Far north, somewhere between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, is a valley with over 70 species of mammals and almost 500 species of birds – heaven for birdwatchers and game seekers. It is a beautiful park with savannah grassland stretching out to mountain ranges in the horizon. There is a lot to see and there are park rangers to guide your experience.
The Narus valley has the only permanent watering holes and as such the highest density of game; but you may still want to walk along the dry Kidepo riverbed (if it is indeed the dry season) just because you can! The Kanangorok hot springs and Morungule Mount are both worth the hike to find them. And when you need to put your feet up, you will find both high-end lodges and budget cottages available for accommodation.
A safari in Kidepo is not for the first-time safari goer hoping to tick all of the Big Five off their wildlife checklist. More rough and ready than a traditional safari, Kidepo is for those looking to get off the beaten track and experience truly authentic Africa. It is possible that you will have the whole park to yourself at any one time, a priceless experience that you are unlikely to benefit from anywhere else in Africa. The landscapes are epic, in a word, with huge rock formations and towering mountains framing the plains.
Walking safaris in the Kidepo are an entrancing way to get up close with the park’s spectacular wildlife, and also to become much more immersed in the landscape than you can with a game drive. Led by professional armed guides, experts in the local flora and fauna, bush walks will often follow trails through savannah plains, and can be tailored to the types of experiences and wildlife that you want to encounter.
The Karamojong people in North-eastern Uganda are a unique, semi-nomadic tribal community who move with the seasons to feed their cattle. With distinctive language, dress, cultural traditions and familial behaviors, a trip to a Karamojong tribe is well worth it. Please ensure you are respectful and polite when visiting the community. The Karamojong people have had a somewhat turbulent relationship with the state regarding their way of life and your guide will give you an insight into this during your visit.
