Kidepo Valley National Park

About this place

Kidepo Valley National Park is a rugged savanna of 1,442 square kilometres in the Karamoja region of north-east Uganda, at the foot of Mount Morungole. The Kidepo and Narus rivers cross it. It is one of the country's most remote and least visited parks, and those who reach it find wide, empty views unlike anywhere else in Uganda. Its north-west boundary runs along the border with South Sudan, where the Kidepo Game Reserve lies next to it. The Ik and Ketebo peoples lived on this land before the park was created. It is about 520 km by road from Kampala and about 220 km from Moroto. Keen travellers say it is well worth the long road. A plain of green or gold runs out to the mountains, set with scattered trees and crossed by red tracks through the grass. Buffalo appear here in large numbers, elephants walk in lines and antelope gather at the water. Cactus-like plants grow on the rocks, reflected in rain pools. Sunsets are long here and colour the mountains orange. It is about 412 km from Kampala in a straight line, so expect a long day on the road, or ask about a small charter flight. Carry spare fuel and food, as services are few. Roads turn difficult in the rains, so the dry season suits best. Take a four-wheel drive and arrange your stay before setting off.