Kidepo Valley National Park – “The True African Wildness”

Located in Uganda’s distant northeastern corner, close to South Sudan and Kenya and forming the farthest extremity of the remote sparsely populated Karamoja region, kidepo represents one of the Africa’s most magnificent wildernesses. The big five game favorites, includes buffalo, Elephant, lion, giraffe, cheetah, Eland, Ostrich among others.

Conservation Importance: This park protects a wide range of rare, regional endemic and globally threatened species of wildlife and of conservation importance include: the ostrich, Eland, Roan Antelope, Greater and lesser kudu, Dikdik, African wild dog, Cheetah and leopard. Others the Bat-eared Fox, striped Hyena, Aard-wolf, Caracal and cheetah the unique carnivore species of the karamoja region. Beisa Oryx, Roan Antelope and the bright Gazelle have been greatly reduced in number through poaching.

Specie diversity: At least 80species of mammals have been recorded, 28 not known to occur in any other National park in Uganda. 486bird species have their home here, ostrich inclusive.

Tourist attraction: In one section of the park, is a wetland which is a major source of water. This area, Narus valley, is also source of pasture for grazers and a hunting ground for carnivores. This makes the valley a prime game viewing area for tourist. Among the animals to seen here includes the Zebras, Elephants, giraffes, Eland, Buffaloes, Hyenas, and Lions. Special birds in the park include the Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Karamoja Apalis, Verreaux’s Eagle, pygmy Falcon & the Egyptian Vulture. The so called Kidepo river is a seasonal river lined with a riverine “forest” of borassus palms and acacia tress along a sand bed river. An area to look for the Dwarf crocodiles.

Size and accessibility: The park covers 1,442km² of arid Karamoja region. Kampala to Kidepo is 571km of tarmac and marram road.

Elevation: 914m on kidepo valley floor at 2749m atop mount morungole.

Timing: March – April for all the specials and many transit migrants, although good year around.