Game Viewing Safaris in Kidepo : There are various reasons why people visit Kidepo Valley National area, but they are all drawn to the area because of its extensive array of wildlife species. More than 70 different mammal species may be found in the park, some of which are unique to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park. In addition to common carnivores found in other wildlife areas, such as lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, serval, cats, side-striped jackals, and civets, Kidepo Valley National Park is known for its unique species of carnivorous mammals that are restricted to this habitat.
These species include cheetahs, striped hyenas, caracals, bat-eared wolves, and aardwolves. A few fortunate guests have, on occasion, crashed into a pack of hunting dogs. The Kidepo Valley National Park is home to several rare herbivores, including the klipspringer, Chandler’s Mountain reedbuck, greater and lesser kudu, and Guenther’s dik dik. More common species include the Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbuck, Uganda kobs, bush pig, warthog, oribi, Burchell’s zebra, Rothschild’s giraffe, eland, bushbuck, duiker, Bohor reedbuck, and many more.
Though vast arrays of mammal species might appear dispersed, the most prosperous game-viewing safaris adhere to specific patterns rather than just aimlessly roaming the wild. The best time of day to go on a safari, the preferences of various wildlife species for different types of vegetation, the game’s habits and personalities, the current weather, areas where sightings have occurred recently, and the behaviours of other animals in the same area are just a few of the factors that guides take into account when trying to locate specific game and successfully identify mammals. Because the Narus Valley contains the resources that most animal species desire permanent drinking holes and fresh grass that is constantly trimmed by grazing, which enables mammals to track the movements of predators many game viewing safaris pass through it. By the way, predators tend to congregate in areas with lots of prey, and the Narus Valley in Kidepo Valley National Park is a prime example of this.
The Kidepo Valley, which boasts breathtaking scenery and amazing vistas, is explored by the wildlife viewing safaris. Since the majority of the year is dry in this region, most mammals move to locations with fresh pasture and water. The Kidepo Valley is the area of Uganda that never lets visitors looking for exclusivity down on their journey. The sundowner, sand sports, and game viewing safari are all unique experiences that can be had on the dry sand banks.
Consider venturing a bit farther to the Kanangorok hot springs, where you may visit a natural spa and receive a complimentary body massage. These and many other exceptional features leave guests spellbound and make Kidepo Valley National Park the best place in Uganda to go on a safari. Early morning wildlife viewing safaris give visitors plenty of opportunity to observe the natural drama of the bush at daybreak. Seeing wildlife as the day comes to an end in the outdoors in the late afternoon is a fitting experience.
Night game viewing safaris are possibilities for seeing nocturnal wildlife species. Game viewing safaris do not have particular rules for wearing but based on weather patterns and experiences, suitable wear may include pair of safari shorts, short sleeved, light tops in dull color, safari hut, and cap, flip-flops in dry season, and safari shoes with strong socks in rainy season, sunglasses and rain gear in rainy season. Carry drinking water, snack, insect repellant, first aid kit, and sun scream. Ranger guides are knowledgeable about the environment, current wildlife trends, and the locations of recently spotted species. In many respects, sharing their personal wildlife experiences with others enhances the quality of the game viewing safari, as they serve as a moving database regarding wildlife.
Best time to go for game drives in Kidepo valley national park
Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the ideal time is during the dry season, commonly referred to as the peak season, which spans the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. In the dry season, the national park experiences reduced rainfall, resulting in shorter vegetation that enhances visibility of various wildlife species. Access roads and game drive trucks remain dry and navigable, unlike the rainy season when the trucks encounter muddy and slippery conditions.
Cost of game drives in Kidepo valley national park
Travelers wishing to participate in a game drive at Kidepo Valley National Park will need to pay an entrance fee. The cost is 40 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 30 USD per person for foreign residents, and 20,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Other activities in Kidepo valley national park
In addition to game drives, Kidepo Valley National Park presents a variety of engaging activities for travelers to enjoy during their safari, including
Bird watching offers the opportunity to observe a diverse array of bird species, including the Nubian woodpecker, little weaver, scarlet-chested sunbird, vinaceous dove, yellow-rumped seedeater, broad-tailed warbler, marsh tchagra, superb starling, secretary bird, kori bustard, and ostrich, among others.
Embark on nature walks that allow you to explore the park on foot, accompanied by an experienced park guide and an armed ranger guide. On the guided nature walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter various animals up close, observe a range of bird species, and relish the refreshing breeze and stunning scenery, among other delights.
A community tour that offers the opportunity to engage with the local residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. On the community tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the Karamajong and IK people, discover their culture and lifestyle, visit their traditional Manyattas, and enjoy their traditional entertainment, among other experiences.
Accommodation options in Kidepo Valley National Park
A variety of accommodation options are available for your Uganda safari, including budget, midrange, and luxury choices such as Karatunga Safari Camp, Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Zebra Safari Lodge, Apoka Safari Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Apoka Rest Camp, and Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, among others.
How to get to Kidepo valley national park
Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the northeastern region of Uganda and can be reached by road. The journey involves driving from Kampala through Karuma, Gulu, and Kitgum, ultimately arriving at the park headquarters, which takes approximately 10 hours.
Kidepo Valley National Park can also be reached by air, with options for scheduled or charter flights available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Apoka Airstrip, followed by a connection to the park headquarters.
