Kidepo is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks (1,442 sq km). It harbours a scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. “It could not be any better” is a common comment on the scenery by visitors who often promise, and do come back, to Kidepo.

Tucked into the corner of Uganda’s border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking savannah and mountain landscapes, which end in a rugged horizon. A huge altitudinal range, correspondingly wide climatic conditions have evolved an extremely diverse flora. As a result the variety of animal species in the park is equally diverse including many which are found no where else in Uganda.

Of the 80 species of mammals listed in 1971, 28 were not known to occur in any other Ugandan park. Carnivore species unique to Kidepo and Karamoja region include the bat-eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. Five species of primates are found in the park of which the Kavirondo bush baby is endemic. Carnivores present include lion, leopards, several small cats, spotted hyena, black-backed jackals and side-striped jackal.

The park boasts of an extensive avifauna. 465 species have been recorded (three new species were added to the list in 1995) of which 100 species were then (1972) not recorded in any other Ugandan park. Of particular interest, the ostrich and the kori bustard are principally associated with this region.

Visitors will be able to enjoy guided walks from Apoka enabling them to quietly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the park and the beauty of mountain scenery. They will also find great interest in the native flora and with many of the smaller creatures of the park.

Accommodation and Meals: The park runs a self catering hostel comprising of 14 bandas each with two beds. It offers cooking facilities only but may provide visitors with basic drinks (soda and beer). Visitors are advised to bring sufficient food and drinks for a full duration of stay.

Access: The park can be reached by road and air. Driving is more rewarding, as vast parts of Karamoja are scenic and total wilderness. However, road conditions are sometimes difficult and 4 wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended. Visitors intending to come by road are advised to contact UWA headquarters to seek advise about conditions and safety on the roads.

Chartered aircrafts are available from Entebbe International Airport to the park headquarters. The Civil Aviation Authority has plans to make Lomej an International airport which will permit visitors to fly in direct from other countries. The flight from Entebbe takes about two hours. Chartered flights may be arranged with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), United Airline, Eagle Aviation or KAFTC. Chartered flights may also be arranged with tour companies in Kampala.