers, the Kidepo River and the Narus River. The Narus Valley is a permanent wetland that quenches the thirst of all the wildlife in the park. The vast and unending savanna plains, with an occasional acacia tree breaking through the landscape best describes Kidepo.

The park is home to 77 mammal species and 500 bird species. These can be seen as visitors drive through the beaten tracks on a safari adventure. The vast herds of buffalo and elephants have become a trademark of the park.

Rocky outcrops such as the Kakine rock and leopard rock are resting places for big carnivores Other mammal species include cheetahs, elands, zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, stripped jackals, hyenas, and many more. Rare bird species such as ostriches, secretary birds, Kori bustards, pygmy falcons, and Egyptian vultures also call this park home.

The national park is surrounded by a local group known as the Ik people. They reside in the neighboring hills and offer amazing cultural safaris. Their ancestral roots can be traced back to southern Egypt.

Know Before You Go

The park can be accessed by road or air. The park is open year-round, however, it's advisable to visit during the dry season from September to April. Wildlife safari activities include game drives, nature walks, as well as birding, cultural, and cycling safaris.