Kidepo Wildlife Safari Adventure. Kidepo Valley National Park, situated in the northeastern corner of Uganda, is one of the country’s most remote and rugged wildlife reserves. Spanning approximately 1,440 km², the park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which include expansive savanna grasslands, rugged mountains, and arid plains. Described by CNN Travel as one of Africa’s top parks, Kidepo offers an authentic and unspoiled safari experience reminiscent of Kenya and Tanzania’s Serengeti.

The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, featuring over 80 species, including elephants, cheetahs, ostriches, hippopotamuses, leopards, baboons, giraffes, wild dogs, oryx, buffaloes, and lions. It also boasts several unique antelope species and over 475 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Due to its remote location, Kidepo Valley National Park remains less crowded compared to Uganda’s more popular parks, providing visitors with a more intimate and personal safari experience. The park’s isolation ensures a truly authentic encounter with nature, where the untouched wilderness offers a glimpse into the Africa of old.

Safari Overview

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the 4-day Kidepo Safari package is perfect. Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the remote and rugged Karamoja region, spans about 1,440 km². Recognized by CNN Travel as one of Africa’s top parks, it stands as Uganda’s answer to Kenya and Tanzania’s Serengeti. While less promoted than Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Parks, Kidepo offers a quintessential African plains experience with its unspoiled savanna grasslands, dramatic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.

The park’s rich array of wildlife includes elephants, cheetahs, ostriches, hippopotamuses, leopards, baboons, giraffes, wild dogs, oryx, buffaloes, lions, and various antelope species. Bird watchers will delight in spotting over 475 bird species. Due to its remote location, Kidepo is less crowded, ensuring a more personal and exclusive safari experience, allowing visitors to truly connect with Uganda’s wild beauty.

Day by Day Program

Day 1: Arrival and Afternoon Game Drive

Morning: Flight to Kidepo Valley

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe by a professional guide from Kenlink Tours. You will be transferred to either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield for your flight to Kidepo Valley. The two-hour journey offers stunning aerial views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from lush highlands to expansive savannas. Upon arrival at Kidepo Valley Airfield, you will be met by a representative from the park who will escort you to your lodge.

Afternoon: Game Drive and Lodge Arrival

After checking in and freshening up at Apoka Safari Lodge, enjoy a leisurely lunch before setting out for your first game drive. The afternoon safari will introduce you to the park’s rich wildlife, including lions, hippos, wild dogs, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and various antelope species. The diverse landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park provide a dramatic backdrop for this wildlife encounter. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures of the following day.

Day 2: Narus Valley Game Drive and Karamojong Community Visit

Morning: Narus Valley Exploration

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a morning game drive in Narus Valley. This area of the park is renowned for its concentration of wildlife and unique landscapes. During the drive, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of mammals and bird species that you may have missed the previous day. The park’s stunning scenery, characterized by rolling savannas and distant mountains, offers ample photographic opportunities. After the drive, return to Apoka Safari Lodge for a relaxing lunch and swim.

Afternoon: Karamojong Community Visit

In the afternoon, venture out to visit the Karamojong people, a nomadic pastoralist community known for their distinctive lifestyle and culture. You’ll explore traditional Karamojong homesteads, called manyatas, which are designed to be temporary and easily movable. Engage with the community members as they share insights into their daily life, cultural practices, and traditions. Experience their vibrant traditional songs and dances, gaining a deeper appreciation for their unique way of life. Return to the lodge for dinner and another overnight stay at Apoka Safari Lodge.

Day 3: Kidepo Valley Game Drive, Hot Springs, and Ik People Visit

Morning: Kidepo Valley and Hot Springs

After breakfast, set off for a game drive through Kidepo Valley, passing through Narus Valley once more. This drive offers opportunities to see different wildlife, including ostriches and additional bird species. The highlight of the morning is a visit to the famous hot springs in Kidepo Valley, where you can learn about their significance to the local communities. Take in the scenic beauty of the valley and the surrounding landscapes, including a visit to the border area between Uganda and South Sudan.

Afternoon: Ik People Experience

In the afternoon, travel to the northern hills of Karamoja to meet the Ik people, a small and unique ethnic group residing in the area. The Ik people have a distinct culture and lifestyle, having been displaced from Kidepo Valley National Park 50 years ago. Your visit provides rare insights into their traditional practices and customs. Enjoy breathtaking views from the mountain ridges as you interact with the Ik, gaining a deeper understanding of their heritage.

Evening: Return to the Lodge

Return to Apoka Safari Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the cultural experiences you’ve encountered.

Day 4: Departure

Morning: Return Flight

On your final day, enjoy breakfast at the lodge, check out, and be transferred to Kidepo Valley Airfield. Board your flight back to Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield in Kampala. From there, connect to your international flight, concluding your unforgettable journey through one of Uganda’s most remote and scenic destinations.