Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park – The Untamed Wild of Uganda

As a tour consultant at Kwezi Adventures, I’ve had the joy of exploring every corner of Uganda but Kidepo Valley National Park holds a special place in my heart. Hidden in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, bordering South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo is a raw, untouched wilderness that offers the most authentic safari experience in East Africa.

If you’re seeking true remoteness, dramatic landscapes, and spectacular wildlife, this is the park for you.

🐘 Wildlife Viewing – The Big Game Capital of Uganda

Kidepo is arguably the best place in Uganda to see big cats and large mammals in the wild. Unlike other parks, the savannahs of Kidepo are vast and open, offering incredible visibility and uninterrupted game drives.

Wildlife highlights include:

  • Lions often spotted lounging on rocky outcrops (called “kopjes”)

  • Cheetahs — Kidepo is the only park in Uganda where you’re likely to see them

  • Leopards, hyenas, and jackals

  • Massive herds of buffalo (over 10,000 in a single herd!)

  • Elephants, giraffes, zebras, hartebeests, elands, and oryx

For bird lovers, Kidepo is a paradise with over 470 bird species, including the rare Karamoja Apalis, Ostriches, and Secretary birds. Whether you're an avid birder or a first-timer, our Kwezi birding guides ensure a rewarding experience.

🚙 Game Drives – Safari Off the Beaten Track

Our Kidepo safaris typically include morning and evening game drives through the Narus Valley, where wildlife is abundant year-round. The Kidepo Valley, more remote and arid, features the seasonal Kanangorok Hot Springs, dry river beds, and palm-lined plains that feel more like Namibia than Uganda.

Fly-in safaris are also available, landing at Kidepo Airstrip, just minutes from the park's best lodges. At Kwezi Adventures, we also offer 4x4 overland safaris for those seeking a scenic road trip through Uganda’s dramatic countryside.

🛖 Cultural Encounters – Meet the IK and Karamojong

One of the most enriching parts of a visit to Kidepo is meeting the IK and Karamojong tribes Uganda’s most traditional pastoralist and highland communities.

  • Visit Karamojong homesteads (Manyattas) and learn about their warrior traditions, cattle culture, and dances.

  • Trek into the Morungole Mountains to visit the IK people, one of Africa’s most isolated tribes, whose way of life has remained unchanged for centuries.

Our cultural experiences are ethical, respectful, and community-led, offering guests a window into lives vastly different from their own without exploitation.

📍 Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park

Option 1: Fly-in Safari
Daily chartered or scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip land at Kidepo Airstrip in about 2 hours. Kwezi Adventures arranges all domestic flights and transfers.

Option 2: Road Safari
Travel overland from Kampala (10–12 hours), with overnight stops in Gulu or Kitgum. Our multi-day road safaris are designed for scenic exploration and adventure lovers.

🏨 Where to Stay – Lodges and Camps

Whether you prefer rugged charm or refined luxury, Kidepo offers a range of accommodations that Kwezi Adventures works with:

  • Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge – private cottages with views over the Narus Valley

  • Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge – eco-friendly tents and cottages with comfort and views

  • Budget: UWA Bandas – basic but clean park-run accommodations for budget travelers

We customize each package to your budget and style luxury, midrange, or budget, all with full board, activities, and transport included.

📅 Best Time to Visit Kidepo

Kidepo is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are best for game viewing, as animals concentrate around waterholes.

During the wet season (March–May), the landscape turns lush, birdlife explodes, and the skies are dramatic a photographer’s dream.

✅ Book Your Kidepo Safari with Kwezi Adventures

Ready to explore Uganda’s last true wilderness? Let Kwezi Adventures guide you through the rugged beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park.