Kidepo valley national park is regarded as Uganda’s most isolated national park but a majority of tourists who have made the journey up-north confess that Kidepo is one of the most magnificent wildlife parks in Africa. The Kidepo river and Narus river transect the park while the marvelous Mount Morungule is another sight to behold.
Established as a national park in 1962 when Uganda got her independence , Kidepo is now home to over 77 mammal species and up to 475 bird species plus home to the Karamajongs and IK people. Planning to do a Kidepo safari this season, here are 3 top activities you can afford to miss out
Game drives
A guided game drive in Kidepo valley is the most popular safari activity in Kidepo valley park and takes place in the Narus valley offering you an opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife species including large herds of buffalo, lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, African wild dog, Bushbuck, bush pig, Kavirondo bush baby, bush duiker. A game drive also offers you chance to visit the Kanangarok hotsprings plus you get magnificent views of the valley landscapes and Karamajong homesteads.
Birding
Bird watching can be done in the center of the park at Apoka plus the fringes of Nammukweny and Narus valleys on guided game drives , nature walks and community visits. Expect to encounter a variety of birds including Abyssinaina ground hornbill, Abyssinian roller, Purple heron, Clapperton’s Francollin among other birds. Biring in Kidepo park can be done in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Cultural encounters
A trip to Kidepo valley park offers you an opportunity to encounter two tribes including the infamous Karamajongs and IK people who are regarded as the smallest tribe in Uganda living on mount Morongule. Get chance to sit in a grass thatched manyatta, interact and dance with the Karamajongs and IK plus you will learn more about their day-to-day lives, activities and fascinating traditional customs.
Planning to do safari to Kidepo valley national park and still wondering what to do , you should add these three activities to your itinerary for the best safari experience inone of Uganda’s best national parks.
