Kidepo Valley National Park is a 1,442 square Kilometers gallery of variant plant life and ever expansive wildlife and one of Uganda's prominent Parks.
The park is dominated by the 2,750 meters high Mount Morungole and criss crossed by the Idepo and Narus Rivers.
Inhibited by the local farmers and hunters or in other words, the Ketebi and Meaning who lived in the area since the 1800s. It was before they were included in the conglomerate of the British colonial Government in 1958 with the purpose of protecting both the animal life from being eradicated as a result of excessive hunting.
The uprooting of the Ketebo people and the relocation to other areas within Bira is considered to this very day as an example of uncalculated and unconsidered social costs related to designating reserves.
As for the Geology of the park, it is no less amazing than the history of it. The geology of the park consists of two valley systems of the Kidepo and Narus Rivers alongside the tepid hot spring of Kanangorok in the extreme north of the park and the most permanent source of water in the park.
The park is arguably the most diverse savannah fauna in all of Uganda. The wildlife do not disappoint with animal arities of wild dogs, bat-eared fox, Rothschild Giraffes, drumstick trees, sausage trees, fan palms and so much more.
Kidepo is home to over 77 species of mammals and approximately 460 bird species. The animals residing in the park are quite different from the other parts in Uganda.
The predators in the park include various species such as lion leopard, cheetah, bat-eared fox, black-backed and side-striped jackal. Large numbers of buffalo herds are present. Twelve antelope species reside in the park, including Jackson's hartebeest, oribi, eland, Uganda kob and klipspringer.
The park is also home to quite a number of bird species. They include the Kori bustard, Abyssinian ground hornbill, yellow-billed, Jackson’s hornbills, secretary bird, ostrich and carmine. The park recorded 56 bird species of prey. 14 of them are endemic to Kidepo valley along with the Karamoja region.
Kidepo Valley National Park offers its visitors a totally different experience from the other parks in the country. Being expansive, there are a number of activities to enjoy while being in the park and around the park as well.
1- Game Viewing: It is one of the most famous things to do. You can go on a game drive for wildlife viewing or for birdwatching. It is an opportunity to experience the wildlife and enjoy nature as well.
2- Explore the Morungole Ranges: At 2,750m, Morungole Ranges are the highest point in Kidepo Valley National Park. Exploring Morungole can be done on foot with a guide.
3- Got Springs on the South Borders: This is another activity that you can enjoy. A visit to the hot springs on the borders of Sudan can be really refreshing and a new thing to experience.
Kidepo Valley National Parkis located in Karamoja region in northeast Uganda.
The area experiences two rainy seasons. The long rainy season occurs from February to June whereas the short one happens from September to December. The rain peak happens between April and November. The hottest months in the park are July and August.
The best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from November to February. It is when animals gather around reliable water sources.
Animals are harder to locate during the wet season, from April to August, because they disperse from the valleys.