Kidepo Valley National Park

ABOUT THE PARK

The park contains two rivers – Kidepo and Narus – which disappear in the dry season, leaving just pools for the wildlife.

The local communities around the park include pastoral Karamojong people, similar to the Maasai of Kenya, and the IK, a hunter-gatherer tribe whose survival is threatened.

Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with south Sudan in the north west and only 5km from the eastern border of Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species.

Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.

During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location especially with its dense populations of Lion,Buffalos,Elephant and many similar angulates.

Kidepo’s elephant population has surged from around 200 in the mid 1990’s to between 650 and 1000 today. The African Buffalo population is now estimated at 10,000-15,000.The Rothschild Giraffe is very notable ,breeding more than 50 individuals from the bottleneck of the mid 1990’s population of three and supplemented  several from translocation.

The bird checklist of over 476 species with the common Ostrich, secretary bird,northern carmine bee eater, little green bee eater, Abyssinian scimitar bill and many more colorful and visible species.

HOW TO GET TO THE PARK?

Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park requires some planning due to its remote location in northeastern Uganda. Here’s a guide on how to reach the park:

1. By Air:

Scheduled Flights:

• From Entebbe/Kampala: There are scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield in Kampala to Kidepo Valley. These flights are operated by companies like Aerolink Uganda. The flight takes about 1.5 hours and lands at Kidepo Valley Airstrip within the park.

Private Charters:

• Charter Flights: Private charters can be arranged from various locations if you prefer a more flexible schedule or are traveling with a larger group.

2. By Road:

From Kampala:

• Distance and Time: The road journey from Kampala to Kidepo Valley is approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) and can take about 8-12 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
• Route: The typical route involves driving through the towns of Lira and Kitgum. The road conditions can vary, and parts of the journey may be rough, especially during the rainy season.

4WD Vehicle:

• Vehicle Type: A 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the potential rough and uneven terrain, especially during the rainy season.
• Guided Transfers: Many tour operators offer guided road transfers, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive yourself.

3. By Bus:

Long-Distance Buses:

• From Kampala: Some long-distance buses travel to Kitgum, from where you can arrange for a transfer to the park. This option might be less comfortable and more time-consuming compared to flying or driving directly.

Additional Tips:

• Travel Documentation: Ensure that you have all necessary travel documents, including permits for park entry and any required visas.
• Local Guides: It’s advisable to arrange for a local guide or ranger to enhance your experience and ensure safety within the park.
• Check Conditions: Always check road and weather conditions before embarking on your journey, especially if traveling by road.

Planning ahead and understanding your options will help ensure a smooth trip to this remote and beautiful destination.

Accomodations

Kidepo Valley National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s an overview of the main options:

**1. Inside the Park:

a. Apoka Rest Camp:

• Description: Managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, Apoka Rest Camp is the most popular accommodation inside the park. It provides comfortable bandas (thatched-roof huts) with en-suite bathrooms and basic amenities.
• Facilities: The camp has a restaurant, bar, and a lounge area where guests can relax and enjoy views of the surrounding savannah.
• Activities: Guided game drives, nature walks, and cultural experiences can be arranged.

b. Kidepo Savannah Lodge:

• Description: Located within the park, Kidepo Savannah Lodge offers upscale accommodation with luxury tented camps. Each tent is spacious and well-equipped, with stunning views of the park.
• Facilities: The lodge features an outdoor dining area, a bar, and a swimming pool. It also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing right from your tent.
• Activities: Game drives, guided walks, and cultural interactions.

c. Ikwe Country Hotel:

• Description: Although not inside the park, this hotel is located in Kitgum, a nearby town, and offers a comfortable stay with a range of amenities.
• Facilities: It includes standard hotel amenities like a restaurant, bar, and conference facilities.
• Activities: Guests typically arrange transfers to the park from here.

**2. Outside the Park:

a. Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp:

• Description: This camp is located near the park boundaries and offers luxury tented accommodation with excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
• Facilities: The camp features spacious tents with en-suite facilities and a communal dining area.
• Activities: Game drives, guided nature walks, and cultural visits.

b. Kidepo Valley Lodge:

• Description: Situated outside the park, this lodge provides a comfortable and serene environment with luxury tents. It’s known for its excellent service and views.
• Facilities: The lodge includes a restaurant, bar, and a swimming pool.
• Activities: Game drives and cultural experiences can be arranged.

**3. Camping:

a. Community Campsites:

• Description: For a more rugged experience, there are community-run campsites in the surrounding areas. These sites offer basic facilities and a closer-to-nature experience.
• Facilities: Typically basic, with limited amenities.

DesJourneys is a travel company that specializes in creating tailored travel experiences, particularly for destinations in Africa. They offer personalized travel planning services and can help you book trips to destinations such as Kidepo Valley National Park.

Services Offered by DesJourneys:

1. Custom Itineraries:

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1. Accommodation Booking:

• Luxury and Budget Options: They can book various types of accommodation, from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget options.
• Exclusive Stays: They may have access to exclusive properties or experiences that are not widely available.

1. Transportation:

• Flights: They can assist with booking flights, including charter services to remote locations like Kidepo Valley.
• Transfers: They arrange for airport transfers, car rentals, and other transport needs.

1. Guided Tours and Activities:

• Game Drives and Safaris: They can book guided game drives, walking safaris, and other park activities.
• Cultural Experiences: They offer options to experience local cultures, including visits to nearby communities.

1. Travel Support:

• 24/7 Assistance: They often provide ongoing support throughout your trip to handle any issues or changes.
• Travel Insurance: They can assist with travel insurance recommendations.

How to Book with DesJourneys:

1. Contact Us:

• Website: Visit our website and use the contact form or booking inquiry section.
• Phone/Email: Reach out directly via phone or email for personalized assistance.

1. Provide Details:

• Trip Requirements: Share your travel dates, preferences, budget, and any specific requests or interests.
• Destination Information: Specify that you’re interested in visiting Kidepo Valley National Park or any other destinations.

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1. Prepare for Your Trip:

• Travel Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents and permits.
• Packing: Prepare according to the destination’s climate and activities.

DesJourneys can help simplify the travel planning process and provide a well-organized and memorable experience for your trip to Kidepo Valley National Park.