Bird watching

Actually, this is the only park in Uganda that you will get an opportunity to see Ostriches in their natural habitat. The park headquarters together with the Apoka Rest Camp overlook the beautiful Narus Valley situated in the south. In fact, these two places are the best places to start bird watching while in Kidepo National Park. There are a number of beautiful bird species you will be able to encounter within this area. These include; the silver bird, yellow-billed shrike, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Starlings Mosque Swallow. Ruppell’s weaver, Yellow-rumped Seed-eater, Vinaceous Dove, Woodpecker, Little Weaver, Scarlet-chested Sun-bird, etc. Around the permanent water hole located close to the end of this camp area various types of swallows, seed-eaters.

Among the other bird species found in this park are: the White-bellied Bustards, Heuglin’s Wheaters. Red-winged Pytilias, Hartlaub’s Bustards, African Swallow-tailed Kite, Bruce’s Green Pigeon. Red-winged Lark, Black-headed Plover, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Clapperton’s Francolin. Red-fronted Barbets, White-bellied Go-away bird, Black-breasted Barbets, White-crested Turaco. Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Jackson’s Hornbills, Long-tailed Nightjars, Rose-ringed Parakeet. White-faced Scoops Owl, Violet-tipped Courser, Standard-winged Nightjars, Black-faded Waxbill. Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk, Singing Bush Lark, Black-bellied Waxbill, Pygmy Falcon, Little Green Bee-eater. Fox Kestrel, Stone Partridge, Abyssinian Rollers, Rufous-crowned Rollers, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Black Coucal, etc.

Game drives / Wildlife viewing

There are basically more than 80 different types of mammals which have been seen and recorded inside this park. Among these, are 28 species which are not seen in any other parts of the country. These include; the Caracal, Cheetah, Bat-eared Fox as well as Klipspringer. Unfortunately, similar to most of the other parks in Uganda, Kidepo underwent a similar fate of excessive poaching. This was during the governance of president Idd Amin whereby a large number of animals were killed at the time. As a result, species like the Striped Hyena, Grant’s gazelle, Beisa Oryx as well as the Lesser Kudu have not been seen here again.

Animals to spot during the game drive include; Kongonis, elephants, Water bucks, Zebras, Buffaloes, Bohor Reedbucks, etc. There are also numerous predators within this park and these are: Leopards, lions and spotted hyenas.  Within the Narus Valley, there is a large number of oribis, and Guenther’s Dik diks frequently seen inside the dry thorny thickets in the Park. Other fascinating animals to look out for here are the Jackals, the White-tailed Mongoose as well as the Senegal Galago.

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.

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.

Where to Stay / Accommodation

Generally, there are quite a number of accommodation facilities found around and within the park. In fact, these can cater for all types of holidaymakers depending on one’s budget. You can book your accommodation through our company and early bookings are advised.

Apoka Rest Camp

These are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and found within the park boundaries. They actually provide basic accommodation in comfortable bandas with clean beddings, a mosquito net as well as showers. Note that guests staying here are recommended to carry their food, or inform the management in advance. That's in case they wish the rest camp to prepare for them food.

Apoka Safari Lodge

This lodge offers luxury accommodation and it is located in the middle of the park. It offers very spacious rooms each having a private veranda, a sitting room as well as an en-suite bathroom. Unique about Apoka Lodge is that it has a good restaurant and a beautiful swimming pool.

How to get to Kidepo National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park can be reached either by road transport or air transport. When traveling from the capital city Kampala, the most-commonly used route is through the northern capital of Gulu town and Kitgum. In fact, this takes approx. 12 hours in a good condition 4WD vehicle.