Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park: Kidepo valley national park is positioned in the North eastern region of Uganda and this park is found in kaabong district in the Karamojong region. The park covers an area of 1442 square kilometers and this park’s name comes from the word “akidep” which is a Dodoth verb which means “to pick up”. The park is a shelter to various wildlife species and it has s number of attractions that visitors see when they visit. There are attractions like the kidepo valley, Mount Murongule, Narus valley, Apoka tourism center, lomej hills and many more. This park offers activities like bird watching, cultural tours, game drives, nature walks among others.
Attractions In Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo valley national park has numerous attractions that attracts visitors to come and have a glance at them. The attractions in the park are eye-catching and below are some of them :
- Apoka tourism center
Apoka tourism center is also an attraction point in kidepo valley national park where a number of activities are done in the park. This center is located in the heart of the park.
- Mount Murongule
Mount murongule is one of the attractions in kidepo valley national park and it harbors the IK which is known to be among the smallest tribe in Uganda. This mountain is situated in the south of the park and it rewards visitors with amazing attractions like the bird species, various animals species that reside there and many more.
- Kanangorok hot springs
Kanangorok hot springs is one if the attractions in the park where you can see water boiling and this location is believed to have magical powers. These hot springs are found in the northern part of the park.
- Narus valley
Narus valley is one if the attractions in kidepo valley national park and it also has the Narus river where animals gather to get water. This makes it a prime destination for animal viewing in the park since a number of animals gather there in search of water.
- Kidepo valley
Kidepo valley is also one of the major attractions in this park and visitors make it a point to see it when they visit. Being that several birds are found at this valley, it makes it one of the best bird watching spots in tge oarj.
- Wildlife
The park is a home to the big four of the big five animals and these include the elephants, leopards, lions and buffaloes. Apart from the big four, this park shelters other mammal species like the zebras, warthogs, bush pigs and many more. This park shelters a big number of wildlife which include mammals that are about 76 species, birds that are about 475 species and a variety of plant species.
Activities In Kidepo Valley National Park
There are a number of activities that one can engage in while at the park and below are some of them that leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences :
- Game drives
Game drives is one of the major activities done in kidepo valley national park and this activity is done all year through but the best time is during the dry season because at this time if the year, you can easily spot animals trekking to the remaining water sources at the park and they can be seen surrounding the water sources. Game drives can be done in the morning at this park and you will be able to see the animals rising from their natural habitats. In the evening game drives you are exposed to amazing views of the animals as they retire back to their places if residence to rest.
- Bird watching
Kidepo valley national park is a home to over 475 bird species making it is one if the spots in Uganda for bird watching. The birds are one of the attractions that can be seen in this park and they can easily be spotted during nature walks and during the game drives. Some of the birds that can be seen while at the park include the red and yellow barbet, black breasted barbet, Karamoja apalis, chestnut weaver, common ostrich, Kori bustard, secretary bird and many more
- Cultural tours
Uganda cultural tours in kidepo valley national park are carried out outside the park in the communities surrounding it in villages like lorukul. At the local communities, you get to meet with the locals and you interact and get to share details about their culture. These locals also entertain you by dancing for you their traditional dance. The people that reside in these areas also make various items for sale like baskets, necklaces, anklets, bangles, scarfs and many more which you can purchase from them.
- Nature walks
Nature walks is one of the activities conducted in kidepo valley national park and it is either done in the morning or in the evening. There are various nature walk locations in the park and these include kakine circuit, Apoka rest camp, Narus valley among others. While at the nature walk, you get to see various ecosystems in this park include the beautiful landscapes, birds, wildlife and many more.
Best Time To Visit Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo national park receives two seasons in s year which is the dry season and wet season but the best season in which a visitor should visit the park is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February. In these months, there is limited access to water by the animals since the sources dry up due to the season therefore you can easily spot numerous animals around the remaining water sources. In the dry season, the trails that lead to the park and those within the park are dry and less slippery enabling easy movement by the visitors.
Accommodation Facilities At Kidepo Valley National Park
The accommodation facilities at the park vary from luxury, budget and midrange lodges. A visitor can opt for any depending on their choice and what they can afford. Some of the accommodations at kidepo valley national park are :
- Apoka safari lodge : Apoka safari lodge offers to its visitors a luxury type of accommodation and this lodge is located in the park at its heart at Narus river’s edge.
- Adere safari lodge : Adere safari lodge is nestled at the edge of the park and it rewards it’s visitors with a luxury type of accommodation.
- Apoka rest camp : This rest camp is situated at the center of kidepo valley national park and it is one off the budget accommodations in this park. This camp is close to Narus river
- Kidepo savannah lodge : This lodge is among the midrange lodges that one can rest in while at kidepo valley national park. This lodge is positioned outside the park and it is about 500 meters away from the park’s gate called Kalokudo gate.
- Nga’ moru wilderness camp : This camp is situated on the boundary of the national park and it offers a midrange type of accommodation.
