KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in Kaabong District in northeastern Uganda with rugged savannah and transected by the Kidepo and Narus rivers which are the two major valley systems. Kidepo valley has got chalky clay and sandy clay loam predominate while the Narus valley has freer-draining red clays and loams. In addition, Kanangorok hot spring is the most permanent source of water in the park located at the extreme north of the park in Lotukei on the South Sudanese boundary. Furthermore, the park has got unique animals that are not found anywhere else in country i.e the cheetah the world’s fastest land animal and ostrich which is the world’s largest flightless bird. Besides, the park host over 70 mammal species and over 400 bird species with different activities that can be enjoyed while on your safari in this place. The park is Uganda’s most isolated but those that have visited it have concluded that its truly the “Africa’s True Wilderness”.
Activities done in Kidepo Valley National Park
Game drives
The park has got three sessions i.e the morning, afternoon and night game drive and in all these sessions you are able to come across a variety of wildlife. In addition, game drives in this park are carried out in two sections i.e the Kidepo valley and the Narus valley. While here you are able to spot animals like the cheetahs, elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, zebras, oribis, side striped jackals, giraffes, bat eared fox, lions, leopards, etc. On the other hand, during the night game drive watch out for nocturnal animals like the wild dogs, caracal leopards, spotted hyenas, aardwolf, etc.
Hike Mt. Morungole
A hike to this mountain basically takes you into interaction with the IK people who are former hunter gatherers but today live on the extreme northeastern corner of the country. The hike to the mountain also rewards you with the beautiful sceneries of the park plus the surrounding areas.
Bird watching
With over 400 bird species, Kidepo is one of the best birding destinations in the country that cannot miss on your birding bucket list. The park hosts different categories of birds and these include; savannah birds, somali-masai biome, migratory birds and forest birds. Birding here is best done in areas like Apoka rest camp and around the fringes of Narus and Namukwenyi valley hosting different bird species. Some of the birds to spot include; the Pygmy falcon, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Ostrich, Abyssinian roller, Red billed, Piapiac, oxpecker, Northern flycatcher, etc.
Nature walks
During this activity, you explore the park on foot in company of an experienced armed park ranger for safety and guidance. There are actually different walk circuits to be followed while doing your nature walk thereby getting up close to different wildlife. Some of these include; zebras, buffalos, elephants, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, as well as view different beautiful bird species. During the nature walks, you can also decide to hike the Lomej mountains and the Morungole mountains where you will meet the Ik people for a cultural experience.
Cultural encounters
In guidance of an experienced local tour guide, you have an opportunity to interact with the Karamojong and the IK people. Here, you are able to learn about their lifestyle, culture, historical background as well as visit their locally build manyattas. As a matter of fact, these people still speak their ancestral language and practice their traditional culture. However, you can also participate in their activities, like making the traditional instruments, crafts, enjoy their songs and dances and at the end you are free to support them by buying some souvenirs.
Sections in Kidepo Valley National Park
The park is basically divided into two valleys and these include the Narus valley and the Kidepo valley with each having a unique landscape and biodiversity.
Narus Valley
The valley is located in the southern park of the park and characterized by verdant grassland and acacia woodland. Furthermore, this valley has got a Narus River which is a seasonal river attracting wildlife especially during the dry season. Different animals come here to quench their thirst like the buffalos, elephants, water bucks, etc. The Narus Valley hosts the park headquarters and the Apoka tourism centre near Katurum gate.
Kidepo Valley
This valley is located in the northeastern boundary of the park and it is characterized by semi-arid plains intersected by the sandy Kidepo River. In addition, the valley is dotted with a unique vegetation including the sausage trees and desert trees. This valley also hosts the Kanangorok hot springs which is a popular spot for the visitors. The area is also an excellent birding spot with different species not found anywhere else in the park.
