Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the far northeastern corner of Uganda, bordering South Sudan and Kenya. It is one of the most remote and least visited parks in the country but is often considered the most dramatic. The landscape includes rugged mountains, vast open plains, and seasonal rivers. The park is a 10–12 hour drive from Kampala or accessible by charter flights.
Animals Found:
Kidepo is famous for its exceptional wildlife diversity, hosting species not commonly found elsewhere in Uganda. These include cheetahs, ostriches, bat-eared foxes, and caracals. The park is also home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and hyenas. Birdwatchers can find over 475 species, making it one of Uganda’s best birding regions.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit is the dry season from December to March, when wildlife gathers around Narus Valley’s permanent water sources. Game viewing is excellent during this period, and the roads are more accessible. The park can be visited year-round, but heavy rains from April to November may affect road conditions.
Weather Conditions:
Kidepo has a semi-arid climate with extreme temperature variations. Daytime temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) or higher, especially during the dry months. Nights can be surprisingly cool, dropping to around 15°C (59°F). Rainfall is low, with the primary rainy seasons occurring in April–May and September–November.
