How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park.
How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park is the most asked question by travellers planning their dream safari in the park, and this blog will guide you on the best ways of getting to the park. Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness destinations in East Africa, located in the far northeastern region of Uganda. It’s one of the least visited national parks in the country due to its location; it’s about 700 Square kilometers from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, to the park.
The park is known for its scenic views of rugged hills and open savannah grasslands, making it the best destination for nature lovers seeking to connect with nature. It hosts over 200 butterfly species, 700 tree species, 480 bird species and 79 mammal species. This rich biodiversity contributes to the park’s diverse tourist activities, such as bird watching, game drives, nature walks, and cultural encounters with the Ik people or Karamajong people. Kidepo Valley National Park promises adventure, tranquility and unforgettable memories for every traveller seeking something extraordinary in Uganda.
How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Travellers can get to Kidepo Valley National Park by using air transport or road transport; the mode of transport is determined by the visitor’s travel plans. Road transport is the frequently used mode of transport by travellers due to its cost efficiency, but its time consuming about 10- 12 hours depending on the stopovers. Travellers can book through a licensed tour company that will arrange a private vehicle with a driver guide, or they can do a self-drive to the park. The park has two routes that visitors can use: the eastern route and the northern route. The eastern routes, Kampala- via Mbale- Soroti- Kotido- Kaabong- Kidepo, the journey is about 785 kilometres and approximately 745 kilometres from Kampala via Mbale- Soroti- Kaabongo-Kidepo The northern route, which allows visitors to have stopovers at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where visitors can see Rhinos and the Karuma Falls. It’s about 570 kilometers, which takes about 10- 12 hours drive. Kampala- Lira- Kotido-Kabong- Kidepo is another alternative for the northern route, it’s about 710 km. All these routes allow visitors to explore the breathtaking views of the countryside.
Alternatively, visitors can get to Kidepo National Park by using air transport. They can use a chartered flight or a scheduled flight from either Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe International Airport to Apoka Airstrip, which is about 2 hours. This is the fastest way of accessing the park, and it’s suitable for travellers who don’t want to sit for longer hours or have a few days for a safari, and they want to maximise their time.
Best Time to Visit the Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is open throughout the year, and the best time to visit the park depends on the client’s preferences. The dry season is the most loved period by travellers visiting the park, which runs from June to September and from December to February. During this period, there is little to no rainfall, the tracks are less muddy and slippery, and the park experiences cooler temperatures, making it easier to navigate.
You can also visit the park during the wet season, which is marked by heavy rainfall. While the tracks can become slippery and muddy, making it more challenging to explore them, this season is favourable for budget travellers, as many accommodations and local travel companies offer discounts in the wet season.
