Uganda's most remote and most rewarding safari destination — 1,442 km² of dramatic semi-arid savannah in the far northeast, with cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, and Karamojong warrior culture in a park that receives very few visitors.
Kidepo Valley National Park is widely regarded by those who have experienced it as one of the finest and most authentic national parks in all of Africa. Located in the Karamoja region near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo covers 1,442 square kilometres of dramatic semi-arid savannah, vast open plains, dry riverbeds, and imposing mountain ranges that create one of the most visually dramatic safari landscapes on the continent. The park receives very few visitors relative to its size and wildlife richness — this remoteness is its greatest asset. In terms of wildlife, Kidepo stands apart from all other Uganda parks: it supports species found nowhere else in the country including the cheetah, caracal, Burchell's zebra, greater kudu, roan antelope, Guenther's dik-dik, and ostrich — species more typically associated with the dry savannahs of Kenya and Ethiopia. The park also holds Uganda's best population of lions and reliably produces the most dramatic predator sightings in the country. With 475 recorded bird species (the highest of any Uganda park), Kidepo is also one of East Africa's great birding destinations.
Kidepo at a Glance
The Narus Valley is the heart of Kidepo's game viewing. The seasonal Narus River and its associated waterhole attract enormous concentrations of wildlife during the dry season. Lions in large prides of up to 20 individuals, elephants, Cape buffalos, Burchell's zebras, Uganda kobs, Defassa waterbucks, and Jackson's hartebeests are regularly seen on extended morning and afternoon drives.
Kidepo's open savannah habitats support a small but established cheetah population — one of the only places in Uganda where cheetah sightings are possible. Expert guides know the territories of resident cheetahs and sightings occur regularly. Species found in Uganda ONLY at Kidepo include cheetah, caracal, ostrich, Burchell's zebra, greater kudu, roan antelope, Guenther's dik-dik, and African wild dog (occasional).
The Karamojong people — one of East Africa's most distinctive and traditionally proud cattle-herding cultures — maintain villages around the park periphery. Arranged visits provide extraordinary encounters with warriors, elders, and community members in traditional dress. The cultural context of the Karamoja region adds a dimension to the Kidepo experience unavailable elsewhere in Uganda.
LuxuryApoka Safari Lodge
Inside the park on a rocky kopje, with a rock-carved pool, outdoor stone bathtubs, canvas cottages, and sweeping Narus Valley views. Managed by Wildplaces Africa.
LuxuryAdere Safari Lodge
17 thatched cottages on the park edge with private patios, spa, sauna, pool, and bush cuisine.
LuxuryKidepo Valley Lodge
comfortable luxury near the park with direct savannah views.
Mid-RangeKidepo Savannah Lodge
12 safari tents on raised decks, 500m from the gate, with unbeatable Narus Valley and Mount Morungole views.
Mid-RangeZebra Safari Lodge
5 king-size cottages near Kalokudo Gate with a wildlife waterhole visible from the restaurant.
LuxuryApoka Safari Lodge
Inside the park on a rocky kopje, with a rock-carved pool, outdoor stone bathtubs, canvas cottages, and sweeping Narus Valley views. Managed by Wildplaces Africa.
LuxuryAdere Safari Lodge
17 thatched cottages on the park edge with private patios, spa, sauna, pool, and bush cuisine.
LuxuryKidepo Valley Lodge
comfortable luxury near the park with direct savannah views.
Mid-RangeKidepo Savannah Lodge
12 safari tents on raised decks, 500m from the gate, with unbeatable Narus Valley and Mount Morungole views.
Mid-RangeZebra Safari Lodge
5 king-size cottages near Kalokudo Gate with a wildlife waterhole visible from the restaurant.