Kidepo Valley National Park

  • Uganda’s Wild Frontier
Hidden deep in Uganda’s southwest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest, and most biologically diverse forests on earth.
Kidepo Valley National Park, tucked in the remote northeast corner of Uganda, is a land of rugged beauty and untamed wilderness. Vast plains, rocky outcrops, and seasonal rivers stretch toward distant mountain ranges, making it one of Africa’s most spectacular and least disturbed landscapes. The park’s semi-arid savannah supports an incredible diversity of wildlife including elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, ostriches, and rare species such as the caracal and aardwolf. With over 475 bird species and unmatched scenery, Kidepo offers a truly wild experience far from the crowds.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Did You Know? (Quick Facts)

  • Coordinates 4.00° N, 33.90° E
  • Distance from Kampala About 700 km (10–12 hours by road)
  • Size 1,442 km²
  • Mammals Around 77 species, including elephants, lions, and giraffes
  • Birdlife Over 475 species, making it a paradise for bird lovers
  • Heritage Gazetted as a national park in 1962
Build Your Trip

Why Visit Kidepo with
Gonja Safaris?

  • Remote and untouched wilderness:
    with dramatic landscapes
  • Excellent dry-season:
    game viewing in Narus Valley
  • Unique bird species:
    found only in this region
  • Cultural experiences:
    with the Karamojong people
Gonja Safaris - Primates Tours - Buffalo
Gonja Safaris - Primates Tours
Gonja Safaris - Primates Tours
Kidepo is where the spirit of adventure lives on. It is wild, remote, and breathtaking—a true African frontier.

Key Attractions

Our travellers' wildlife sightings across Kidepo Valley National Park

When travelling through Uganda, many of our travellers document their wildlife encounters – be they of lions, Chimpanzees or black rhinos – and generously share their records with us.

Gorilla - Gonja-Safaris
Gorilla
98% success
red colobus
Red Colobus
98% success
Black and White Colobus
Black & White Colobus
98% success
Grey-cheeked Mangabeys
98% success
Red tailed monkey
Red tailed monkey
98% success
Lion - Gonja Safaris
Lion
98% success
Rhino - Gonja Safaris
Rhino
91% success
Gazelle
74% success
Leopard -Gonja Safari

Leopard

98% success

  • Language
    English (official), Swahili; Thank you is Webale in Luganda
  • Visa
    eVisa available for most nationalities
  • Religion
    Christianity (majority), Islam
  • Climate
    Tropical; warm year-round with wet & dry seasons
  • Currency
    Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
  • Power Plugs
    Type G (British-style)
  • Apps
    SafeBoda (for motorbike taxis), Uber (limited to Kampala),
  • Capital
    Kampala

Flight Information

Most international travelers fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), just outside Kampala. There are direct flights from major hubs like Nairobi, Dubai, and Addis Ababa. If you’re coming from Europe or the US, you’ll likely connect through one of these cities. Domestic flights are available to places like Kidepo (KID) and Kisoro (KSR) for gorilla trekking, but most travelers use buses or private transfers for shorter distances. You can compare flight prices on Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Safety Information

Uganda is generally safe, but petty theft in cities like Kampala can occur. Gorilla trekking Uganda zones and national parks are low-risk. Avoid political demonstrations and use trusted transport apps like SafeBoda. Political demonstrations are rare but best avoided if they occur. Road travel can be chaotic, so if you’re not comfortable with local driving styles, consider hiring a private driver.

Climate

Best Time to Visit Uganda
The dry seasons (June-August & December-February) offer ideal conditions for Uganda safari experiences. Wet seasons (March-May, September-November) are lush but muddy. Temperatures are usually between 20°C – 28°C (68°F – 82°F), though it can get cooler in highland areas like Bwindi.

Other Essential Travel Tips

  • Health: Yellow fever vaccination is required. Malaria is present, so take prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent.
  • Transport: Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are popular but risky use SafeBoda for trained drivers.
  • Culture: Ugandans are friendly but conservative dress modestly outside tourist areas.
    Wildlife: Always follow park rules; never approach wild animals without a guide.

Final Thoughts

Uganda combines gorilla trekking, epic safaris, and warm hospitality.