Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park in the far northeast is one of Uganda’s most scenically spectacular parks. The semi-arid Kidepo Valley, dotted with palm trees, is one of the two valley systems in the park. The other is the better-watered Narus River valley. The different soil types and rainfall of the two valleys give rise to diverse vegetation and wildlife. Both the Narus and Kidepo Rivers are seasonal meaning. Which means that animal movements are quite predictable, especially in the dry season. Not only does this make for rewarding game drives. But it means that the lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park can offer bushwalks in the dry season.

It is also a well-known birding destination with nearly 450 species, 50 of which are endemic to the region. These include the Abyssian roller, Verreaux's eagle, pygmy falcon and the kori bustard.

Local Tribes

Local tribes include the pastoralist and cattle-loving Karamojong. And the Ik tribe, the resident ‘mountain people’, for whom Mount Morungole is sacred. The Ik suffered badly after they were evicted from their traditional hunting grounds when the park was created in 1958.