Kidepo Valley was frequently visited by travelers who came to collect Borassus fruits used in the fermentation process for making palm beer.
Initially, this park was a desolate land inhabited by the Dodoth pastoralists.
However, it was later gazetted as a National Park to protect and preserve species such as giraffes, buffaloes, ostriches, eagles, bustards, lions, leopards, snakes, turtles, and zebras.
Some of these animals graze on the lush grass during the wet season, while others are predators.
To experience the full beauty of this remarkable landscape, visitors must pay an entry fee that varies based on nationality.
Foreigners usually need a visa and a passport valid for at least six months, while citizens may use their national IDs for easy identification.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority charges entry fees as follows: adult foreign non-residents pay 40 USD, foreign residents 30 USD, and East African citizens pay UGX 20,000.
Children’s fees are 20 USD for foreign non-residents, 10 USD for foreign residents, and UGX 5,000 for East African citizens.
Ugandan students pay UGX 3,000 per person, university groups pay UGX 5,000, and wildlife clubs pay UGX 2,000.
Annual entry fees are 30 USD per foreign resident and UGX 350,000 for East African citizens. Foreign resident couples pay 600 USD, while East African citizen couples pay UGX 500,000.
For families with up to four children, foreign resident families pay an annual fee of 800 USD, and East African citizen families pay UGX 600,000.
Vehicle fees are charged every 24 hours, except for concessionaire visitor vehicles that pay once per trip.
Rescue vehicles are charged like other vehicles, including saloon cars, with foreign residents paying 40 USD and East African citizens UGX 20,000. Minibuses for foreign residents are charged per vehicle, while East African citizens pay UGX 30,000.
Pickups are charged 50 USD per vehicle for foreign residents, and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens. Tour company vehicles (4-wheel drives) for foreign residents are charged 150 USD, and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens.
Overlanders pay 150 USD for foreigners and UGX 100,000 for citizens, while lorries are charged 200 USD for foreign residents and UGX 200,000 for East African citizens. School buses pay UGX 50,000 per vehicle, and delivery vehicles are charged UGX 20,000 per entry.
Aircraft fees vary by seating capacity, with gliders and microlights for foreign residents paying 10 USD and UGX 20,000 for East African citizens.
Three-seater aircraft pay 20 USD per landing for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 for citizens, while four to six-seater aircraft are charged 30 USD for foreign residents and UGX 60,000 for East African citizens.
Tourist Activities at the Park
- Kidepo Lonyili Summit Hike: This hike costs 50 USD per person for foreign residents and UGX 50,000 for East African citizens. Fees must be paid in advance.
- Nature Walk: Scheduled during the day and late afternoon, day walks cost 15 USD for foreign non-residents, 10 USD for foreign residents, and UGX 10,000 for East African citizens. Early birds may spot various animals, including species hunting or caring for their young. Shyer and fiercer animals may be seen in the late afternoon. Visitors should keep a distance and remain quiet to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
- Birding: Birdwatching is often combined with camping, allowing tourists to sit with binoculars and view different bird species. Fees include 30 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 30 USD for foreign residents, and UGX 10,000 for East African citizens.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: This activity provides aerial views of the landscape and wildlife, with morning and evening shifts available. The evening shift is particularly popular, as it offers a stunning view of Kidepo National Park at dusk.
- Game Drives: Available in morning and evening shifts, game drives cost 30 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 30 USD per person for foreign residents, and UGX 30,000 per person for East African citizens.
Accommodation – Where to Stay at Kidepo National Park
The park offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury to moderate and budget options, featuring amenities such as single or double rooms, a blue reflection swimming pool, private balconies, gardens, and restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation options include Kipedo Savanna Lodge, Katurum Lodge, Apoka Safari Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Zebra Safari Lodge, Nakoozi Eco Lodge, and Kidepo Savanna Lodge.
Park Attractions – Top Things to See in Kidepo National Park
Attractions include Mountain Morungole, often explored on foot with a game ranger, and Apoka Tourism Centre, which has an upmarket lodge, UWA-run cottages, and game ranger stations for escorted game drives.
Other attractions include Narus Valley, Kidepo Valley, Kanangorok Hot Springs, and Namamukweny Morungole, a quiet area known for its sparse population and few bird species.
Kidepo National Park is a beloved destination that offers comfort, adventure, and a chance to rekindle joy.
The decision to explore this exceptional national park in northern Uganda is yours to make.
