Kidepo Valley National Park

Remote. Raw. Remarkable.
Far in Uganda’s wild northeast, where golden plains stretch to distant mountains and the sky seems endless, lies Kidepo Valley National Park—a hidden gem and one of Africa’s last great wildernesses. Isolated and untamed, Kidepo is where you come to escape the ordinary and reconnect with the primal rhythms of nature.

This is a land of dramatic beauty and cinematic landscapes, where lions perch on rocky outcrops, elephants roam freely across the plains, and ancient valleys whisper stories of survival and spirit. Kidepo isn’t just a safari—it’s an adventure into the soul of Africa.

The Most Underrated Safari in Africa

Often called “Uganda’s most scenic park,” Kidepo offers sweeping savannahs framed by the jagged peaks of the Morungole Mountains, with almost no crowds to share it with. Game drives here feel like private expeditions—you’ll follow elephant herds across the Narus Valley, spot cheetahs in the open plains, and watch giraffes silhouetted against golden sunrises.

This is where wild still feels truly wild.

Big Game in a Big Landscape

Kidepo boasts an impressive range of wildlife—some of which you won’t find anywhere else in Uganda. Look out for cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, and caracals, as well as large herds of Cape buffalo, zebra, and eland. The park is also known for its lion sightings, with prides often seen lounging on rocks or surveying the land like kings.

For bird lovers, the skies of Kidepo are alive with more than 470 bird species, including the Ostrich (only found here in Uganda) and the striking Kori bustard.

Cultural Encounters with the Karamojong

Kidepo isn’t just about landscapes and animals—it’s about people too. A visit to the nearby Karamojong communities offers a glimpse into a proud, pastoralist culture known for its resilience, rich traditions, and stunning beadwork. Learn about their daily life, beliefs, and relationship with the land on a respectful, guided cultural experience.

And for the adventurous, hiking to the Ik people—one of Uganda’s smallest and most isolated ethnic groups—on Mount Morungole is a soul-stirring journey you’ll never forget.

Activities in Kidepo Valley National Park

Game drives in Narus and Kidepo Valleys
Guided nature walks
Birdwatching
Cultural visits to Karamojong villages
Hike to the Ik people on Mount Morungole
Scenic viewing and landscape photography
Sundowner experiences in the open plains

How to get there

By air: Daily scheduled flights available from Entebbe to Kidepo airstrip (approx. 2 hours).

By road: A long but rewarding journey—roughly 10–12 hours from Kampala (recommended over 2 days), with options to explore Gulu or Kitgum en route.

Climate

Kidepo has a semi-arid climate with warm days and cooler nights. Temperatures range from 21°C to 35°C. Rain is scarce, but short wet seasons occur from April–May and September–November. The dry seasons are long and ideal for wildlife viewing.

Best Time To Visit

June to September and December to February are the best times to visit, when wildlife gathers around water sources and the landscape is at its most dramatic. Thanks to its isolation, even in high season, Kidepo remains blissfully crowd-free.

Facts

Kidepo is for travellers who seek something truly different—untouched beauty, raw wilderness, and solitude that nourishes the spirit. It’s one of Uganda’s best-kept secrets, but those who make the journey often say it’s the most unforgettable park of them all.

Established in 1962 – Created to protect its exceptional savannah and mountain ecosystems.
Size: 1,442 square kilometres (557 square miles)
Landscape: Rugged savannah, dry riverbeds, acacia woodland, and mountain ranges
Wildlife diversity: 77 mammal species and 470+ bird species
Unique selling point: Uganda’s only park with ostrich, cheetah, and greater kudu
Top experiences: Game drives, cultural encounters, and off-the-beaten-path exploration