Game drives in Kidepo National Park offer the best game-viewing safari experience for travelers on Uganda wildlife safaris. While on the Kidepo Valley National Park game drive, you’ll encounter thousands of game animals in a beautiful golden landscape—referred to as the true African wilderness by CNN in 2018.

Much of Kidepo Park’s terrain is flat, with scenic undulating hills scattered in a few spots. The vegetation of Kidepo Valley National Park is mostly grassland and savannah that spread into horizons beyond what your eyes can see. These natural conditions make spotting gems less difficult and game viewing is highly successful.

Game drives in Uganda Kidepo Park are mostly done in the morning; however, even evening game drives are possible. Due to some security reasons, night game drives are hardly done! Whether you are on a morning game drive or an evening game drive in Kidepo Valley Park, expect to spot many game animals.

Visitors on Kidepo safaris and game drives should be eager to spot big herds of Buffalos, Zebras, African Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Bushbucks, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Topis, Elands, Giraffes, and Oribis, to mention but a few. Lucky visitors can also encounter the endangered rare park wildlife species of Kidepo Park, including the Bat-eared fox,

Visit Kidepo National Park during the dry season for a better game-watching experience. It’s possible to add other Uganda wildlife safaris, for instance, chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking adventures. Book your trip with us for a notable safari holiday in Uganda.

Areas for Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park game drives are done in only two regions. These areas are discussed below:

i). Game Drives in Narus Valley

Situated south of Apoka, the Narus Valley is Kidepo Park’s prime game viewing area, as wildlife congregates here for much of the year. Game animals in the Narus area are more abundant during the later dry season from January to March, when the Narus River is the only reliable water source in the park.

Visitors on Kidepo Uganda game-watching tours can explore the Narus Valley region using 2 stunning game tracks, both around 15-20km long, running in the south from Apoka.

Circuits for game drives in the Narus Valley Area

The circuits for game drives in Narus Valley include the Kakine Circuit, whose centerpiece, Kakine Rock, also known as Lion Rock, is often frequented by lions, and the Katurum Circuit, named after a currently disused Cliffside lodge built in the Amin era.

What to see During a Game Drive in Kidepo Narus Valley

A landmark along the road connecting these mentioned two game tracks is a pair of lily-covered crocodile ponds, which often attract large herds of buffaloes and host a wide variety of waterbird species such as;  African jacanas, yellow-billed storks, white-faced whistling ducks, and numerous herons and egrets.

On either circuit, you should look out for big herds of Elephants.  Usually, they are in a herd of 20–30 elephants that come here to drink from the river in the midmorning before moving back to more remote grazing areas of the park in the afternoon. In most cases, elephants are quite relaxed around safari vehicles.

Narus Valley is also famous for huge herds of buffaloes that are frequently encountered around Apoka. These attract the pride of around 20 individuals who come to prey on them.

Other large mammals to see during game drives in the Uganda Kidepo Narus region include Burchell’s zebras, Rothschild’s giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, warthogs, Bohor reedbucks, Elands, and Oribis.

Note that wildlife is most active in the Narus Valley during early mornings and late afternoons. Between 6 am and 4 pm are optimum times to set off on game drives.

ii). Game Drives in Kidepo Valley Region

Compared to the Narus Valley, the dry Kidepo Valley is short on big game but massive on scenery!

The game track in the Kidepo Valley region crosses the dry, white sand bed of the Kidepo River to enter an expansive plain bordered to the east by the Morungule mountain range and to the north by the towering, 2975-meter-high Jebel Lotuke in South Sudan. The hour-long drive to Kanangorok Hot Springs passes some breathtaking landscapes.

Although mammals are rare in this region, the scenery is breathtaking. Among the few wildlife species in this area are the common ostrich and secretary bird species, as well as the lesser and greater kudus.

Sessions for Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

 Game drives in Uganda Kidepo Valley National Park can be done at different times of the day.  Below, let’s look at the sessions for Kidepo Valley National Park game drives:

1. Morning Game Drives

Morning game drives in Uganda Kidepo National Park offer the best game safari experience within this park, as game animals are so active in their natural habitat. The expeditions for morning game drives start at around 6 am.

Normally tourists go out into the Savannah Plains to search for game animals after taking warm coffee from their lodge.

Elephants, Lions, Zebras, Leopards, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, Elands, and many other animals are the highlights of the early morning game drive. The Narus Valley becomes a watering hole during the dry seasons, and all of these species congregate there. Large Buffalo herds will amaze you.

In your tour vehicle with a rooftop for game-watching, you’ll drive through numerous routes in search of the game animals.

For safety regions in the bush, you should go with a park ranger guide. These rangers know where the animals were last seen. To further enhance your chances of viewing wildlife, they are also knowledgeable of the best pathways to follow.

Usually, lions in Kidepo Park are spotted in the Savannah Plains on granite outcrops. On Leopard Rock, you can spot the elusive leopard enjoying the mid-morning and afternoon light.

It’s possible to have breakfast after a morning game dive, which takes around 3-4 hours. The stunning Savannah plains, rock outcrops, and beautiful mountain ranges in the backdrop make this adventure so rewarding.

2. Evening Game Drive

When the sun goes down, cats emerge from their hiding places. In preparation for the deadly night ahead, the antelopes undertake one last round of grazing. Amazing wildlife interactions are made possible by the cool breeze gently sweeping across the beautiful Savannah grassland.

There are numerous possibilities to observe cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and lion pride in action as they go out to hunt.

In Kidepo Valley National Park, normally tourists go for the evening safari drive after lunch. This can be from around 3 pm to 6 pm.

3. Night Game Drive in Kidepo Valley National Park

Night game drives in Kidepo Park can start at around 7 pm and usually run for 2 hours. A night game drive gives you room to spot nocturnal animals that are difficult to spot during the day game drive, for instance, leopards, Guenther’s dik-dik, reedbucks, and even lion pride.

Note that no or few tourists do night game drives in Uganda Kidepo Park due to some insecurity reasons, especially from poachers—the Pokot People. The government, through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is doing its best to ensure safety in this protected area in northeastern Uganda.

During the night game drive, expect to spot predators such as leopards feeding on their hunted prey.

How Much Is a Game Drive in Kidepo National Park Uganda?

There is an entrance fee to Kidepo Valley National Park that visitors must pay if they wish to go on a safari drive. Non-resident foreigners must pay 40 USD per person, foreign residents must pay 30 USD per person, and East African citizens must pay 20,000 USD per person.

During a day safari drive, Kidepo Park entrance fees also cover the drive. These charges are paid to the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Best Time for Game Drives in Kidepo Park- When is the Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park?

Kidepo Valley National Park game drives are best done during the dry season, which runs from September to March. This is the ideal time to see many animals easily around water holes as water in the entire park dries up.

Uganda’s Kidepo Park being situated in a semi-arid environment, it is open for tourists throughout the entire year.

Temperatures reduce during the months of April through August, which are known as the rainy season. During this time of year, bird watching is also wonderful—spotting them in their breeding plumage.

Precautions to Follow During Game Drives in Uganda Kidepo Valley National Park

In order to have a successful wildlife safari in Kidepo park, visitors on Kidepo Uganda game-watching tours must follow the following guidelines:

• During a game safari, you should never attempt to exit the vehicle unless you are told by the guide. Because the animals in the park are wild and unpredictable, it is best to see them from the safety of your car rather than from the ground.
• During the safari drive, never make noise in order to prevent upsetting the animals. This gives you room to see more; thus, a notable wildlife-watching adventure.
• Maintain a safe distance from the animals and desist from engaging in any acts that may upset or disrupt them.
• Never go off the track during the safari drive. You’ll be charged heavily!
• Sounding motor horns in the game park is strictly not allowed. This disrupts game animals.
• Brings dogs or any other pet in the park is not allowed
• Never litter in the park during the game drive safari trip. This can be harmful to the wild animals and it’s against the goals for sustainable tourism in Uganda
• Never exceed the 40km/hr speed limit during the game drive in Kidepo Valley park and even while in other savannah national parks of Uganda
• Park gates in Kidepo are open from 7 am to 7 pm

Before embarking on a game safari thrill, it is important to familiarize oneself with the rules and regulations that govern the park. The purpose of these rules is to protect the health and safety of both the people who visit the park and the animals that live there.

Packing List for a Game Drive in Kidepo Valley National Park

Travelers on wildlife viewing safaris in Kidepo Park should have the following safari items for a remarkable game drive safari in this park found in the northeastern part of Uganda.

A summary of the items to bring on a game-watching tour in Kidepo;

1. Sunhat and sunglasses
2. Enough drinking water to keep your body hydrated
3. Camera to take photos
4. Insect repellants
5. Safari clothes that blend well in nature
6. A pair of binoculars
7. Warm sweater
8. Simple day pack bag
9. Personal toiletries
10. Wet wipes
11. Simple medical kit

Best Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

There are wonderful lodges in Kidepo for all classes of visitors coming for game driving tours in this stunning park of Uganda—a must-visit tourist destination in the northeastern corner of Uganda—the Karamoja region, near the South Sudan border.

Here Are the Most Popular Kidepo Park Accommodations:

• Apoka Safari Lodge: Apoka Lodge is one of the most common lodges in Kidepo, a golden park near South Sudan border
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge
• Adere Safari Lodge
• Apoka Rest Camp. At this facility, it’s possible to see some wildlife found in Kidepo Park.

Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park in North Eastern Uganda

Kidepo National Park is situated in the northeastern region of Uganda. It is accessible by road transport, and to reach the park headquarters, you will need to drive from Kampala to Karuma, Gulu, and Kitgum. This journey can take about 10 hours’ drive. Numerous stopovers can be made for example, in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and even in Kitgum Town, among others.

It’s also possible to access Kidepo Park by air, and in order to do so, you will need to arrange either scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Apoka Airstrip. From there, you will be able to connect to the park headquarters.

Other Wonderful Activities in Kidepo Park for Travelers

1. Nature walks
2. Bird-watching tours
3. Cultural encounters with IK and Karamojong people
4. Visit Kanangorok Hot Springs

To wind up, going for Kidepo Park game drives is the best way to encounter most of the game animals, including the big five and other grazers in this beautiful park. In a safari vehicle, you’ll go through a golden African wilderness dotted with thousands of game animals. This thrill is indeed a remarkable game-watching adventure and a must-do for every traveler on Uganda wildlife safaris.