Being in a semi-arid area, birdwatching in Kidepo National Park (Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park Uganda) offers a unique birding experience than any other safari destination in Uganda.

The checklist for birds in Kidepo Valley National Park goes over 476 bird species. Out of these, 60 birds haven’t been spotted anywhere in other national parks of Uganda. While birding in Kidepo Park, be expectant to spot numerous raptor species, as among Uganda parks, Kidepo is the best area to spot raptor bird species and even Somali Masai biome birds.

During Uganda birding safaris in Kidepo Park, most of the birding expeditions take place within Narus Valley, Kidepo Valley, and even around Apoka Rest Camp. Kidepo park birding tours give you a chance to spot unique birds such as the Common Ostrich, Secretary bird, Eastern Violet-backed sunbird, Karamoja Apalis, Abyssinian roller, Red-billed Oxpecker, Northern carmine bee eater, etc.

It’s challenging to go birding in Kidepo, and you miss spotting game animals like the big herds of zebras, Cape buffalos, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, lions, and many antelope species. If lucky, you can also encounter rare animals, including the bat-eared fox and side-stripped jackal.

Travelers who wish to see migratory bird species should visit Kidepo from November to April.

Continue below to explore much about Uganda birding safaris in Kidepo Park:

Where to Go Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park?

Visitors on Uganda bird watching tours in Kidepo Park usually visit specific regions (areas) of the park. The most popular areas include Narus Valley, the area around Apoka Camp as well as Kidepo Valley.

The following is a detail of Kidepo park bird watching spots:

Apoka Rest Camp and Around Park Headquarters

Apoka Rest Camp is just in southern Narus Valley. It’s normally the starting point for Kidepo Park birding safaris. This area mostly holds scattered thorn trees and it is where most of the birds are spotted.

Notable species of birds around Kidepo’s Apoka Camp include the Nubian Woodpecker, Superb Starlings, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Silverbird, Mosque Swallow, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Little Weaver, Marsh Tchagra, Vinaceous Dove, Piapiac, African Grey Flycatcher, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, small bands of Yellow-billed Shrikes, and other endemic birds.

Around the edge of this camp, there is a small permanent water hole that usually attracts numerous seedeaters for instance the yellow-rumped seedeater & four-banded sandgrouse. Black-rumped Waxbills can be seen in the tall grass next to the camp or along the normally dry stream bed adjacent to this camp.

Sometimes in the night, elephants, Cape Buffalos, and lions visit this waterhole.

Fringes of Narus Valley

Narus Valley holds the permanent water sources year-round within Kidepo Park. Therefore, in this region, you can spot water-loving birds in Kidepo Park. This expanse mainly features golden open plains that are dominated by short grasslands. Spotting birds in this area with breathtaking scenery is not hard!

Within Narus Valley, some areas are restricted to game drives only due to predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of Cape Buffalos as well.

Tourists birding in Kidepo Valley National Park Narus Valley will spot birds such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, white-bellied go away bird, vivacious bird, purple heron, white-bellied tit, Karamoja Apalis, eastern violet-backed sunbird, Marico Sunbird, white-headed buffalo-weaver, blue-headed coucal, and Hamerkop. Lappet-faced Vultures, Martial Eagle, Nubian Woodpeckers, Dark-chanting goshawks, Red-billed Oxpeckers, Bateleur, as well as Long-crested Eagles are common, slate coloured boubou, yellow billed shrike, mouse coloured penduline tit, etc.

Kidepo Valley Area

Much of the year, Kidepo Valley boasts open sandbanks surrounded by forest from desert palm trees. Within this region of Kidepo Park, travelers will spot special birds found in only Kidepo Valley National Park.

Bird species to spot in the Kidepo area include the common ostrich, Kori bustard, little green bee eater, mouse-colored penduline tit, northern white-crowned shrike, four-banded sand grouse, chestnut sparrow, rose-ringed parakeet, pygmy falcon, plus other different bird species.

Other amazing areas for Kidepo park bird watching expeditions;

• Namamkwenyi Valley
• Morungole Mountain range

List of Common Bird Species in Kidepo Valley National Park

Out of the many birds in Kidepo park, tourists on Uganda birding safaris in Kidepo park are usually interested in spotting the following birds:

Cost for Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park

Fees for birding in Kidepo Park are charged by the Uganda Wildlife Authority; they differ according to the nationality of the traveler.

Summary of the cost for Kidepo bird-watching expeditions;

• Foreign Non-Residents: 40 USD
• Foreign Residents: 30 USD
• Residents of East Africa: 30,000 UGX.

Best Time to Go Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park

Uganda birding safaris in Kidepo Park are possible any time of the year, but the months of March and April are ideal for seeing most bird species, including even the migratory birds. It rains the least from November to February and the most from June to August.

Since Kidepo Valley National Park is in a semiarid region of Uganda, rain is not a big issue. The best time for game viewing is around November and February, between the middle and end of the dry season.

Packing List for Kidepo Park Birding Safaris in Uganda

There are some crucial items that travelers on birding tours in Uganda can’t miss out on their safari pack list.

Below is the necessary packing list for bird watching in Kidepo Park:

1. The Field Guide Book will help you find and learn about the different kinds of birds that live in Kidepo Park.
2. A camera: with extra batteries to record the moments and take pictures of the different birds you’ll spot.
3. Binoculars: to see birds that are far away.
4. Light rain jacket: it’s of help in case rainfall finds you in the wilderness
5. Simple hiking boots: keep your feet safe as you go through savannah plains, wetland areas, forests, and woodlands while bird watching in Uganda Kidepo park.
6. Energy snacks: are ideal if you are to take a whole day birding expedition
7. Bottled water: to keep you hydrated during bird watching in the field. 1 litter is usually enough
8. Light day pack bag: to keep all your birding gear; field guidebook, rain jacket, water bottle, and camera

Other Safari Activities in Kidepo Park to Enjoy on Top of Bird Watching Tours

1. Game Drives in Kidepo Narus Valley

Missing out game drives in Kidepo park Narus Valley is a mess by tourists on Uganda wildlife safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park. These drives are intended to give visitors a chance to spot game animals in Uganda, including Lions, Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, Cape Buffalos, and elephants, as well as many Antelopes.

Just like it is in other Savannah parks of Uganda like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, game drives in Kidepo are also done in a tour vehicle guided by our expert driver guide.

Travelers can opt to go for morning game drives or evening game drives. Night game drives are not common in Kidepo due to some regions.

2. Undertaking Nature Walks in Kidepo Valley Area

In comparison between guided nature walks and game drives, nature walks offer a remarkable game-viewing adventure. Imagine that close encounter with the environment and game animals on foot!

Nature walks in Kidepo Valley National Park are usually done within the Kidepo Valley area in the company of an armed park ranger. Along this scenic and guided hike, you’ll look out for the common ostriches and also explore the breathtaking Kidepo River sand bed, especially in the dry season.

3. Climbing Mount Morungole

Mountain hiking lovers on the Kidepo Uganda wildlife safari tour should never miss out on this thrill. Hiking Mount Morungole doesn’t only allow you to have a wonderful hiking experience but it also offers you a cultural experience with the IK that lives on its slopes. These people have unique and amazing cultural traditions far different from other tribes of Uganda!

When you reach the summit of Mt. Morungole, 2,750 m above sea level, you’ll have amazing and brilliant views of Kidepo Park, the golden plains, and beyond.

4. Enjoy Cultural Encounters

It’s simple to supplement cultural encounters on your Uganda birding safaris in Kidepo Park. There are two options; you can either go for the Karamojong cultural experience or visit the IK on the slopes of Mount Morungole.

Normally, tourists on Uganda wildlife safari tours in Kidepo visit the Karamojong people. During this cultural adventure, you’ll explore the homesteads of the Karamajongs, interact with the elders, and finally enjoy a vibrant cultural dance performance.

Visitors are free to join the locals in the dance for a rewarding cultural experience!

Popular Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

Travelers on Uganda bird-watching safaris in Kidepo Park have numerous options for accommodation during their stay. Depending on your budget level, you can choose to use luxury, standard, or budget lodges. There is an option for using campsites as well.

Best accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park for travelers on bird watching expeditions;

• Apoka Safari Lodge
• Adere Safari Lodge
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge
• Apoka Safari Camp
• Nga Moru Wilderness Camp

FAQs About Kidepo Valley National Park Bird Watching Tours in Uganda

1. What Is Unique About Kidepo Valley National Park Birding Tours?

Uganda bird watching tours in Kidepo Valley National Park offer the best birding experience for visitors on Uganda safaris interested in spotting raptor bird species. It’s also the only Ugandan park to spot ostrich in the wild in Uganda.

2. Which National Park Has the Most Birds in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park holds the highest bird checklist in Uganda. This wonderful biodiverse park holds over 600 birds, including even migratory birds from Europe during the winter season. The other Ugandan national park with a healthy population of birds is Murchison Falls Park, with around 556 birds.

3. Where Can You Find the Most Birds in Kidepo Valley National Park?

Narus Valley is the main area for Kidepo Park bird-watching expeditions; however, visitors can also visit Kidepo Valley region as well as the area around Apoka Camp.

4. Which National Park in Uganda Is Famous for Ostriches?

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s only park to spot ostriches in the wild by tourists on Uganda wildlife safari tours.

5. What Animals Are in Kidepo Park?

Lions, leopards, Cape Buffalos, elephants, and numerous antelope species can be spotted in Kidepo Park, usually on a game drive. Within Uganda parks, Kidepo is the only place to spot ostriches and cheetahs.

6. What Is Famous in Kidepo Valley National Park?

Kidepo Valley National Park is famous for its rich game animals spotted within the beautiful sweeping savannah plains. The pristine scenery of this park makes it a true African wilderness and a must-visit for every safari lover of safaris in Africa.

Most visitors on Uganda bird watching safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park combine this adventure with other activities. The most popular include game drives, nature walks, cultural encounters, and even Mount Morungole hiking expeditions.

From a wonderful experience in tailoring Uganda birding safaris, we can tailor your trip to feature chimpanzee trekking or gorilla trekking.

Email our friendly team if you have any inquiries about Uganda birding tours.