Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda, with it’s Exclusive Attractions.
Apart from holding a diversity of animals/wildlife, Kidepo is the only park in Uganda where visitors can see Cheetah. The name Kidepo was derived from the word ‘Kidep’ which in English means ‘Pick’. Local communities used to go and pick the fruits of Borassus aethiopum (palm tree) during food crisis due to unpredictable drought. The park, therefore took its name from the activity and was then modernized by adding the letter “O” to mean ‘Kidepo.’
The 1,442 Square Kilometres conservation area is located in the Karamoja region of northern Uganda
and borders the Sudan in the northwest and Kenya in the north east. Enjoy the isolated wilderness dominated by the 2,750m Mount Morungole and transected by the Kidepo and Narus rivers. Kidepo is a wilderness park; hot and isolated, yet spectacular, magnificent and virgin, waiting to be discovered. Traversed by large sand rivers. The variety of animals species in Kidepo conservation are is considerable. The area’s fauna is more unique in Uganda while the other parks of Uganda can support a far greater biomass of mammals, Kidepo supports a wider diversity and its part of the trans-boundary ecosystem that provides migration of wildlife across the boarders
Accessibility There are four routes by road; the 705km journey from Kampala via Lira, Kotido, Kaabong and then to Kidepo; The 740km journey from Kampala via Mbale, Soroti Moroto Kotido, Kaabong and then Kidepo; the 780km journey from Kampala via Mbale, Soroti, Matany, Kotido, Kaabong and on to Kidepo and the shortest is 571km journey from Kampala through Gulu, Kitgum and to Kidepo. All these routes have conservation areas along the way, that can break the journey for an overnight or two, to make it less tiresome for our clients and at most occasions we break this long journey by approaching it from either Murchison falls national park or from Sipi falls. If it’s the only park one is doing on his/her itinerary, then we can break it by spending a night at Kitgum or Moroto. Driving through the wilderness is an exciting experience as one gets the chance of better scenery and also some traditional homesteads.
Air Travel Chartered aircrafts to Kidepo may be arranged from Kajjansi, or from Entebbe international airport to Lomej airstrip near the park headquarters and the flights take two hours. The following are some of the exclusive attractions.
Avifauna/Birding The park has an extensive bird list with about 475 recorded species, second to Queen Elizabeth National Park with 625 species. Kidepo is outstanding for its birds of prey, of which 58 species have been recorded including the Verreasuxs eagle, lammergeyer, Egyptian vulture and the pigmy falcon and of the horn bill which are characteristic of the savannah, 5 species are present.
Hot springs The Kanangorok hot spring, the only hot spring in Karamoja is 40km away from Apoka camp, this is as oasis locally known as ‘Maji Moto’ visiting the hot spring may enable you see Zebras, elephants, giraffe, cheetah, lions, ostrich and kudus. Kanangorok hot springs (meaning “the place of black stones”, in the local language) are a small collection of natural hot springs located near the Sudan border in Kidepo valley.
Local people (Cultural tour). A visit to the local communities neighboring the park makes one to enjoy diverse cultures, the traditional dances, traditional handcrafts stools, spears and hand bungles from beards. Traditional dances such as emuya dance by the Napore and Nyangea tribes and neighboring Acholi dance Lakaraka are part of the entertainment one can get while in Kidepo.
Some of the Activities (but not limited) to engage in while in Kidepo V.N.P
Game drives Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) together with the Ministry of tourism, trade and antiquities, on the 25/March/2017, launched the “Tulambule” project that is aimed at encouraging domestic tourism. UWA also opened up three (3) new tourism tracks in the Narusi valley, the Upper Boma, Lower Boma and the Katurum tracks, to provide tourists more access to wildlife. Game drives can be done along Narus valley since much of the year, the park’s wildlife congregates here. This area is well designed with track circuits to enable visitors view the animals at a close range. Katurum kopje provides superb views north across the valley towards Morungole mountain range. Visitors without transport can hire a jeep/truck from Apoka Lodge or from the park for game drives.
Nature walks Nature walks can be carried out around Apoka camp at any time of the day and visitors will be able to view different species of animals like elephants, zebras, reedbuck etc. Here visitors will be able to see a lot of wildlife at a close range of at least 50-70 metres. Nature walks can also be done along Rionomoe trail. Around this hill one would be able to view the lower side of the Narus valley.
Community walks It’s believed that Karamojong are traditionally cattle raiders and hunters. Raiding has been their hobby since memorial, raiding cattle from different neighboring tribes in the area, however through conservation education their lifestyle is gradually changing most of them have known the value of the park. Different ethnic tribes have different cultures, their dressing style, dancing and the tools used all differ from each other.
Sand Bed along River Kidepo The sand bed experience especially during the dry season on river Kidepo can be festinating; one can enjoy the wilderness experience while listening to different bird calls. Kidepo River is an intermittent sand river found in the northern part of the park. It stands out because it is lined by Borassus palms that make it look like it is an oasis in the Sahara. Many bird species can be found around this area.
Bird watching This is one of the most exciting activities in the park and can be done throughout the day as the park has got a variety of birds and their habitats. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will be able to see different bird species in the park that may include the specialties like; the Purple Grenadier, Karamoja Apalis, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Buff-crested and White-bellied Bustard, Eastern Violet-backed, Amethyst and Pygmy Sunbird, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Superb Starling, Ostrich and Scretary Bird among other species.
Mountain hiking This is another attractive activity on mountain Morungole leading to the unique IK people. The great Morungole expedition which involves a day’s hike through varying vegetation and rocky terrain commanding a spectacular view of Kidepo valley national park, will also expose tourists to a variety of dances from the IK, their way of life, the unique settlements and you get to learn about their unique migration history.
Where to stay while in Kidepo valley national park 
Kidepo Valley National Park has very few Lodge options as compared to other parks in Uganda and as such, all those interested in visiting Kidepo National Park have to stick to only three options. Kidepo Lodges include Apoka Safari Lodge which is by far the most up market accommodation in the Park, Ngamoru wilderness Camp for Mid-range and Apoka Rest Camp or UWA Bandas for Budget option. Kidepo Lodges of Apoka safari Lodge and Apoka Rest Camp are located inside the National Park and Ngamoru Wilderness camp is located outside Kidepo valley National park.
Apoka rest camp 
While planning to stay at Apoka Rest Camp as your accommodation, you are reminded to inquire about the food availability or else you may need to carry your own food supplies which should then be handed to the resident chef. Apoka rest Camp has a kitchen and as such their chef will prepare your meals according to food supplies given to him. Apoka Rest camp also has a small bar where soft drinks and beers are offered at affordable prices. Those with their own camping gear can also camp at Apoka. The only challenge is that those staying in Non-self-contained rooms have to travel a reasonable distance to access shared bathrooms and toilets which then becomes a problem most especially during the night.
Apoka safari lodge Apoka safari lodge is located in the center of Kidepo Valley National park close to Uganda wildlife Authority Headquarters plus Narus Valley where game drive and walking safaris take place. For those who do not want to drive long distance for game drives and nature walks, Apoka Safari Lodge is the best option. Apoka Safari Lodge has a swimming pool well built on a rock and visitors are free to swim in their free time. The lodge also offers other services such as game drives in their own touristic modified safari vehicles and for those who fly in to Kidepo Valley National Park, the Lodge can pick and drop them to the Airstrip. To enjoy services at Apoka Safari Lodge, one needs at least three to four nights. Honeymoon nights are great at the lodge as this remote lodge provides the privacy, sundowners, bush breakfast and all the best you could wish to find in Uganda.
Nga’ Moru wilderness camp Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp is about fifteen minutes’ drive to the park gate and about thirty minutes to Narus Valley where game drive activities, nature walks and scenic viewing takes place. The lodge is also located about forty-two kilometers from Kidepo valley for those that wish to visit the Uganda-Sudan boarder, hot springs and try their luck with Ostriches. Nga’Moru wilderness camp provides accommodation on full board basis and due to the fact that it is located in the wilderness of Kidepo Valley National park, the lodge uses solar for lightening. Book your safari today with Terrain Safaris, “www.terrain-safaris.com”.
