Walking Safaris in Kidepo National Park.
Walking safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park offer an intimate and immersive way to experience the most unspoiled wilderness park in Uganda. It is the country’s lesser explored national park located in the northeastern corner of Uganda, bordering Kenya to the east and South Sudan to the northeast. Kidepo Valley National Park is famous for its breathtaking scenery of unique valleys and untouched wilderness, making it a perfect place for nature enthusiasts to enjoy walking safaris. It was established as a national park in 1962 after Uganda gained its independence to protect the big game that existed by then.
It is home to up to 77 mammal species, such as the Big Four mammals, lions, elephants, leopards and buffalo, zebras, caracals, warthogs, bushbucks, cheetahs, hyenas, aardwolves, greater kudus, Guenther’s dikdik, greater elands, and mountain reed buck, among others. Some of these mammals are only found in Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda. It also hosts over 480 bird species, including water birds, migratory birds, savannah birds, and the park’s endemic species, like common ostriches. If you are a nature enthusiast planning a safari in Kidepo Valley National Park, consider adding walking safaris to your bucket list, as it offers exceptional opportunities for travellers to fully embrace the wonders of Kidepo National Park.
Walking Safaris Experience in Kidepo National Park.
Walking safaris are best done in the morning or late evening hours when birds and wildlife species are most active, and temperatures are cooler. Participants start with a briefing at the park’s office about the rules and regulations of the activity, and meet their guides. These are guided activities led by an armed ranger who protects the participants and a knowledgeable park guide who gives more information about the park’s inhabitants that you might encounter. The park has specific trails that are suitable for walking safaris, and all provide unforgettable safari experiences.
The Narus Valley is the most common and accessible area for walking safaris, Apoka Rest Camp provides shorter and easier walks to participants who aren’t interested in moving long distances. The Eastern Kakine circuit provides longer walks through open grasslands with large mammals and scenic views. Visitors will have a chance to see herds of elephants and buffalo feeding in the savannah grasslands. Mount Morungole takes travellers to the home of the Ik people, and they will have a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain and learn more about the Ik culture. Lonyili Mountain trail, this is the longest and most challenging walk that those seeking more adventurous walks can opt for. It is near the border with South Sudan and offers views of plants and forest covered hills. Community walk to meet the Karamojong people, this walk gives participants an opportunity to learn more about their traditions, culture and lifestyles. While on walking safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park, nature lovers will have a chance to explore the breathtaking views of the park, see various plants, trees, birds and wildlife species and embrace the park’s true African wilderness.
Best time to visit the Park.
Walking Safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park can be done at any time of the year; many travellers prefer the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During this season, the park receives little to no rainfall, and the trails are less muddy and slippery, making it easy to walk on them. The vegetation cover is short and scattered, which creates clear views of the park’s beautiful scenery and allows visitors to clearly see birds and wildlife species.
