Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Uganda’s northeastern corner lies a hidden gem of wilderness and biodiversity: Kidepo Valley National Park. Spanning an impressive 1,442 square kilometers, this national park in the Karamoja region offers a captivating blend of untamed savannah, towering peaks, and winding rivers, making it a haven for both wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers seeking a raw African experience.
Kidepo Valley National Park is considered to be one of the most remote safari game parks in Africa. The park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Kenya and South Sudan – over 570 kilometres from the capital, Kampala while some routes are longer – reaching over 700 kilometres.
Gazetted as a national park in 1962, Kidepo has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well around 475 bird species including the majestic Secretary Bird that stalks the open savannah plains.
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the remote northeast of Uganda, is over 500 kilometers from Kampala/Entebbe and can be reached by road or air. By road, visitors have two main routes: the western route, which passes through Murchison Falls, is 571 km and takes 10 hours; and the eastern route, spanning 740 km and about 12 hours. There is also an alternative eastern route through Soroti, which covers 792 km and takes around 13 hours to drive.
For those preferring air travel, Aerolink offers scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe and Kajjansi airfields to Kidepo. Flights operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with departures from Entebbe at 12:30 PM and arrivals at Kidepo at 2:45 PM. The return flight departs Kidepo at 3:00 PM and arrives back in Entebbe at 4:30 PM.
Although air travel may seem costly for small groups, it can be a more economical option for families or larger parties. The scenic flight over Murchison Falls and the breathtaking arrival in Kidepo make the trip truly memorable, whether by road or air.
