National park
National park
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda's most remote and dramatic wilderness.
- Northeastern Uganda (Karamoja)
- Best: Oct–Mar
- Entry from US$40
Overview
- Area
- 1,442 km²
- National park since
- 1962
- Altitude
- 914 – 2,750 m
- Mammals
- 77+ species
- Bird species
- 476
- Distance from Kampala
- About 700 km
Kidepo Valley lies in the semi-arid valleys of Karamoja, bordering South Sudan and about 5 km from Kenya, roughly 700 km from Kampala. It was gazetted in 1962 and is often called Uganda's most beautiful park.
From Apoka, golden savanna stretches to distant mountain ranges. In the dry season the Narus Valley holds the park's water and its game: lions, 10,000–15,000 buffaloes, elephants, zebras and hartebeests.
Kidepo records over 77 mammal and 476 bird species, including ostriches, found nowhere else in Uganda. Karamojong pastoralists and the Ik people of the nearby mountains welcome visitors.
- Narus Valley game drives
The park's best game viewing, especially in the dry season.
- Ostriches and dry-country birds
Ostriches, secretary birds and many species not found elsewhere in Uganda.
- Karamojong and Ik culture
Visit manyattas and hear about life in one of Africa's toughest environments.
Things to do
- Guided game driveFrom US$20
Per guide.
- Night game driveFrom US$30
Per person.
- Birding and nature walksFrom US$25
Guided.
- Lonyili summit hikeFrom US$50
Full-day mountain hike.
- Lomej hikeFrom US$40
Shorter hill hike near Apoka.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Game viewing is best in the long dry season from about September to March, when animals concentrate in the Narus Valley.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Best
- Apr: Good
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Wetter
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Wetter
- Sep: Good
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Best
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free. | US$40 | US$30 | US$25 | UGX 20,000 |
| Guided game drive (day)per guide | US$20 | US$15 | — | UGX 20,000 |
| Night game driveper person | US$30 | US$20 | — | UGX 50,000 |
| Birding and nature walksper person | US$25 | US$20 | — | UGX 20,000 |
| Lonyili summit hikeper person | US$50 | US$40 | — | UGX 50,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$30
- Rest of Africa
- US$25
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
Children 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free.
- Guided game drive (day)per guide
- Foreign non-resident
- US$20
- Foreign resident
- US$15
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
- Night game driveper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$30
- Foreign resident
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 50,000
- Birding and nature walksper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$25
- Foreign resident
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
- Lonyili summit hikeper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- US$40
- East African citizen
- UGX 50,000
- UWA pick-up fees: UGX 50,000 from the airstrip, UGX 100,000 from Karenga.
Getting there
- By airFrom Entebbe or KajjansiAbout 2 hours
Scheduled and charter flights are the easiest way in.
- By roadFrom KampalaAbout 10 hours
Via Gulu and Kitgum to Lokumoit Gate, often split at Ziwa, Gulu or Kitgum.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Distances are long; flying in saves two days of driving.
- Fuel and supplies are limited; fill up in Kitgum or Kotido.
- Bring sun protection; Karamoja is hot and dry.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kidepo safe to visit?
UWA notes that Karamoja has been considered safe for several years and is a growing centre for community tourism. Check current travel advice before you go.
How many days should I spend in Kidepo?
At least two to three nights, because of the time it takes to get there.
Where can I see ostriches in Uganda?
Kidepo is the only place in Uganda where ostriches roam freely. Big cats seen here include lions and leopards.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority park page
- UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026
- UWA tariff changes, 26 February 2026
Combine your trip
Places to pair with Kidepo Valley National Park
National park
Waterfalls