Kanangorok Hot Springs in Kidepo Valley National Park is a magical supernatural wonder! This geothermal feature holds hot with temperatures going over 500C.

Normally, travelers on Uganda wildlife safaris in Kidepo park explore Kanangorok Hot Spring while on guided nature walks in the Kidepo Valley region. The hot spring is just 11km from the Kidepo River on the South Sudan border. It’s a glorious place to sit and view the mountains and the beautiful savannah plains in the Karamoja area.

Local people believe that the hot spring water in Kanangorok hot springs contains some healing powers or spiritual cleansing! Therefore, expect to find locals bathing within. Within the thickets around this hot spring, visitors can spot Greater kudus, Speckle fronted weavers, Secretary birds, Jackson’s hornbills, and even the Ostriches.

Interesting Facts About Kanangorok Hot Springs in Kidepo Valley National Park

The term “Kanangorok” is a local Karamojong dialect which translates as a place of black stones.

Being the only hot spring in the Karamoja region, the spectacular Kanangorok hot springs is an essential destination worth exploring by tourists on game viewing safaris in Kidepo Park. As it is situated approximately 40km from Apoka Rest Camp, adventures to this geothermal feature provide an opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife species, such as Burchell’s zebras, Elands, Rothschild giraffes, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalos,  Greater kudus, leopards, Hyenas, Lions, and many others.

Science holds Kanangorok hot spring formation! It’s due to geothermal reactions under the Earth crust that heat the underground water. When pressure increases, the heated water is forced up through fissures.

Around Kanangorok hot spring is a traditional and cultural village of natives. These people consider Kanangorok to hold spiritual powers, able to bless, give wealth, and birth to infertile ladies. Therefore, local communities normally offer sacrifices to this magical site to please the spirits.

A Legend About Kanangorok Hot Spring

In the past, the Karamoja region and territories as far as present-day South Sudan were affected by a prolonged drought. At the time, the African traditional king dispatched an adolescent named Longorok to collect water from the Southern ends (Kidepo park) in a traditional gourd.

A heavy cloud of rain formed on his return journey with the water in a gourd, and it was subsequently followed by heavy rainfall. According to legend, upon reaching the location of the Kanangorok hot spring, an unexpected flash of lightning hit. The bright lightning blinded him and Longorok suddenly died (eventually he collapsed to the ground), and the gourd poured out water.

Natives believe that the spectacular Kanangorok hot springs were formed after water mixed with blood flowing from Longorok’s corpse, following his sudden death. To this day, locals from both near and far travel to the Kanangorok hot springs to pay respect to the ancestors or appease the spirits. Some even bathe in the hot springs as it holds the power to cure many body ailments.

Around this hot spring is a foul smell. According to science, this geothermal feature emits some Sulphur compounds.

Best Time to Visit Kanangorok Hot Spring in Kidepo Valley National Park

The Kanangorok hot spring is accessible year-round; however, the dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February, is the preferred time for exploration. During this time, the roadways in Kidepo Valley National Park are less difficult to navigate and are drier, making it easier to access the hot springs.

Also, in the dry season, the views of the magnificent landscapes around with different vegetation zones are remarkable. It’s possible to encounter several wildlife species as you hike to explore the beautiful hot springs just near Kidepo River. Ostriches, & Secretary birds are the notable birds in this region.

Getting to Kanangorok Hot Springs in Kidepo Valley National Park

Getting to Kanangorok Hot Springs in Kidepo Valley National Park is not easy however, the walk through the grassland forest with its thorny acacia trees, bushes, tall grass, and thickets is worth it.

As you hike to explore this glorious place with powers to hill many body ailments, sighting rare wildlife species is common. Kanangorok hot spring is between two hard rocks. It is marked by boiling water that comes up through cracks and out of rock outcrops to the Earth’s surface. The water moves at a speed of about 1 liter per second with a temperature of 500C.

Travelers who come to this beautiful hot springs can see different types of plants and have unique experiences with the natural beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park. Through savannah fields, bushlands and shrubs, and wooded areas, you can get to the Kidepo Valley Borassus palm forests. You can expect to see animals at random, especially Cape buffaloes & Elephants.

Various visitors intending to explore this natural wonder with powers to heal body illnesses and bless people start their journey from Apoka Tourism Center. This adventure can also start from Entebbe International Airport.

Accommodation in Kidepo National Park Near Kanangorok Hot Springs

Visitors on wildlife tours in Kidepo Valley National Park within north eastern Uganda have numerous options for accommodation. From your lodge, our driver guide will pick you up and connect to the Kidepo Valley region where this hot spring is found.

These are the notable lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park to use as you explore Kanangorok Hot Spring;

• Apoka Safari Lodge
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge
• Apoka Rest Camp
• Adere Safari Lodge

Other Attractions in Kidepo Park

Apart from exploring Kanangorok hot spring- a geothermal feature with healing powers, tourists will also explore numerous attractions in this beautiful national park including colorful birds, and game animals to mention but a few.

Here are other interesting things to see in Kidepo Park;

• Game Animals- Kidepo is rich in game animals; This beautiful national park is home to all the big game animals except the Rhino. Other animals include big herds of Zebras, Reedbucks, Topis, Hartebeests, Uganda kobs, Cheetahs, and Hyenas to mention but a few game animals in East Africa. Game drives and game walks are possible.

In Kidepo, night game drives can be done but, a few visitors go for it. The night game drive start at 6:30 or 7 pm.

• Bird Species in Kidepo Valley National Park; Among the many birds to look for include the Common Ostrich, Secretary bird, Karamoja Apalis, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Red-and-yellow barbet, etc.
• Kidepo Valley; This is a stunning section in Kidepo park for nature walks on the bed of Kidepo River- which dries up in the dry season. Few game animals dwell in this area but its spectacular beauty is worth exploring.
• Narus Valley; This is the main area for game drives in Kidepo park. The region features sprawling golden savannah plains dotted with various animal species. While on the game drive here, be expectant to encounter Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Hyenas, Cheetahs, plus an array of bird species.
• Mountain Morungole– home to the Ik People

Some FAQs About Kanangorok Hot Springs

1. Which National Park Has the Most Hot Springs in Uganda?

Most of the national parks in Uganda including Queen Elizabeth National Park don’t have hot springs.  A few of the parks with these geothermal features include Semuliki National Park in western Uganda as well as Kidepo park in eastern Uganda.

2. How Many Springs Are in Uganda?

Uganda features many hot springs but, tourists on Uganda safari tours normally visit; Sempaya hot spring waters, Kitagata Hot spring, and Kibiro hot springs. Among others include Ihimba hot spring, and Rwagimba hot spring. Most of them are believed to hold ancestral healing powers that can cure body ailments.

3. Can You Get in the Springs In Kidepo Park?

There is a point around Kanangorok Hot Spring where locals take a natural sauna. For a great safari experience, some visitors also enjoy this experience. According to science, the mineral component found in the waters of this hot spring near the South Sudan borderline can ill diseases, especially skin ailments.

4. What Is Special About Hot Springs in Kidepo Park?

According to locals, Kanangorok hot spring holds healing powers (spiritual cleansing) therefore, visitors will find natives around bathing to be healed.

In summary, don’t let anyone tell you about the spectacular Kanangorok Hot Springs! It’s very easy to reach this magical site during your Kidepo safari tour in north eastern Uganda. According to the locals, this hot spring holds the power to cure body complaints as well as offer blessings.