Kidepo Valley National Park

Uganda's least visited, most remote but most spectacular National Park, with abundant game.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Sept to Nov

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Overview

Kidepo Valley National Park in the far northeast is one of Uganda’s most scenically spectacular parks. The semi-arid Kidepo Valley, dotted with palm trees, is one of the two valley systems in the park. The other is the better-watered Narus River valley. The different soil types and rainfall of the two valleys give rise to diverse vegetation and wildlife. Both the Narus and Kidepo Rivers are seasonal meaning. Which means that animal movements are quite predictable, especially in the dry season. Not only does this make for rewarding game drives. But it means that the lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park can offer bushwalks in the dry season.

It is also a well-known birding destination with nearly 450 species, 50 of which are endemic to the region. These include the Abyssian roller, Verreaux's eagle, pygmy falcon and the kori bustard.

Local Tribes

Local tribes include the pastoralist and cattle-loving Karamojong. And the Ik tribe, the resident ‘mountain people’, for whom Mount Morungole is sacred. The Ik suffered badly after they were evicted from their traditional hunting grounds when the park was created in 1958.

Patas Orange Monkey in Kidepo Valley National Park

Why We Love It

  • Uganda's least visited, most remote but most spectacular National Park, with abundant game
  • Good chance of spotting lion, elephant, zebra, giraffe and buffalo
  • Unique in Uganda in that it is home to ostrich and cheetah
  • Two valley systems in the park create contrasting wildlife & vegetation
  • Chance to learn about the local tribes
  • From Kidepo, you can also easily visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs
  • Game drives offer long views across savanna grassland to a rugged horizon.

When to visit Kidepo Valley National Park

Hot & Dry Summer

The north of Uganda has a hot and dry summer from December to February, when the prevailing currents come from the north-east, (arid regions of Sudan and Eritrea.) Temperature highs average the low-30s and can reach 40c in the afternoon. But night-time is a pleasant 18C. The first rains begin in March which cools it down and settles the dust.
MAX TEMP 31 ℃ / 88 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉
AVG RAINFALL 15mm
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Rainy season

Northern Uganda has a single rainy period through the winter. However, compared to the south, there isn’t much rain and it takes the form of afternoon rain-storms. It is slightly cooler (a pleasant 26 to 28C maximum) but more humid.
MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉
MIN TEMP 16.5 ℃ / 62 ℉
AVG RAINFALL 106mm
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Change of winds

A change of winds heralds the start of the dry season. Rain gradually decreases from September to December. So this is also a good time to visit as everything is still green and there is not too much dust in the air.
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 17 ℃ / 63 ℉
AVG RAINFALL 43mm
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Natasha Jantjies

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Natasha, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH