Kidepo Valley National Park
National ParkFeatured Destination

Kidepo Valley National Park

Uganda 1,442 km² (557 mi²) Est. 1962

About Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda's most remote and arguably most beautiful national park, tucked into the northeastern corner of the country bordering South Sudan and Kenya. Its dramatic landscape of semi-arid valleys flanked by rugged mountains is unlike anywhere else in Uganda. Often described as Uganda's Serengeti, Kidepo supports over 77 mammal species — more than any other Ugandan park — including species found nowhere else in the country such as cheetah, striped hyena, bat-eared fox, caracal, aardwolf, and greater and lesser kudu. The Karamojong pastoralists who live around the park add rich cultural dimension to any visit.

0

Safari Tours

4.5

Avg Rating

4/5

Big Five

64

Years Protected

Highlights

  • Uganda's most scenic park with dramatic mountain-valley landscape
  • Unique species found nowhere else in Uganda (cheetah, striped hyena)
  • Highest mammal diversity of any Ugandan park
  • Very few visitors — authentic wilderness experience
  • Rich Karamojong cultural encounters

Considerations

  • Extremely remote — 10-12 hours drive from Kampala
  • Domestic flights are expensive and infrequent
  • Limited accommodation options
  • Security situation has improved but area history may deter some

Wildlife

Big Five Status

🦁

Lion

common

🐆

Leopard

occasional

🐘

Elephant

common

🦬

Buffalo

common

🦏

Rhino

Not present

Notable Species

Lion

Common

Leopard

Occasional

Elephant

Common

Cape Buffalo

Common

Cheetah

Rare

Caracal

Rare

Giraffe

Occasional

Zebra

Common

Eland

Common

Jackal

Common

Secretary Bird

Occasional

Kori Bustard

Occasional

Lilac-breasted Roller

Common

Aardvark

Rare

Common Occasional Rare

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal

Climate Overview

Getting There

Kidepo is 10-12 hours drive from Kampala via Gulu. Domestic flights from Entebbe to Kidepo airstrip (Apoka) take 1.5-2 hours and are the most practical option. Charter flights also available.

Nearest Airport

Apoka Airstrip

Nearest City

Kaabong

Drive Time

11 hours