Kidepo Valley National Park

In the north near the border with the Sudan, is the dramatic Kidepo Valley National Park. This 1,442 sq. km park in Karamoja land is a striking contrast to Uganda's other wildlife reserves. Its seclusion lends the park a certain air of peace and tranquillity in which to enjoy its majestic scenery.

The park consists of the two shallow valleys, the Kidepo and Narus, with rugged dry mountain terrain. With only one rainy season from April to September, and temperatures that can reach 40oC, this can be a harsh climate. However, with 80 species, Kidepo supports a wider diversity of mammals than any other Ugandan park. Twenty-eight of these species do not exist elsewhere in Uganda. They include the cheetah , Greater Kudu and Bright's gazelle. Bird watchers will be enchanted at the range of birds , officially listed at 462 species including the Kori Bustard. It is also the only Ugandan park where the ostrich is found.

The local people, the Karamoja, are traditional pastoralists. Their traditions include unique dances such as the Emuya and Ekajaro.

Activities in the Park

There are several game viewing loops close to the main camp at Apoka in the Narus Valley. Visitors to the park may also visit Karamojong manyattas (homesteads), by arrangement with the park headquarters at Apoka, and see the traditional costumes and dances.

Accommodation

At Apoka Lodge there are 16 small banda suites and eight tents each containing two beds. A simple camp site is available at Kakine. Bring your own tents.

How to Reach the Park

Kidepo can be reached by road or air. Driving is not recommended but is possible in a 4WD. It takes two days to reach Kidepo from Kampala, either via Mbale and Moroto (840 km) or Gulu/Kitgum (600 km). Chartered light aircraft can fly into the airstrip at the park headquarters. Aircraft from Kenya must arrange immigration clearance in advance.
VISITORS - Entrance Fees in US $ per 24 Hour Visit
Adult Child
Foreign Non-resident 14.29 2.86
Foreign Resident 9.52 2.86
Citizen Resident 1.90 0.48

MOTOR VEHICLES - Entrance Fees in US $ per visit
Ugandan Foreign
Motorcycle 1.90 7.62
Motor Car or Pickup 4.76 19.05
Bus or Lorry 11.43 45.71
ACCOMMODATION (BANDAS) - in US $ per person per night
Foreign Resident or Non-resident 20.95
Foreign Resident 11.43
CAMPING FEES - in US $ per person, per night
Foreign Non-resident 9.52
Foreign Resident 4.76
Citizen Resident 1.90
RANGER GUIDE - Per half day
Foreign or Non-resident 6.67
Citizen Resident 1.90
AIRCRAFT LANDING FEES - in US $ per each landing
Single or double-engined aircraft 38.10
VEHICLE HIRE - in US $ per kilometre
Kombi 6.69
Land Rover 1.90
PHOTOGRAPHIC FEES - in US $ for commercial filming

Where the size of the filming party is:
1-5 persons 190.48
6-20 persons 476.19
Over 20 persons 952.38

These figures do not include Entrance Fees
For fuller details, please contact:
The Warden in Charge,
Kidepo Valley National Park,
Park Office, Kotido, Uganda.