Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda
This is another of the very unique features possessed by Uganda. It is a very spectacular Park having scenery unsurpassed anywhere in East Africa.
Isolated in the extreme northeastern corner the Kidepo has a vast altitude change. This offers wide climatic conditions, which support diverse flora.
The Park is characterized by open tree Savannah that vary in structure and composition. The landscape is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and inselbergs from which spectacular views are obtained.
There are two major game viewing loops. These connect the Rest Camp to prime game viewing areas. This is the only Park in Uganda where zebra and giraffe can be viewed together. Interesting game with a very high chance of being viewed includes: lions (which at times climb trees), the rare white buffalo, cheetah, kudu, bush baby, baboon, oryx, elephant and much more.
The Park boasts 465species of birds. Of particular interest are the Ostrich and Kori bustard, which are found nowhere else.
On arrangement, visitors can betaken to the Kidepo valley and have a walk in the area dominated by Borassus palm; the wide flat riverbed is dry most of the year. Picnics on sand with the only disturbance the noise of the swerving palms cannot be very easily forgotten. Nearby are the Kananorok Hot springs.
The Park with its surrounding offers great aspects of culture. The Karimojong Manyattas, kraals, traditional costumes, stools, spears, dressing gear, bows & arrows and jewelry all offer photogenic opportunities.
The Apoka Rest camp offers substantial accommodation. It has 16 self - contained quality chalets. There is also a hostel, which comprises 14 bandas, with basic accommodation. There are Campsites too - with a do-it yourself style of operation.
There is available accommodation in areas outside the Park as well. This is in form of Lodges and Guesthouses.
The Park can be reached by road or air. It is more thrilling to drive as more parts of the park will be seen. A 4WD vehicle is recommended., the drive however, is 840km from Kampala [13 - 14 hours]. There could be need to sleep midway before arrival. A charter takes 2 hours from Entebbe.