Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
93 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
22
Average
1
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0
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0
BrunoBee
Kampala, Uganda105 contributions
Aug 2020
Kidepo is a huge park. Although it said to be only the second in terms of size, the animals are more scattered than in Murchison. As a result, it is a little bit more difficult to see animals. Go and check the big rocks early in the morning or late in the evening to see if you can see any lions sitting on them. We were unlucky but I suggest that you stay more than one day to increase your chances. The best/fastest way to get there is through the Gulu/Kitgum road, but it is still a very long way from Kampala. For us it was more a break before discovering Karamoja.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lanie Banks
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Kidepo is beautiful but if you have no patience don't dare try because it took us 24 hours by road to reach the park, we started at 6am from jinja and arrived at 2am the next day very tired and exhausted.
Been to all the parks but this kidepo park is more hospitable.
During the game drive we missed Lions but saw Zebras, Giraffes and Warthogs etc.
Generally it was time well spent.
Been to all the parks but this kidepo park is more hospitable.
During the game drive we missed Lions but saw Zebras, Giraffes and Warthogs etc.
Generally it was time well spent.
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott b
Coudersport, PA252 contributions
Nov 2021
Excellent, remote park in the very north of Uganda. I spent 4 nights there and maybe saw 5 other vehicles. LOTS of buffalo and was fortunate to see 2 cheetah kill a Hartebeest calf right in front of me. Beautiful park.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wild Expedition... S
Entebbe, Uganda61 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
Kidepo Valley National park is a must visit for tourist wishing to visit Uganda. No wonder is was rated as the 3rd best park in Africa. In August 2016 i happened to take my clients there and they loved it a lot. from the game drives to walking safaris, there is a lot of wildlife to see. For example the moment you open your Banda in the morning, you have sightings of Black Backed Jackals, zebras, buffalo's, and Jackson Heart beasts coming to the water pond close to the Uganda Wildlife Banda.
We had a walking safari in the morning and we had great sighting of a female lion killing a Jackson Heart Beast which made our walking so rewarding. Pictures Below.
The road to Kidepo is now tarmacked all the way from Kampala to Kitgum town and about 100km to Kidepo is Murram but well maintained.
Now there is a new lodge affiliated to Nature Lodges that is almost ready for travelers to this place very close to the main gate with beautiful views of the park from the rooms and the dinning area. This will offer more options for traveler to Kidepo valley National park.
We had a walking safari in the morning and we had great sighting of a female lion killing a Jackson Heart Beast which made our walking so rewarding. Pictures Below.
The road to Kidepo is now tarmacked all the way from Kampala to Kitgum town and about 100km to Kidepo is Murram but well maintained.
Now there is a new lodge affiliated to Nature Lodges that is almost ready for travelers to this place very close to the main gate with beautiful views of the park from the rooms and the dinning area. This will offer more options for traveler to Kidepo valley National park.
Written February 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MM
Kampala24 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
I still remember sitting on the top of a land cruiser equipped with a high quality zoom in camera and binoculars at hand. It was 7:30am and the sun felt just right on my skin; the air was so fresh and the scenery was pure bliss to the eye – Miles of savannah grassland spotted with palm, acacia trees and herds of buffalo, zebra and antelope in the distance.
Kidepo national park is home to so many unique species. Here is a list of some of the species found only in Kidepo and not in any other part of the country: Ostriches, Cheetah, Lesser Kudu, Greater Kudu, Black Back Jackal, Bat Eared Fox, Ad Wolf, Brown Hyenas, Karakol, Dik dik.
The national park is about 12 hours by road from Kampala. Alternatively, you could fly there but besides the additional costs attached to flying, you will be missing out on the beautiful landscapes and cultures if you chose to fly and not drive there.
Kidepo national park is home to so many unique species. Here is a list of some of the species found only in Kidepo and not in any other part of the country: Ostriches, Cheetah, Lesser Kudu, Greater Kudu, Black Back Jackal, Bat Eared Fox, Ad Wolf, Brown Hyenas, Karakol, Dik dik.
The national park is about 12 hours by road from Kampala. Alternatively, you could fly there but besides the additional costs attached to flying, you will be missing out on the beautiful landscapes and cultures if you chose to fly and not drive there.
Written December 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joshua M
Kampala, Uganda150 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
This is the best park in Uganda, trust me on this i have been to most of them.
I wanted to have a memorable Easter holiday. So I chose to visit Murchison falls national park in Masindi district and Kidepo valley national park in kaabong district
I first visited Murchison falls on good Friday. Had lunch at Red chilli camp then I did a boat cruise.
After Murchison, we drove to gulu where we spent the night. I had breakfast at The coffee hut in Gulu. It's a nice place. We then used the kitgum road to get to kidepo.
The scenery on route was marvelous. Beautiful hills , beautiful rocks. The view was nice.
Kidepo valley national park is really remote and far but it's worth it. It took us about 5 hours to get to kidepo from Gulu.
When we got to the park, we found many tourists. I wanted to sleep in a banda but I had not booked so I was left with an option of sleeping in a tent. I was scared because it was going to be my first time. Guess what it's the best safari experience.
I did the evening game drive and morning game drive.
The first game drive was great. The scenery is epic, it leaves you breathless. You just need to see your self because even a camera cannot capture all the moments and sights.
I saw 2 lions up close...I almost cried it was too much. I could not believe I was looking at them for the first in the wild. We spent like 30 minutes just looking at the Lions. We saw lots of elephants, buffalos, zebras, warthogs, bush bucks.
Coming to kidepo is one of the best decisions I have made.
At night I saw some jackals . The tent experience was great. I think I will do more of camping.
The morning drive was to search for ostriches. So we drove to the northern part of the park. On our way we saw giraffes..Zebras, an elephant up close.
We made a stop over at river kidepo a seasonal river that had dried up. It looked like a coast beach with nice sand and palm trees. Some of our best photo moments were here.
Guess what we saw the ostriches, golden grass and mount lotuke.
If you really want a game safari , then kidepo is your place. It's the best of the best.
I wanted to have a memorable Easter holiday. So I chose to visit Murchison falls national park in Masindi district and Kidepo valley national park in kaabong district
I first visited Murchison falls on good Friday. Had lunch at Red chilli camp then I did a boat cruise.
After Murchison, we drove to gulu where we spent the night. I had breakfast at The coffee hut in Gulu. It's a nice place. We then used the kitgum road to get to kidepo.
The scenery on route was marvelous. Beautiful hills , beautiful rocks. The view was nice.
Kidepo valley national park is really remote and far but it's worth it. It took us about 5 hours to get to kidepo from Gulu.
When we got to the park, we found many tourists. I wanted to sleep in a banda but I had not booked so I was left with an option of sleeping in a tent. I was scared because it was going to be my first time. Guess what it's the best safari experience.
I did the evening game drive and morning game drive.
The first game drive was great. The scenery is epic, it leaves you breathless. You just need to see your self because even a camera cannot capture all the moments and sights.
I saw 2 lions up close...I almost cried it was too much. I could not believe I was looking at them for the first in the wild. We spent like 30 minutes just looking at the Lions. We saw lots of elephants, buffalos, zebras, warthogs, bush bucks.
Coming to kidepo is one of the best decisions I have made.
At night I saw some jackals . The tent experience was great. I think I will do more of camping.
The morning drive was to search for ostriches. So we drove to the northern part of the park. On our way we saw giraffes..Zebras, an elephant up close.
We made a stop over at river kidepo a seasonal river that had dried up. It looked like a coast beach with nice sand and palm trees. Some of our best photo moments were here.
Guess what we saw the ostriches, golden grass and mount lotuke.
If you really want a game safari , then kidepo is your place. It's the best of the best.
Written April 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndrewA64
Winchester, UK590 contributions
No review can do justice to the beauty and magnificence of this National Park. Put aside any doubts about making the effort to get to Kidepo. Its reputation as one of the finest and most beautiful national parks in Africa is amply justified. It would take at least a couple of days to explore all that the Park has to offer, and the variety and beauty of the environments it contains. There is also abundant wildlife, and if by any chance you are disappointed in game viewing (which is not likely) you will still feel that the effort of reaching this corner of paradise is worth it for the landscapes alone. Accommodation is not cheap here, and the Apoka Safari Lodge is very expensive, (though beautiful), but I think it is well worth 'pushing' to the kind of accommodation that Ngamoru offers rather than the rather basic government bandas. Also if you have your own vehicle do still hire a ranger to explore the park. It is huge and you will easily lose your way without the knowledge of the excellent rangers who also know where the best spots for game viewing are. Forget the queues of vehicles in Kenyas National Parks...here you can go for hours without seeing another vehicle and enjoy the glory of Africas wilderness wildlife in peace...
Written January 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KennedC
Kampala, Uganda46 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
Having lived nearly two and half years in Gulu, I finally managed to get organised and go to Kidepo. I wish I had gone much sooner though it would probably have made monthly or quarterly dents in my wallet. The place is awe inspiring. The scenery is incredible, as whereever you look, the huge open plains are set against a background of mountainous hills. You then add wildlife to the mix and you have the near perfect combo.
For wildlife, some periods are better than others. Once rains have seen the grass grow high, it will be much harder to spot wildlife (i.e. cats). So if you want to go to see lions or have a better chance of seeing leopard then head north in the dry season. During the dry season, the animals will also be concentrated around certain water spots and this makes viewing much easier. But the scenery in itself is such a delight that wildlife is almost just a bonus, a pretty nice bonus though. We saw lion, leopard, jackal, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, bushbuck, jackson hartebeest, eland, and of course my personal favourite; warthog.
There are only a few places to stay inside the park. You have the incredibly expensive Apoka Lodge. We did not stay there but did go for drinks. The place is nice but it is miles away from being a 600 USD per night kind of place. It simply does not make any sense what so ever.
We stayed instead at the Apoka Bandas. These are simple. This place might be basic and it does not have a swimming pool but you can walk to the Apoka Lodge and pay a fee to use the swimming pool (35 USD) if the heat is getting to you. Personally, the basic conditions of the bandas and the camp is much more in line with the spiriti of Kidepo. It is proper African wilderness and a fancy lodge just seems out of place.
You can also camp. There are two UWA camp sites. They are in ideal locations on small hills so you have magnificient views and get to see the sunrise and sunset whilst surrounded by wildlife. IF I ever return, I will go camping.
Getting there and back is not easy as the roads in Northern Uganda can be a challenge. If you go in the rainy season then you need a 4x4, even in dry season I would recommend a 4x4 as you can then go off road with the ranger to get much closer to wildlife.
If you are travelling from Kampala, I would recommend stopping over at the Rhino Sanctuary where you can go for walks with the only rhinos in Uganda. The sanctuary is about 175km or 100 miles north off Kampala on the Gulu/Kampala road.
For wildlife, some periods are better than others. Once rains have seen the grass grow high, it will be much harder to spot wildlife (i.e. cats). So if you want to go to see lions or have a better chance of seeing leopard then head north in the dry season. During the dry season, the animals will also be concentrated around certain water spots and this makes viewing much easier. But the scenery in itself is such a delight that wildlife is almost just a bonus, a pretty nice bonus though. We saw lion, leopard, jackal, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, bushbuck, jackson hartebeest, eland, and of course my personal favourite; warthog.
There are only a few places to stay inside the park. You have the incredibly expensive Apoka Lodge. We did not stay there but did go for drinks. The place is nice but it is miles away from being a 600 USD per night kind of place. It simply does not make any sense what so ever.
We stayed instead at the Apoka Bandas. These are simple. This place might be basic and it does not have a swimming pool but you can walk to the Apoka Lodge and pay a fee to use the swimming pool (35 USD) if the heat is getting to you. Personally, the basic conditions of the bandas and the camp is much more in line with the spiriti of Kidepo. It is proper African wilderness and a fancy lodge just seems out of place.
You can also camp. There are two UWA camp sites. They are in ideal locations on small hills so you have magnificient views and get to see the sunrise and sunset whilst surrounded by wildlife. IF I ever return, I will go camping.
Getting there and back is not easy as the roads in Northern Uganda can be a challenge. If you go in the rainy season then you need a 4x4, even in dry season I would recommend a 4x4 as you can then go off road with the ranger to get much closer to wildlife.
If you are travelling from Kampala, I would recommend stopping over at the Rhino Sanctuary where you can go for walks with the only rhinos in Uganda. The sanctuary is about 175km or 100 miles north off Kampala on the Gulu/Kampala road.
Written November 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DNA Safaris
Kampala, Uganda73 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
Kidepo Valley National Park is the most exciting and virgin Wilderness Destination in Uganda and one of the top in Africa as a whole. At Kidepo you will have the chance to view almost all the common mamals of interests while on Safari like the elephants, buffaloes, lion, leopard, girraffe, chitah ( only place in Uganda u stand a chance to view this animal ), zebra, waterbuck, jackals and many others. For the true birder, this is the place to run to becuse you have a chance to add to bird checlist as this is still being compiled. Kidepo has over 400 bird species and it is second to Queen Elizabeth national park as a birding destianation. Some of the birds are endemic to the region.
Accommodation is available though still very limited in terms of choice as they are only 3 ie Apoka lodge for Luxury, Nga'moru Wilderness Camp for the mid range, and Apoka Bandas ( owned and run by Uganda Wild life Authority ) as the budget option.
If you plan to stay at Apoka Bandas, make sure you call and prearrange in advance for catering service or you may have to carry your own raw food and dry ration for self caterring. Gas is available for hire at a daily rental fee in the kitchen.
There are several activies you indulge in to spoil yourself while here like having an encounter with the Lorokul Cultural group, hiking the Morungole Mountains outside the park to meet the Ik people ( an endangered tribe from this region ) who live atop this mountain, hiking the Lomej Mountains, Birding on the Narus & Namamukweny Valleys, to having game drives and nature walks through the Narus Valley.
If you plan to access this place by road, break the journey into two (2) if you are using the northern route via Gulu- Kitgum. You can set off early, have an activity at Murchison Falls National Park then proceed either to Gulu or Kitgum for the night. This is ajourney of approximately 550 Kms from the Sheraton Hotel Kampala. The road is good only upto Kafu River on the Kampala - Gulu highway and gets worse as you proceed to Gulu town. From Gulu town to kitgum, you go to a not well maintained murram road. The section from Kitgum to a small trading center call Namokora is quite a smooth a smooth dirt road, but travellers must note that from Gulu upto Kidepo the road is dirt surface. Be informed that a one days journy through this route may take you about 13 hours on the road.
The Eastern route is very scynic but much longer interms of driving distance which is over 800km and close to 1000km depending on itinerary routing. Here you have the choice of breaking your journey into 3days going through Mount Elgon, Nyero rock Paintings in Soroti before entering the very synic and breath taking karamoja region. Be also informed that the roads here get worse after Mbale District.
You are advised to strictly travel by a well raised and sound 4WD vehicle. Access is more challenging during the rainy seazon. If you meet the flowing streams across the roads during the rainy seazon don't underate its force and try to cross, you will be swept awy. Be patient and wait till the waters subside then cross.
There is also an air strip right into the heart of the National park a walkable distance from Apoka Bandas and Lodge. Aerilink operates scheduled flights to kidepo on Mondays and Fridays, with a possibility of other days on request or charter; for 4pax.
Important to cary while on this trip is a very good insect repellent to keep away tse-tse flies in some isolated places. Pack light clothes for the day as the days are very hot and humid. But the nights and early mornings is chilly so you need warm clothings this time. Make sure you also cary enough water and sweets or chocolate to boost your energy levels while on the trip.
I wish you a very nice trip and time of unlimited adventure at kidepo Valley National Park.
Accommodation is available though still very limited in terms of choice as they are only 3 ie Apoka lodge for Luxury, Nga'moru Wilderness Camp for the mid range, and Apoka Bandas ( owned and run by Uganda Wild life Authority ) as the budget option.
If you plan to stay at Apoka Bandas, make sure you call and prearrange in advance for catering service or you may have to carry your own raw food and dry ration for self caterring. Gas is available for hire at a daily rental fee in the kitchen.
There are several activies you indulge in to spoil yourself while here like having an encounter with the Lorokul Cultural group, hiking the Morungole Mountains outside the park to meet the Ik people ( an endangered tribe from this region ) who live atop this mountain, hiking the Lomej Mountains, Birding on the Narus & Namamukweny Valleys, to having game drives and nature walks through the Narus Valley.
If you plan to access this place by road, break the journey into two (2) if you are using the northern route via Gulu- Kitgum. You can set off early, have an activity at Murchison Falls National Park then proceed either to Gulu or Kitgum for the night. This is ajourney of approximately 550 Kms from the Sheraton Hotel Kampala. The road is good only upto Kafu River on the Kampala - Gulu highway and gets worse as you proceed to Gulu town. From Gulu town to kitgum, you go to a not well maintained murram road. The section from Kitgum to a small trading center call Namokora is quite a smooth a smooth dirt road, but travellers must note that from Gulu upto Kidepo the road is dirt surface. Be informed that a one days journy through this route may take you about 13 hours on the road.
The Eastern route is very scynic but much longer interms of driving distance which is over 800km and close to 1000km depending on itinerary routing. Here you have the choice of breaking your journey into 3days going through Mount Elgon, Nyero rock Paintings in Soroti before entering the very synic and breath taking karamoja region. Be also informed that the roads here get worse after Mbale District.
You are advised to strictly travel by a well raised and sound 4WD vehicle. Access is more challenging during the rainy seazon. If you meet the flowing streams across the roads during the rainy seazon don't underate its force and try to cross, you will be swept awy. Be patient and wait till the waters subside then cross.
There is also an air strip right into the heart of the National park a walkable distance from Apoka Bandas and Lodge. Aerilink operates scheduled flights to kidepo on Mondays and Fridays, with a possibility of other days on request or charter; for 4pax.
Important to cary while on this trip is a very good insect repellent to keep away tse-tse flies in some isolated places. Pack light clothes for the day as the days are very hot and humid. But the nights and early mornings is chilly so you need warm clothings this time. Make sure you also cary enough water and sweets or chocolate to boost your energy levels while on the trip.
I wish you a very nice trip and time of unlimited adventure at kidepo Valley National Park.
Written February 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pieter - AllrideAfrika
Herzele, Belgium216 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
The Kidepo Valley National Park is quite unique when you compare it to the other Ugandan National Parks. This place is perfect for people who want to avoid mass tourism and who don't have the big 5 as a priority (you can spot them all however).
Please take your time here and please camp outside to get the best experience. The nature is so stunning, you won't be disappointed.
Next to game drives, you can also opt for a guided walk or a village tour. The village tour is quite interesting as you drive further into the park and you get to know the Karamojong people. I would not advise the guided walk.
Please take your time here and please camp outside to get the best experience. The nature is so stunning, you won't be disappointed.
Next to game drives, you can also opt for a guided walk or a village tour. The village tour is quite interesting as you drive further into the park and you get to know the Karamojong people. I would not advise the guided walk.
Written May 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
I am a solo traveller, working for a few months in Kampala. I would really like to visit Kidepo, but have a modest budget. Can anyone offer advice on how to get there via public transport, where to stay, and who offers the best options for game drives at an affordable price?
Written April 17, 2018
tessvisser
Saint-Quentin, Canada
I know this is late but you can contact faruk at f&m adventure safaris. The car was good and the prices were reasonable.
Written August 11, 2018
Hi, I and a group of friends are traveling to Kidepo N.P around August, I've done a lot of research, however not much option on accommodation. what was the name of the hostel you stayed at?
Thank you,
Claudia x
Written March 2, 2018
Hello, never go to Nga Moru (outside the park). Horrible experience and this lodge do not accept my driver having meal with me and he must pay his stay ( inacceptable in Uganda). Lodge to expensive for the so poor services and rooms !!! There is a campsite with bungalows ( when I visited it (2016), it was 25 dollars/night) seemed to be better for price than Nga Moru. Have a look to UWA Uganda.
Written April 21, 2018
Is there a shower and toilet at the camping grounds??
Written December 26, 2016
Yes there are both toilet cubicles and, from memory, about 2 showers in each camp site. I understand that they are meant to be maintained but they hadn't been cleaned in a while before we arrived. I'd bring your own toilet roll etc. with you just in case!
Written December 27, 2016
jacquie1900
Kampala, Uganda
hi, you can also travel by road. per person at $1500 based on 2 people sharing aroom on full board. with akia quest tours
Written July 27, 2016
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