Overview 
Kidepo Valley National Park

Hailed as a true African wilderness, Kidepo Valley National Park’s rugged beauty offers both seclusion through remoteness and an authentic safari wilderness experience. Nestled in Uganda’s northeast, Kidepo Valley National Park is part of an internationally protected area with the connecting Kidepo Game Reserve in South Sudan. A picturesque landscape characterised by broad valleys blanketed in golden savannah plains, punctuated by watering holes and framed by the rugged Napore-Nyangea hills and Lonyili mountain. The park protects two distinct regions; Kidepo Valley after which the park is named and Narus Valley, where most of the wildlife congregates. This is the area to explore on wildlife drives, walking safaris and even the secret lives of the wildlife observed on a nocturnal wildlife drive. Some of the park's wildlife species may be currently lacking high densities, although herds of a thousand buffalo strong can be encountered, but it does host Uganda’s most diverse collection of species. Combined with its remote wilderness feel it's a truly unforgettable safari destination.

---

Flights To Kidepo Valley National Park

Safari flights to Kidepo Valley National Park land a single airstrip when flying by plane, with many additional landing sites available for those flying by helicopter. The Kidepo Valley airstrip is located within the boundaries of the national park in the Narus Valley. When taking off and landing you gain great​ parks views and can even spot the wildlife. The airstrip is located a short drive from the park's luxury lodge. For helicopter safaris we land at the lodge’s private helipad and other selected landing sites around the park.

Key Wildlife

PATAS MONKEY  |  OLIVE BABOON  |  VERVET MONKEY 
  LION  |  LEOPARD  |  CHEETAH  |  WILDCAT  |  JACKAL
HYENA |  AARDWOLF  |  MONGOOSE  |  ZEBRA  |  TOPI  | HARTEBEEST
GRANT'S GAZELLE  |  BUFFALO  |  ELAND  |  KUDU  |  OSTRICH  | ORIBI
UGANDA KOB  |  DUIKER  | BUSH BUCK  |  KILPSPRINGER
WATERBUCK  |  ROAN ANTELOPE  |  GIRAFFE  |  ELEPHANT  
PANGOLIN  |  AARDVARK  |  CROCODILE
+375 RECORDED BIRD SPECIES

Kidepo Valley National Park
 Climate & Seasons

Dry Season

Sep - Mar

Rainy Season

Apr - Aug

High Season

Sep - Mar

Low Season

Apr - May

Kidepo Valley National Park is suitable as a year round fly-in safari destination. Visiting in the dry season allows for easier wildlife viewing as they congregate at waterholes & the wildlife tracks are easily navigated. Rainy season gives a respite from the heat, clears the haze, a bonus for photography and the park becomes lush green. Please note that the above climate information is a rough guide as weather patterns have become less regular in recent years.

Kidepo Valley National Park 
Fly-in Safari Excursions

WILDLIFE DRIVES

The parks remoteness and so comparatively few visitors, means can explore with wildlife drives in peace. For that magical wildlife sighting you’ll most likely be in seclusion without large numbers of safari vehicles around. In dry season the vast majority of the wildlife is to be spotted from the tracks in the Narus Valley, which meander around the waterholes. While one route leads to far northern reaches of the park where the Narus and Kidepo Valley meet, an area known for its ostrich sightings!

Explore Kidepo Valley National Park with wildlife drives.

WALKING SAFARIS

Walking safaris are a memorable way to experience the savannah, free from the confines of a safari vehicle. Offering a different perspective to the park so you can truly appreciate the sights and sounds of nature, as well as the Narus Valley’s great extent. Each walking safari is tailored to the individual group, so the pace, distance and terrain are all taken into consideration, as is the wildlife you most want to spy. You’re perfectly safe on the savannah with your experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger.

Explore Kidepo Valley National Park on walking safaris.

NOCTURNAL WILDLIFE DRIVES

Nocturnal wildlife drives are a rare opportunity to venture into the night, and uncover the secret lives of the wildlife. With high power torches you can scan the savannah and if you’re lucky you’ll manage to seek out hyenas, lions, leopards and jackals. The atmosphere of the park at night is truly magical, turn off the engine and listen to the sounds of the night. On a clear night you’ll be treated to a starry spectacle like no other, so you can marvel at the mosaic of galaxies stretching across the skies.

Explore Kidepo Valley National Park with nocturnal wildlife drives.

HIKE TO MEET THE IK TRIBE

Trek on the rugged Mount Morungole to meet the Ik tribe. Regarded as one of Africa’s most authentic cultural excursions due to the location's remoteness and few visitors. The trail route offers a breathtaking panorama over plains and mountains stretching across from Kenya to South Sudan and wildlife spotting opportunities as you hike. At the village you can meet the local community, learn about daily life, tribal traditions and enjoy a demonstration of traditional music and dance. A truly memorable once in a lifetime hike in the wilds of Karamoja!  

Hike on Mount Morungole on the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park to meet the Ik.

BUSH BREAKFASTS & DINNERS

Dine in the wilds while relaxing to the sights and sounds of the savannah. Enjoy a bush breakfast of freshly brewed coffees, freshly baked breads, tropical fruits and eggs hot off the stove, while watching the sunrise over savannah plains. Or a bush dinner served to you by the light of flickering oil lanterns, set under starry skies and to the echoes of the wilds around you. Each of our pop-up bushmeal camps are complete with shaded tables, safari chairs and chef cooking on a portable stove for bush breakfasts.

Enjoy safari bush breakfasts & dinners on the savannah of Kidepo Valley National Park.

Kidepo Valley National Park
 Fly-in Safari Luxury Lodges

Apoka Safari Lodge
 Kidepo Valley National Park

Destination Uganda