Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda
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A Lost World of Rugged Splendor
Tucked away in the far northeastern corner of Uganda near the borders of South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo is often ranked by CNN and travel experts as the most beautiful park in Africa. It is a land of dramatic contrast: the sweeping golden plains of the Narus Valley are framed by the jagged Morungole Mountains, while the seasonal Kidepo River leaves behind a stunning white sand bed lined with Borassus palms. This is not just a destination; it is a frontier of raw, untouched beauty.
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What to expect
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Predator Paradise: Expect some of the best lion sightings in East Africa, with “King of the Jungle” often spotted lounging on the park’s iconic granite outcrops (kopjes).
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Rare Species: This is the only place in Uganda where you can see the cheetah, the flightless ostrich, and the bat-eared fox.
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The Narus Valley Oasis: During the heat of the day, expect a theater of wildlife at the park’s permanent water sources, where giraffes, zebras, and elands congregate in breathtaking numbers.
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Seasonal Overview
Kidepo’s semi-arid climate creates two distinct “moods” for the traveler:
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The Sun-Baked High Season: When the sun rules the sky, the landscape turns into a golden savanna. This is the ultimate time for wildlife viewing, as animals are forced to gather around the Narus Valley waterholes. The thin, parched vegetation makes predators like leopards and lions much easier to track. The skies are impossibly clear, making for world-class sunrise and sunset photography.
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The Lush Green Season: When the rains arrive, Kidepo undergoes a miraculous transformation. The parched earth explodes into a vibrant carpet of green, and the air becomes cool and incredibly fresh. While wildlife moves into the higher ground, this is the peak season for birdwatchers and those seeking solitude. The scenery is at its most dramatic, with thunderstorms rolling over the mountains in the distance.
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Apoka Safari Lodge
Zebra Safari Lodge
Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Apoka Safari Lodge
The pinnacle of luxury, built into the large granite boulders. It features an iconic stone bathtub outside your room and a swimming pool carved into the rock.
Zebra Safari Lodge
Just a stone’s throw away from the famous Kalokudo Gate in Kidepo Valley National Park. The Lodge shares a boundary as well overlooks the magnificent and offers a breathtaking view of the savanna grasslands of Kidepo Valley National Park (KNVP), KVNP is a vast and unspoiled wilderness, CNN Travel recently ranked it as the 3rd (third) best national park in Africa, with it’s spectacular landscapes, savannah vegetation, the big 5 and great buffalo herds.
Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Situated just outside the park gates, this lodge offers comfortable safari tents with views stretching into South Sudan.
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Experience the Heat of the Rift Lake Bogoria offers activities that engage all the senses.
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“Boil an Egg” at the Geysers: A local tradition! Purchase raw eggs at the park gate and lower them into the boiling water of the springs. In just minutes, they are perfectly cooked by the earth’s natural energy—a hit for families and photography enthusiasts.
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Flamingo Photography Safaris: Walk along the flat western shores to get close to the massive flamingo flocks. The reflection of the pink birds against the blue alkaline water and the black volcanic rock is a world-class photo opportunity.
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Hike the Siracho Escarpment: For those seeking a challenge, a guided hike up the escarpment offers a “bird’s-eye view” of the entire lake system and the steaming vents below.
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Tracking the Greater Kudu: Join our guides in the acacia woodlands to seek out the rare Greater Kudu. These majestic antelopes with spiraling horns are the park’s shyest residents.
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Bicycle Safaris: Rent a bike and cycle along the lake’s edge. The relatively flat terrain near the springs makes it an ideal way to see the geysers and wildlife at your own pace.
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Therapeutic Spa Soaks: Spend an afternoon at the Spa Resort, enjoying the medicinal properties of the hot springs, which are said to help with skin conditions and muscle relaxation.
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