The Best Routes to Kidepo Valley Park in the Karamoja Region of Uganda
Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park by Air or By Vehicle
Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park in the Karamoja Region: Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park is an adventure in itself, requiring a bit more effort but promising a rewarding experience. The park’s remote location in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda is one of the reasons why it remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.
In recent years, Kidepo Valley National Park has garnered increasing interest and recognition. It has received numerous awards and has been featured in various publications, with CNN-Travel even ranking it as the third-best park in all of Africa. Despite the attention, the park has managed to maintain its off-the-beaten-path status, offering visitors a chance to explore without the crowds typically found in more popular destinations.
Travelers who make the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park are often astounded by its breathtaking beauty. It is hailed as one of the most remarkable savannah parks ever visited, evoking the Africa of bygone eras. The spirit of Karen Blixen’s writings or Ernest Hemingway’s adventures comes to life in this rugged and scenic wonderland. The park boasts an abundance of wildlife, with game sightings that leave visitors in awe. In particular, Kidepo Valley National Park is known for its large buffalo herds, creating a spectacle that is unmatched elsewhere in Africa.
Beyond the captivating wildlife, a visit to Kidepo Valley National Park offers an opportunity to engage with the Karamojong people. The Karamojong are pastoralists and warriors, and their relationship with cattle is deeply ingrained in their culture. Exploring one of their traditional settlements, known as Mayattas, provides a fascinating insight into their way of life, traditions, and customs.
To reach Kidepo Valley National Park, you’ll need to plan accordingly. The journey may involve some logistical challenges, but the effort is undoubtedly worth it. The park’s remote location ensures an authentic and immersive experience, free from the trappings of mass tourism. It is a place where the untouched beauty of nature and the rich tapestry of African culture converge.
To find more information and further convince yourself of the wonders that await, you can click on the links below for additional resources. These resources will provide insights into the things to do and see within Kidepo Valley National Park, helping you plan an unforgettable adventure in this extraordinary destination.
There are two main ways to get to Kidepo Valley National Park: by air and road.
Getting to Kidepo Valley Park by air with AeroLink Safari Airline:
Getting to Kidepo Valey Park by Air:
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Kidepo Valley Park is flying to the Park with AeroLink Safari Airline.
- Scheduled AeroLink flights from Entebbe Airport to the Apoka Airstrip in Kidepo Valley National Park. The flights are operated by AeroLink Safari Airline and depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight time is approximately 2 hours.
- We can also charter a private plane to Kidepo Valley National Park. This is a more expensive option, but it will give you more flexibility regarding your travel schedule.
By road:
The drive from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park is approximately 12 hours. There are two main routes that you can take:
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- The northern route via Karuma, Lira, and Kotido. This route is the most direct but also the most challenging. The road is often in poor condition, and several checkpoints are along the way.
- The southern route via Mbale, Soroti, Moroto, and Kotido. This route is longer, but it is also more scenic. The road is in better condition, with fewer checkpoints along the way.
If you want an unforgettable safari experience, Kidepo Valley National Park is a great place to visit.
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 continue to Kidepo Valley Park through Gulu.
