Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley was frequently visited by travelers who came to collect Borassus fruits used for fermenting during the process of making palm beer. This park was a desolate land with Dodoth pastoralists as the natives. However, it was later gazetted as a National Park to house giraffes, buffaloes, ostriches, eagles, bustards, lions, leopards, snakes, turtles, zebras, some of which feed on the green grass during the wet season, while others prey on other animals and are referred to as predators.
The only way to experience the entire hot paradise is by paying a fee, which varies depending on your country of origin. Foreigners, in most cases, must obtain a visa and have a passport with six months of validity, while citizens can use their national IDs for easy identification. The entry fees are charged by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, with adult foreign non-residents paying 40 USD, foreign residents paying 30 USD, and East African citizens paying UGX 20,000. Children pay 20 USD for foreign non-residents, 10 USD for foreign residents, and East African citizens pay UGX 5,000.
Ugandan students are charged 3,000 UGX per person, while universities pay 5,000 UGX, and wildlife clubs pay 2,000 UGX. The annual entry fee for foreign residents is 30 USD per person and 350,000 UGX for East African citizens. A couple of foreign residents pay 600 USD, and 500,000 UGX. A family with a maximum of four children, foreign resident family, is charged 800 USD for an annual park entrance pass and 600,000 UGX for an East African citizen family.
Vehicle fees are also charged every 24 hours, except for concessionaire visitor vehicles that pay once per trip. Rescue vehicles are charged the same as other vehicles, including saloon cars, which foreign residents pay 40 USD, and East African citizens pay UGX 20,000. Minibuses for foreign residents are charged per vehicle, and for East African citizens, they are charged 30,000 UGX, while pickups for foreign residents are charged 50 USD per vehicle, and East African citizens pay 30,000 UGX. Tour company vehicles (wheel drives) for foreign residents are charged 150 USD per vehicle and 30,000 for East African citizens. Overlanders for foreigners pay 150 USD, while citizens pay UGX 100,000, and lorries for foreign residents are charged 200 USD, and 200,000 UGX for East African citizens. School buses pay 50,000 UGX per vehicle, and delivery vehicles are charged 20,000 per entry. Planes are also charged, where foreign resident gliders and microlights pay 10 USD and 20,000 UGX for East African tourists. Three-seater aircraft are charged 20 USD per landing for foreign residents, while citizens pay 40,000 UGX. Four to six-seater aircraft are charged 30 USD for foreign residents and 60,000 UGX for East African citizens.
Activities done at the National park include:
Kidepo Lonyili summit hike: A charge of 50 USD is charged per person for foreign residents, and 50,000 UGX for East African citizens to enjoy this activity, and that fee should be paid in advance.
Nature walk: Nature walks are scheduled during the day and late afternoon hours, with day walks charged at 15 USD for foreign non-residents and 10 USD for foreign residents, while East African citizens are charged 10,000 UGX per person. Early birds can see a variety of animals, with some active species hunting and taking care of their young ones during this time. The fiercer and shy species are visible in the late afternoon, some running after prey, while others look for a hiding place for the night. Visitors are advised to keep a distance and remain quiet not to attract their attention.
Birding in Kidepo National Park: Many tourists combine this activity with camping as it allows them to sit down with their binoculars while viewing different bird species. A certain fee is paid for this activity, including 30 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 30 USD for foreign residents, and 10,000 UGX for citizens from East African countries.
Hot air balloon Safari: This activity involves flying up in the air while viewing different species on the ground, including the green or brown vegetation depending on the season. The park is known to have a variety of visible animal species during this period, making it a popular time for tourists to visit. The balloon flights are done in shifts, with morning and evening shifts. The evening shift offers a breathtaking view, allowing tourists to see the glittering Kidepo National Park from the air.
Game drives: Game drives are also done in shifts, with morning and evening options. A fee is charged for day drives, with foreign non-residents paying 30 USD per person, foreign residents paying 30 USD per person, and East African citizens paying 30,000 UGX per person.
Accommodations in this park range from luxury to moderate and humble, with well-spaced rooms that can be single or double, depending on your booking. They come with a blue reflection swimming pool, a private balcony, a garden, and restaurants that serve 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 to mention a few.
The attractions at the park include Mountain Morungole, which is mostly visited and explored on foot with a game ranger. Apako Tourism Centre is home to an upmarket lodge and simple UWA-run cottages, where even game rangers are stationed to escort tourists on game drives. Other notable attractions in the park are Narus Valley, Kidepo Valley, Kanangorok Hot Springs, and Namamukweny Morungole, which is often described as a lonely place with few birds and people.
Kidepo is the best, most beloved national park you can visit. It offers all the comfort you need and will surely rekindle your lost joy. The decision to visit this exceptional national park in the Northern region of Uganda is in your hands.