Driving to Kidepo Valley National Park is through the several access routes to the conservation area, it was gazette in the 1962 same year as Uganda attained its independence, the park is known for its unique species thatcan only be fund here and nowhere else in Uganda, it straddles along the semi-arid region of Uganda on its borders with South Sudan, the park is sectioned in the Kidepo valley, and the Narus valley drained by 2 seasonal rivers. The 1442 square kilometer national park is a true gem of the African wilderness, tourist favorites include African elephants, Africanbuffaloes, elands, Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rock hyrax, ostriches, and over 460 species of birds some of which are endemics to the destination.
Driving to Kidepo valley national park is charming and beautiful when using the road it is important to consider having a strong car, it can be your personal vehicle or a company safari car as long it is fit to take on the long route, the nearest route is when you pass visa the Entebbe-Kampala- Gulu-Kitgum highway, it takes approximately +/-11 hours’ drive passing through small villages, towns and rolling hills. It usually takes a whole day drive to the conservation area hence Important to be early when considering a trip to the national park.
The eastern route passes through Jinja- Mbale –Moroto, Pianupe and then to Kidepo , this route takes longer to reach Kidepo but an adventure to the conservation area, the northern part of Uganda is decorative with things you may not even expect to meet hear, the many hills mountains, and overlooking mountain Elgon is beautiful to encounter. From Murchison falls national park, the drive is approximately +/-6 hour’s drive to the national park.
The other best option of reaching Kidepo valley national park is by Flying to the conservation area, flights can be arranged from Entebbe international airport or Kampala Kajjansi to the destination, there are scheduled or charter flights to land at the Kidepo airstrip it takes 2hr30mins to get to the national park.
The inspiration of travelers to drive to Kidepo national park is the composition of the park, major attractions include the flora and fauna present hear, these resent an opportunity to do activities in the park including game drives through the well distributed trails, birding in Kidepo valley national park the park is one of the best places to go birding in Uganda, there are over 400 species of birds that have been recorded here to date 60 of which are endemics, guided nature walks among others.
There is available accommodation in the Kidepo valley national park ranging from the best budget to luxury, the offer drinks to travelers, meals and a good ambiance of stay when visiting the Kidepo, example facilities include Apoka safari lodge, Adere safari lodge, Kidepo savannah lodge , Amin lodge, Uganda wildlife rangers to mention a few. The park access is through paying entrance fees to the Uganda wildlife authority, these are mandatory fees which permit your stay.