Attractions of Kidepo Valley National Park: Many tourists ask what they can see in Kidepo Valley National Park on your visit; well, kidepo valley national park is one of the largest national parks in Uganda. Is the third biggest park in Uganda situated in the far extreme northeast of Uganda at the border with Kenya and South Sudan surrounded by the culture of Karamajong and Ik people.

Kidepo valley national park covers an area of 1442 square kilometers and is one of the best destinations for wildlife viewing and birding safaris. Over 75 mammals are present including giraffes, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, waterbucks, lions among others. Besides mammals, the park features several unique bird species such as ostrich, kori bustard, goliath heron, standard nightjars, and Nubian woodpeckers among others. Visitors will drive 12 hours to reach the Kidepo which is about 700 kilometers.

There different attractions in Kidepo valley national park and these include the following;

Wildlife:

Kidepo valley national park is home to over 75 animals of which 28 can only be found in Kidepo only. Kidepo is regarded as the best park in Uganda with the highest concentration of wild animals.  The animals include the big five which include the elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. The other crucial animals in the park include foxes, spotted hyenas, leopards, zebras, giraffes, eland, bushings, warthogs, and very many others. Kidepo valley national park is the only park in Uganda where you can go and see cheetahs. Cheetahs are regarded as the fastest animals on earth.

Unique bird species:

Kidepo valley national park is known to be one of the leading destinations for bird lovers. The park has over 475 bird species which makes it the second leading destination for birding in Uganda after Queen Elizabeth National Park. The birds in Kidepo Valley National Park include kori bustard,  Karamoja Apalaia, standard winged night Jar, red-winged lark,  purple heron, black-breasted barbet, black faded waxbill, white crown shrike, Verreaux’s eagle, fox kestrel, pygmy falcon, African swallow kite, little green bee-eater, standard winged nightjar, African grey flycatcher, white  Clapperton’s francolin among others. Birding in Kidepo valley national park is mostly done in areas around Apoka rest camp, Narus Valley, Namamukweny valley among other trails as you will be led by the guide.

Narus valley.

This is one of the important attractions in Kidepo valley Nation Park is Narus valley. This valley is spectacular with a permanent water source that attracts several animals such as herds of buffaloes, and elephants to congregate at the water points within the park. Because of its significance, the park management has established trucks around the Narus valley which are used by visitors during the game drive sessions. Game drives are done early in the morning and species such as zebras, lion, waterbucks, bush pigs, Oryx, giraffes, cheetahs, and birding species such as secretary birds, Karimojong Apalis, silver shrike among.

Mount Morungule:

Mt. Morungole is n found in Kidepo valley national park and is raised about 275meters above sea level and the mountain is crossed by the Narus and Kidepo rivers. It offers the best destination for hiking safaris and it is where the Ik people stay and thus a good cultural experience. Visitors for hiking Morungole mountain are accompanied by rangers and upon reaching the apex, you will be able to see stunning views of valleys, parks, the unique culture of the Ik people as you learn more about their feeding, lifestyle, and their way of life.

Kanangorok Hot springs:

Visitors to Kidepo valley national park can also reach out to Kanangorok Hot springs which are located about 11 kilometers away from the Kidepo River in South Sudan. Travelers will have to trek via busy trails with thickets and shrubs to reach this hot spring. You will be able to relax and enjoy hot water beyond 50 degrees Celsius temperature. You can as well encounter and see different vegetation types, animals, birds as you visit Kanangorok hot spring in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Visitors to Kidepo valley national park will also get a chance to have a look at Lomej hills which are a short distance from Kidepo park headquarters. Lomej hills are conducive for birding safaris, and game viewing. Mountain reedbuck and different bird species can be sighted here at Lamej hills in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Karamajong and Ik Culture:

The culture of the local people around Kidepo Valley Park forms an important tourist attractions in Kidepo. Karamajong and the Ik people are adjacent to the Kidepo Valley National park. These people mostly are charismatic and fierce worriers who depend on cattle for their prestigious reasons. In fact to be considered as a true man in these people, one would first count the number of cows that you have

The Karamajong believes that all cows belong to theirs and they wander from one place to another in search of fresh pasture and water for their animals. Women do the childcare work and men look after cattle. The culture of the Karamajong people is so unique and their dressing style is so colorful in local traditional cloth, .build houses were entering the house you have to first bend.

The Ik people reside in the Morungole Mountains in Kidepo valley national park. These people migrated to North Eastern Uganda and are cattle keepers. They pay the bride price with a beehive and they are characterized by polygamous marriages. As long as you have very many beehives then you can marry as many wives as you can. This is interesting. Come and learn major activities such as the cultures of these people as you are entertained by their cultural editions coupled with traditional dance and drama.

Kidepo Valley National park can be visited any time of the year but the best time to visit the park is during the dry season which occurs in June to September then December to February.