The Remote Kidepo Valley Park – Uganda – Top Things to Do and See
Kidepo Valley Park Tourist Activities in and near the Park
The Top Things to Do and See in Kidepo Valley Park: Kidepo Valley Park in Uganda is a unique and extraordinary destination. According to CNN, it is Africa’s hidden gem, unlike any other continent park. It offers an experience that transports you back to Africa as it was 50 years ago, often referred to as a “Long-Forgotten Eden.” It’s a place that exceeds your imagination of what Africa could be like.
Kidepo Valley Park stands out among other parks in East Africa. It embodies the essence of authentic Africa, untouched and unspoiled by mass tourism. With less than ten new visitors arriving daily, it remains a haven free from crowds, allowing you to truly connect with the wilderness and experience the best of Africa.
Although reaching Kidepo Valley Park can be challenging or expensive if you choose to fly in, the rewards far surpass the cost. Once you arrive, you will be mesmerized by the rugged and picturesque scenery, abundant wildlife, encounters with the Karamojong Warrior Herdsmen, and the opportunity to engage with the Ik people who reside on the remote Mount Morungole.
If you deeply appreciate the African wilderness, Kidepo Valley Park is a must-visit destination. It is a park unlike any other in Uganda and the entire African continent, offering an unparalleled experience that will leave you in awe.
Top Things to Do and See in Kidepo Valley Park – Northeast Uganda
Experience Untamed – untouched Africa in Kidepo Valley Park
Top Things to Do and See in Kidepo Valley Park: Kidepo Valley Park in Uganda offers a raw and untouched African experience, free from crowds and unlike any other park in the entire continent. However, getting to the park can be challenging. You can take an expensive flight or embark on a 12-hour drive from Kampala. The scenic route from Sipi Falls provides a more enjoyable journey through the impressive Karamoja region.
Accommodation options in the park are limited, but more facilities are being developed as the park’s popularity grows. The Apoka Rest Camp has significantly improved and is an excellent choice for budget travelers.
Despite being Uganda’s best wildlife viewing park, Kidepo Valley Park receives only 2000-3000 visitors per year, averaging less than ten visitors per day. Here, you can witness abundant wildlife and engage in unique cultural experiences with the Karamojong and Ik People who live near the park.
Kidepo Valley Park boasts breathtaking scenery that will leave you in awe. It is a serene place where the sounds of the wind and the cries of wild animals break the stillness. The park is a haven of wildlife and rugged landscapes, with a noticeable absence of human presence. It’s like stepping into a scene from an African novel by Karen Blixen or Ernest Hemingway, a true embodiment of the Africa you imagined but rarely find in the 21st century.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including abundant lions, elephants, buffalo herds, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, ostriches, pangolins, bat-eared foxes, striped hyenas, aardwolves, caracals, and hunting dogs. You can spot antelope species like eland, bushbuck, bush duskier, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, and oribi.
Bird enthusiasts, including numerous raptors, will also be delighted by the abundant birdlife in the park. Despite the challenges of reaching the park, its experience is well worth the effort.
Kidepo Valley Park is a remote and extraordinary destination in Uganda that provides an authentic and unforgettable African wilderness experience. It goes beyond photo opportunities and allows you to connect with the wild. Visiting Kidepo Valley Park is a worthwhile adventure that will reward you with memories to last a lifetime.
The Top Things to Do and See in Kidepo Valley Park
Kidepo Valley Park offers exceptional game drives with limited visitors, ensuring a peaceful experience. You can witness undisturbed Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, creating a deep connection with the untamed wilderness. These intimate drives provide unforgettable memories in a tranquil sanctuary, immersing you in Africa’s beauty without crowds.
Game Drives:
Go on a captivating adventure through the game drives of Kidepo Valley National Park, where you can immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Africa without the presence of crowds. This remote and less-visited park allows you to witness the best African wildlife during your game drive experience.
The nature of your game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park may vary depending on where you stay. If you opt for Apoka Lodge, you’ll discover that two daily activities, such as game drives, are included in the room price for each night stay.
Kidepo Valley Park boasts some of the most exceptional game drives in Uganda. The best part is the sense of solitude you experience as Africa unfolds before you without the presence of crowds. It’s an opportunity to connect intimately with the wilderness and wildlife, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Nature – Bush Walks – Hikes:
Kidepo Valley Park offers fantastic opportunities for nature and bush walks. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the African wilderness on foot, and Kidepo Valley Park is among the best places to do so.
In addition to the designated walking areas within the park, there are other places where you can embark on hikes. One such option is a full-day hike up the Morungole Mountains, leading to a visit with the Ik People, one of Uganda’s smaller ethnic groups.
Numerous hiking and climbing spots throughout the park, including Idi Amin’s envisioned lodge, which unfortunately remained unfinished during his presidency. Perhaps in the future, as more visitors come to the park, it will be completed and become a reality.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers guides all nature walks and hikes within the park. It’s important to note that you cannot venture off alone in this remote park to ensure your safety and preserve the environment.
In 2019, new hiking trails were developed for visitors to enjoy within the park, enhancing the opportunities for exploration and discovery amidst its natural beauty. These trails offer exciting experiences and a chance to immerse oneself more deeply into the wonders of Kidepo Valley Park.
Birding – Kidepo Valley Park:
Kidepo Valley Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts who appreciate wildlife in the tranquil and secluded setting of the remote Kidepo Valley Park.
One of the park’s remarkable features is its diverse array of birds of prey. Among the 56 species documented, 14, such as Verreaux’s Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, and Pygmy Falcon, are believed to be exclusive to the Kidepo and Karamoja regions.
While there hasn’t been a comprehensive survey of the bird population in Kidepo, visitors can discover and add new species to the list.
Notably, Kidepo Valley Park is the sole park in Uganda where you can encounter the common ostrich, an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The Uganda Wildlife Authority carefully collects ostrich eggs for breeding purposes to boost the ostrich population within Kidepo Valley National Park.
For birdwatchers, Kidepo Valley Park is truly a paradise. The park’s remote location cannot be emphasized enough, creating a sense of solitude as you embark on a birding walk. It’s an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty, feeling as though you are the sole observer of its avian wonders.
Karamojong Village (Manyatta) Visit:
The Karamojong people are known as Warrior-Nomads, and their homeland in the Karamoja region of Uganda has often been referred to as the country’s Wild West. When Uganda was under British protection, this area was left relatively untouched. The Karamojong take great pride in their cattle, and cattle raids were a common occurrence in the past.
However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the behavior of the Karamojong as they have been disarmed and have adopted a more peaceful way of life. Cattle still hold great significance, but subsistence farming has become more prevalent.
Living in an arid region, the Karamojong face the challenge of walking long distances in search of water. On the other hand, occasional floods have caused significant disruption to the lives of the people in this area.
Visiting the Karamojong people offers a unique cultural experience that provides insights into the authentic African way of life, particularly among a community closely related to the Maasai. It is a chance to witness their traditions and customs firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of their rich heritage.
In recent years, the Karamojong have received increasing support from the government and aid agencies, contributing to positive changes and improvements in their living conditions. This signifies a growing presence of support services aimed at assisting the community.
Exploring the Karamoja region and engaging with the Karamojong people allows you to delve into the fascinating world of this unique culture, appreciate their resilience, and witness the evolving dynamics of their lives in a changing landscape. Read more here.
A Visit with the Ik People:
Prepare for an early morning start as you start a remarkable journey to the Morungole Mountains, where you can visit the indigenous Ik Tribe.
This tribe has a rich history in Northeast Uganda, predating the arrival of the Karamojong people. Today, their population stands at approximately 10,000 individuals. Notably, the Ik community has even produced its first university student, currently enrolled at Kampala International University and thriving in her studies.
It is worth mentioning that Colin Turnbull, an author, wrote a book called “The Mountain People” about the Ik Tribe, which portrayed them negatively. However, subsequent research has discredited these claims, as Turnbull’s attempt to prove that the Ik people were incapable of experiencing love has been proven false.
Visiting the Ik Tribe will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your time in Uganda, providing an immersive experience of their unique ways of life and vibrant culture. It’s important to note that this activity will add a day to your Safari in Kidepo Valley Park, but the opportunity to interact with the Ik people will be well worth it.
Be prepared for a challenging 8-hour hike as you ascend Mount Morungole, which is unsuitable for those faint of heart. The round trip will take approximately eight hours, and the trail is steep, adding an element of adventure to the day. Additionally, bringing small gifts when visiting someone in the Ik community is customary, as it aligns with their cultural norms and traditions.
Get an inside look into the fascinating world of the Ik Tribe as you explore their mountainous homeland and engage with the local community. This unique encounter promises to be a memorable and enriching experience, allowing you to gain deeper insights into the Ik people’s way of life and their rich cultural heritage.
The Top Things to Do and See in Kidepo Valley Park on one of our Safaris:
The Best \ Kidepo Valley Park Safaris Kabgiza Wilderness Safari offers:
Kabiza Wilderness Safaris offers luxury or midrange safari experiences in Uganda’s stunning Kidepo Valley Park. With a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets, they provide luxury and value+ midrange safaris.
Experience the wonders of the park with top-notch accommodations and personalized services. Encounter iconic African wildlife and enjoy cultural experiences with local communities. Expert Rangers and driver-guides ensure a safe and enriching journey.
Tailored itineraries cater to individual interests, making every aspect of your Safari memorable. Discover the hidden gem of Kidepo Valley Park with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.
For those seeking luxury, our Kabiza Wilderness Safaris offers a worry-free experience where every detail is covered. You can relax and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Africa, knowing that everything is meticulously arranged for your comfort and enjoyment. It’s a safari experience beyond luxury, allowing you to truly let go of worries and embrace the ultimate wilderness adventure.
We also provide quality safaris utilizing comfortable lodges and unique safari experiences if you want a value-plus midrange option. These safaris offer excellent value for money without compromising the quality of accommodation and memorable wildlife encounters.
Regardless of your choice, we are dedicated to ensuring that your Kidepo Valley Park Wildlife Safari exceeds your expectations and provides you with an unforgettable journey through the African wilderness. Read more about our Safaris.
Safety and Security on a Kidepo Valley Park Safari:
We are fully committed to keeping you safe and secure on your Safari in \kidepo Valley7 Park!
Kabiza Wilderness Safaris is fully committed to ensuring your safety, security, and well-being during your Safari in Uganda. We prioritize the security of our clients and take all necessary measures to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
Our team is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the local conditions and protocols. We stay updated on the latest information from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, security agencies, and other relevant sources to ensure our clients have the most accurate and reliable information.
We strictly adhere to safety guidelines and rules set by the authorities and enforce them during our safaris. Our drivers and guides are trained professionals who always prioritize your safety. We maintain close communication with security forces and have established protocols to address potential risks or emergencies.
Rest assured that when you choose Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, you are in the hands of a dedicated team fully committed to providing a safe and secure safari experience in Uganda. Read more about Kidepo Valley Park Safari Safety.
Getting to Kidepo Valley Park:
Fly to Kidepo Valley Park with AeroLink Safari Airline:
The easiest way to get to Kidepo Valley Park is to fly there with AaeroLink Safari Airline on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The flights depart from Entebbe at 12:30 and arrive at the Apoka Airstrip in Kidepo Valley Park at 14:45.
Drive to Kidepo Valley Park:
The drive from Kampala to Kidepo Valley Park is 12 hours long. On our drive-in at Kidepo Valley Safaris, we break that long drive overnight at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you track Rhinos on foot and stay overnight at Amuka Lodge. The following day, we continued to Kidepo Valley Park through Gulu, where we had lunch and Kitgum.
More Kidepo Valley Park Information:
Africa as it used to be Kidepo Valley Park
Why CNN chose Kidepo Valley Parlason, one of the best Parks in Africa!
