Best activities to do in Kidepo Valley National Park : Kidepo valley national park is the is the most remote national park located in north eastern part region in Karamoja district between Uganda’s border with South Sudan and Kenya. Over 77 mammal species, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda Kobs, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, elands, reedbucks, waterbucks, and oribi, as well as over 475 bird species, can be found in the 1,442 square kilometer Kidepo Valley National Park. There are several safari activities available in Kidepo Valley National Park for visitors to partake in. These activities include:
Game drives.
One of the main safari activities in Kidepo Valley National Park is the game drive, which allows you to explore the park with a professional driving guide in a comfortable pop-up safari van. In the Kidepo Valley National Park, game drives can take place in the early morning when the animals are more active, or in the afternoon or night when they are heading for their resting places. During the game drives, you are going to follow distinctive game drive tracks such as Narus valley, kidepo valley among others where you will be capable to observe various creatures like elephants, buffaloes, zebras, leopards, giraffes, cheetahs, oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbucks, dik dik, reedbucks, warthogs among others.
Bird watching in Kidepo valley national park.
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Uganda to go bird watching safari because it is home to over 475 species of recorded birds, including migratory, forest, and savannah birds. An expert bird guide will accompany you on your bird watching excursions, helping you to identify a variety of bird species such as Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Superb Starling, Vinaceos Dove, Black-headed Plover, Little Green Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Shrike, Red-winged Lark, African Swallow-tailed Kite, White-bellied Go-away bird, Nubian Woodpecker, White-bellied Tit, Ethiopian Swallow, Four-banded Sand Grouse, Red and Yellow Barbet, Kori Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Northern Carmine bee-eater, Jackson’s hornbill, Pygmy Falcon, Golden Pipit, and Chestnut Weaver, among others.
Guided Nature walks/hiking.
Hiking and guided nature walks are thrilling safari activities in Kidepo Valley National area. You can explore the area on foot while accompanied by an armed ranger guide who will defend you from any threat. You will get up close and personal with various animals like elephants, zebras, reedbucks, and giraffes during the guided nature walk, which can be done around Apoka Rest Camp, Rionomoe Trail, Lomej Mountains, Namamukweny Valley, among others. You will also get to see colourful butterflies and birds, enjoy the cool, quiet environment, and take beautiful pictures.
Cultural tour.
A cultural tour is a fun safari activity in Kidepo Valley National Park where you can get to know the Ik and Karamajong people, learn about their customs, culture, and way of life, taste local food, hear ancient stories, see traditional dance and music performances, and purchase handcrafted trinkets, among other things.
Best time to visit Kidepo valley national park.
Kidepo Valley National Park can be visited year-round, however the best time to visit the park is during the peak/dry season, which operates from June to September and December to February. During this time, the park receives less rainfall, which renders game drive trails and access roads accessible and dry, and the park’s vegetation is shorter, making it simpler to spot a variety of animals.
How to get to Kidepo valley national park.
Kidepo valley national park is situated in the north eastern part of Uganda and can be reached through air transport means that can reserve scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aero link Uganda from Entebbe international airport to Apoka airstrip and then link to the park headquarters by road.
Kidepo valley national park is also accessible by road transport means and when using road transport, there are four routes that you can use to get to kidepo valley national park including,
It takes around ten hours to drive from Kampala to the Kidepo Valley National Park via Karuma, Gulu, and Kitgum.
The most popular route, which takes around 12 hours to drive from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park, passes through Karuma, Lira, Kotido, and Kaabong.
It takes around 12 hours to drive from Kampala to the Kidepo Valley National Park via Mbale, Sironko, Moroto, Kotido, and Kaabong.
It takes around thirteen hours to drive from Kampala to the Kidepo Valley National Park via Mbale, Soroti, Moroto, Kotido, and Kaabong.
Where to stay during your safari in Kidepo valley national park.
During your safari, the Kidepo Valley National Park offers a variety of accommodation choices, featuring luxury, midrange, and budget options including Apoka Safari Lodge, Zebra Safari Lodge, Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Apoka Rest Camp, and Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp.
You can contact us for more information about the best safari things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park in 2025, or you can check out our website for a range of safari packages you will not be disappointed.
