In Which District Is Kidepo Valley National Park? Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the northern region of Uganda, in Kaboong district covering a total surface area of 1442 square kilometers and is situated elevated area standing at an altitude between 900-1200 meters above sea level. Kidepo Valley National Park was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1958 by the British Colonial government and Later in 1962, Kidepo Valley National Park was converted from a game reserve into a national park under the reign of former president, Apollo Milton Obote. The park’s first chief warden was Ian Ross, and was later replaced in 1972 by Paul Ssali. The national park is currently under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Lake Mburo National Park shares borders with other countries like; Kenya and Sudan. In addition, it is known to have derived its name from the Dodoth word ‘akidep’, which means ‘to pick up’ in English.
Kidepo national park is one of Uganda isolated national parks; and yet richly diverse with numerous species of flora and fauna. The national park considered as a perfect birding destination due to the fact that it is home to an estimated number of 480 bird species and it is the only game park where tourists can be able to see the ostrich bird in the wild. More so, this national park is famous for its serene landscape, large herds of buffaloes and rivers Kidepo and Narus. The park is dominated by Mount Morungole, elevated at 2,750 meters above sea level.
Tourist Attractions found in Kidepo Valley National Park.
There are quite a number of attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park and these include;
Wildlife:
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to about 77 mammal species and around 475 bird species. Visitors can be sure to see wildlife species like; elephants, jackal, leopards, buffalo, bush pig, bush duiker, ostrich and many more. There are two areas in the park where visitors can spot wildlife and these are in the Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley.
Kanangorok Hot springs:
These hot springs are situated 11km from Kidepo River on the border with Sudan. The water in this hot spring boils at a temperature of about 50°C, hot enough to boil an egg. Locals as well as foreign tourists visit the hot springs while tour to the national park.
Kidepo Valley:
There is plenty of wildlife found in the Kidepo Valley, and not forgetting the Kidepo river flows through this valley. However, given that, Kidepo River is a seasonal river; the number of wildlife found in this valley varies depending on the availability of water from River Kidepo.
Narus Valley:
The Narus Valley is dominated by River Narus, which flows northwest through the southern part of Kidepo Valley National Park. The name Narus is a Karamajong word to mean mud. Unlike the Kidepo Valley, which is dominated by the seasonal River Kidepo, the Narus Valley has a permanent water source, which is the Narus River. It is due to this fact that there are larger concentrations of wildlife in the valley, which can be spotted during a game drive. The Narus dam and the water pool near the Apoka Tourism Center, make the perfect spots to view wildlife.
Lomej Hills:
The Lomej Hills are situated near the park’s headquarters and are a good spot for hiking expeditions, game viewing and bird watching activities.
Mount Morungule:
The Morungule Mountain stands at an elevation of 2,750 meters; with rivers Kidepo and Narus flowing through it. Hiking expeditions are carried out on the mountain; with the highlight of the hike being a visit to the IK community. The IK people are the smallest ethnic group in Uganda, with their own distinct language and culture. They are believed to be the original inhabitants of Uganda.
Apoka Tourism Centre:
The Apoka Tourism Center is the major tourist hub in of Kidepo Valley National Park. The tourism center consists of cottages, which are managed by UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), and a craft shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, bottled water and beverages. Park guides are stationed here to accompany tourists on game drives and nature walks.
Other areas in Kidepo Valley National Park that might be of interest to tourists visiting the park include; Lonyili Mountain and Namamukweny Valley.
What to do in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Visitors can engage in a series of activities in the national park like;
Game Drives:
Game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park are mainly done in two areas of the park, which are the Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley. Visitors have an option doing with day or evening game drives and are usually accompanied by a park ranger. While on a guide game drive, tourist can view wildlife like; buffaloes, lions, leopards, ostrich, giraffes and many more. Game drives in the national park cost 30 USD for day game drives and 40 USD for night game drives.
Bird Watching:
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to approximately 475 bird species, with around 23 of these species being found only in Kidepo National Park. The national park is a perfect destination for birding activities and bird lovers can view species of birds like; Yellow-Billed Shrike, Taita Fiscal, Rufous Chatterer, Ostriches, Karamoja Apalis and the Black-Breasted Barbet among others. Birding activities in the park cost 30 USD.
Community/Cultural Tour:
For those visitors who are interested in interacting with the local people in communities within and outside the national park, embarking on a trip to the neighboring Karamajong community would be the best option. Get to meet the Lorukul cultural group, which is located just outside the park. Tourists have the opportunity to take a tour of the homesteads in the area and watch performances from the Lorukul cultural group.
Another cultural encounter would be further north of the park to the IK community. This group can be encountered on a hike to Morungule Mountain. Since this group is located far, visitors on a hiking trip are always advised to spare a whole day for the activity.
Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda.
There are a couple of lodging facilities in Kidepo Valley National Park that are always available for guests which offer exquisite services and range from Budget to Mid-range and Luxury. And some of these accommodation facilities include; Apoka Safari Lodge, Apoka Rest Camp, Kakine Self-catering Campsite, Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge and Nga Moru Wilderness Camp.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about in which district is Kidepo valley National Park found and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.
