Best Time to do Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Travellers planning to do game drives on their safari frequently ask about the best time to do game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park, and this blog will elaborate more on the appropriate time to do this activity. The park can be visited at any time of the year, and the best time to do game drives differ on visitors’ interests. Kidepo National Park is located in the northeastern part of Uganda, famously known as a true African wilderness. Its one of the best parks in the country with stunning views of rolling hills and mountains. Game drives are among the most interesting safari activities that travellers can enjoy on their safaris.
They allow travellers to explore the park’s beautiful landscapes and its unique bird and wildlife species. The park has different habitats like savannah grasslands, wetlands, rivers, and woodlands, which support the park’s rich biodiversity. It’s home to over 78 mammal species, including the African Big Four: elephants, leopards, buffalo and lions, and cheetahs, zebras, caracals, giraffes and more. It also has up to 480 bird species, such as migratory birds, the park’s endemic species, savannah species and water birds. Its rich biodiversity makes it one of the national parks in Uganda, where visitors can have an amazing game drive experience. Just like any other national park in East Africa, Kidepo Valley National Park experiences two seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Both seasons offer excellent opportunities to have unforgettable game drive experiences.
Best Time to do Game Drives in the Kidepo Valley National Park.
Dry Season.
According to reviews and feedback from past visitors, the best time to do game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park depends on an individual’s interests. Kidepo Valley National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the majority prefer the dry season. The park experiences two dry seasons, which run from December to February and from June to September. During the dry season, the park experiences little to no rainfall, and the game drive trucks are dry, making it easy to penetrate the park in search of various wildlife species.
Additionally, the vegetation cover is short, which allows visitors to observe various animals, bird species and take clear photos while on their safari. The animals to spot on the game drive include lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and waterbucks, among others.
Wet Season.
Visitors can also do game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park during the wet season, which takes place from October to November and from March to May. During this season, the park receives heavy rainfall, and the game drive trucks are muddy and slippery, making it challenging to penetrate the park in search of birds and animals. The vegetation cover is tall, which makes it challenging to view wildlife species from a distance.
However, during this season, the park has abundant food and water, which favours birders to see various bird species. This is the best period of the year to do birding in Kidepo Valley National Park since it’s a breeding season for various bird species.
Where to stay in the Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park offers a variety of eco-friendly accommodation options which cater to all budgets, ranging from Standard accommodations to Luxury accommodation options. All provide unique and memorable safari experiences in the park. If you are looking for luxury stays, consider Apoka Safari Lodge, Mara Safari Lodge, Mid-range accommodations Adere Safari Lodge, Katurum Lodge, and those looking for budget-friendly accommodations, look at Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Kidepo Valley UWA Campsite.
