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Kidepo Valley National Park is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located in the north eastern part of Uganda. It sits on an estimated 1442 square kilometers. It lies in the Karamoja region particularly in Kaabong district.. What truly makes this place a beautiful gem is its strategic location close to Mt. Morungole and the Kidepo and Narus rivers. These rivers are sources of fresh water to the people around it and the animals within this beautiful game park. It was established in 1958 with the name, ‘’Kidepo’’ that means ‘’help us’’ as per the Ketebo verb ‘’Kidepo.’’ It is estimated to be 520 km away from Kampala. The Ketebo people were the original inhabitants of this area.
In this valley Lies one of the most beautiful gifts from Mother Nature. The game park has over eighty five mammals and over four hundred seventy five bird species. The park is blessed with some unique animals like the caracals, jackals, lions, mane less zebras and different species of antelopes. Among the unique bird types found in this park include the Kori bustard and the Karamoja appalis. These are indeed a must see as they are rare and unique bird types and thankfully, they are found in this animal sanctuary.
Read More about Wildlife in Kidepo
These two beautiful rivers flow beautifully through this beautiful park. These act as sources of fresh water for the different animals. The Narus river is a permanent river which means that it is a source of fresh water all year round. Therefore, the Narus river is the heart of the game park more so during the dry spell. However, the Kidepo river is a seasonal river which means that sometimes during the year, it is a dry water bed. Beautiful views more so of wild life and animal species that come searching for water can be enjoyed at these river sides.
The water in this hot spring is hot enough to let one boil and egg for consumption. It is sometimes common for tourists to find the local karamojong and Ki people bathing in this hot spring. This is because it carries a cultural significance to this group of people. They believe that the hot waters cleanse away bad energy or evil. It is another beautiful spot for bird watching.
Within the park is this majestic mountain that is over 2750 metres high.. It towers high enough giving tourists that love hiking the views of beautiful scenery and wildlife from an aerial angle. It is also a beautiful home to the ‘’Ik’’ people who are one of Uganda’s smallest ethic groups. The hike atop this mountain is not all about hiking but also appreciating cultural diversity. This is due to the interactions with the ‘’Ik’’ people. This learning and appreciation of culture indeed makes the hike valuable as it acts as the cherry on top of the cake.
Another of the natural landmarks from which one can sight see the park from an aerial view is this mountain. From this mountain, you get a chance of coming closer to primates. It is made of montane forest vegetation which makes it the best habitat for monkey species like the Colobus monkeys and the Red tailed monkey among others. One is also able to catch a glance of South Sudan, which is Uganda’s immediate neighbor in the North.
Gazetted as a leisure and relaxation area in the park, one gets refreshments and also tourist guides. However, this place is endowed with a lot of beautiful African art pieces that can be bought at a friendly price. This place also helps one to get to enjoy the local dishes of the people in case they wish to do so.
With the help of a well trained and experienced guide, you are able to tick this off of your bucket list. The experienced guides are the best as they are aware of the most favorable time and areas where nature can be viewed. The nature walks can be timetabled according to one’s preference and according to the state of the weather.
These are done using 4WD vehicles in order to ease movement around muddy areas or areas with rough terrain. At this park, game drives start as early as 6:00 am as the morning shift or 2:00 pm for the afternoon shift. It is therefore important to inquire with your service providers on the best and most convenient time to take on the game drives.
This activity is another beautiful way in which you can spend your time during your visit. The birds can be seen during the game drives or at the banks of the Kidepo and Narus rivers. Bird watching can be made an even better experience through the use of binoculars that help us to see objects that are far at a closer distance.
The community tour is also conducted with the help of a guide. As a tourist, one is able to interact with the ‘’Ik’’ people and get to learn about their culture and traditional religious beliefs. Also, the Karamojong are other people that live in the vicinity of the park. With these people, one is able to learn about how they make their traditional shelters called the ‘’Manyata.’’ Also, the Karamojong teach wooden carving from which they make their traditional stool called the, ‘’Ekicolong.’’ In case one is interested in trying their local dishes, there is an opportuinty to do so. Traditional dishes include; “Akuring,” which is dried meat, Angodic; which is sour milk mixed with sorghum, bread and ghee. Ekwete; which is a local brew made of maize or sorghum and milk and honey are also available. Traditional dances are also performed enabling one to learn and also participate freely.
The best time to visit this park is in between July and September as there is less rainfall. This enables one to have clear views of the different species of both birds and animals.
The journey lasts an estimated ten hours and forty one minutes by road. However, the place can also be accessed using air transport. Air transport can be accessed by air by booking with Aero link or Kajjansi Airfield.
Indeed, Kidepo valley national park is that place that is the best for your nature get away. It is affordable and is important in the creation of everlasting memories! Book that trip today and you will surely not regret it.
All in Africa Safaris USA, based in Utah, handles your planning and payment as a US company under a US contract — no overseas wire transfers required. Our partner team, All in Africa Safaris (U) Ltd in Kampala, has managed logistics, permits, and guides across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania since 2017. Your journey is private; the wildlife encounter is shared.
Ready to start planning your private African safari? Contact All in Africa Safaris USA today for your personalized itinerary. https://allinafricasafarisusa.com
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