This is the smallest National Park in Uganda. Uganda is known as the pearl of Africa, a name given to her by Churchill on his visit to the country. He was forced to say that “Uganda is the pearl of Africa” after recognizing a variety of tourist attractions, a favorable climate for human beings among others.
Kidepo National park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. The park is approximately 700km from Kampala. Reaching the park by road requires a full day drive from Kampala with en-route stopovers at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to see the few remaining Rhinos in the world.
The only quick mean of transport is by air, which is approximately one and a half hours to reach the park from Entebbe to Apoka airstrip. Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.
During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location.
Kidepo National park hosts a profusion of big game and hosts over 76 mammal species as well as around 472 bird species. The savannah park is suitable for wildlife game drives because it provides a clear view of the birds and animals. While in the park, expect to see Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebra, Eland, Hartebeest, lion, Hyena, cheetah among others.
Below is the prepared quick wildlife safari by air from Entebbe to Apoka Airstrip in Kidepo valley National park.
Sample Itinerary: 4 Day Kidepo National Park Safari
- Day 1: Fly to Apoka Airstrip
Breakfast followed by a scheduled or charter flight to Kidepo Valley National Park, Apoka Airstrip, Overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge.
- Day 2: Morning and afternoon game safari
Meet and greet your safari guide and enjoy early morning game drive through the park after breakfast, drive on the Kakine circuit to encounter Zebras, Giraffes, the Hertebeasts: that roam the short grassland plains of the Narus valley.
The Scenic view is splendid with Mt. Lotukei in the far background in Sudan. Drive at leisure back to the camp for relaxation as you wait for lunch. After lunch, your guide will take you for the afternoon game safari along the Nagosokopire circuit.
Wildlife here is plentiful and you will come in contact with large herds of resident buffalos, the elephants, Hertebeasts and other antelopes as they graze on the lush forage in the Narus valley. Appreciating beautiful sunset behind the long Nyangea ranges gives you a perfect opportunity for taking pictures. Return to your lodge for relaxation as you wait for dinner and overnight.
- Day 3: Hot spring & Kidepo valley visits or Ike people
Breakfast and transfer to the hot spring, past a nice Lopelangoria observatory point, Kidepo River up to the Hot spring. This scenic area will bring you close to the Hot spring and observe almost the entire park, and be able to sight the ostriches as they roam the short grassy plains.
If lucky, you may have glimpse of the Kuddu, an antelope that lives in dryland areas and the elusive cheetah. Come back to the camp for breakfast & lunch. After lunch have nature guided walk. Optional May hike the morungole mountain to meet the Ike people. Also, arrangements can be made for Karamojong cultural shows in the park.
Day 4: Fly back to Entebbe for your flight back home
After breakfast, enjoy your flight back to Entebbe International Airport, have lunch in Entebbe and then fly back home.