Kidepo Valley National Park

About Kidepo Valley National Park

Conservation importance:

Located in Uganda’s distant northeastern corner, close to Kenya and South Sudan and forming the farthest extremity of the remote, sparsely populated Karamoja region, Kidepo represents one of Africa’s most magnificent wildernesses.

With 475 bird species, more than 80 species of mammals, 28 were not known to occur in any other Ugandan park. The Bat-eared Fox, Striped Hyena, Aardwolf, Caracal, Cheetah and Hunting Dog are unique carnivore species of the Karamoja region and are protected within the park. It also protects 5 species of primate including the Kavirondo Bushbaby, endemic to this area; the less common ungulates-Greater and Lesser Kudu, Chandlers Mountain Reedbuck, Klipspringer, & Dik dik. Bright Gazelle, Beisa Oryx & Roan Antelope have been severely depleted by poachers.

Tourist attractions:

Big game favorites, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, eland, lion, cheetah and ostrich, roam grasslands that extend towards distant mountain ranges in all directions. This is also an area of rich cultural interest for the plains beyond the park are dotted with the Manyatas (homesteads) of the fiercely traditional Karamojong pastoralists. Great scenic views of mountains and flat valleys. Birdlife of 465 species.

Size:

The park covers 1,442km2

Other activities:

Cultural encounters with the fiercely traditional Karamojong pastoralists. The fasted route to Kidepo is by air but with security assured in northern Uganda and Karamoja, overland travel is also an option. Thanks to ongoing road improvements in the region, growing numbers of visitors are exploring an exciting new northeastern safari circuit including Murchison, Kidepo, Karamoja and Mount Elgon.