Kidepo Valley National Park

Far in Uganda’s northeast, Kidepo Valley National Park delivers cinematic savanna, palm-dotted riverbeds and those long, honey-coloured views that make you whisper “wow” without meaning to.

Two contrasting valleys shape the park—the well-watered Narus River Valley and the semi-arid Kidepo Valley, dotted with palm trees. The different soil types and rainfall levels gives rise to diverse habitats and predictable wildlife movements in the dry season. This is excellent news for photographers and big-cat fans.

Game drives feel delightfully different day to day, depending on where you head.

Plus animal movement predictability means that the lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park can offer bushwalks in the dry season.

Expect all the classic safari cast members—lion, elephant, zebra, giraffe and buffalo. As well as Kidepo’s special party trick: it’s the only place in Uganda where you can look for ostrich and cheetah.

Birding in Kidepo

Birders, bring the long lens.  Nearly 450 species have been recorded, 50 of which are endemic to the region. Regional specialties include the Abyssinian roller, Verreaux’s eagle, pygmy falcon and kori bustard.

Kidepo’s Cultural Interest

This is also a landscape of culture and story. Meet the cattle-loving Karamojong pastoralists or learn about the Ik, the reclusive “mountain people” of Mount Morungole. (The Ik suffered badly after they were evicted from their traditional hunting grounds when the park was created in 1958.)

Add a detour to the Kanangorok Hot Springs, and—when conditions allow—guided bush walks in the dry season.

All in all, Kidepo is adventurous, but with creature comforts waiting back at camp.

Crave true wilderness? Let’s design a Kidepo safari that pairs big game with big horizons