Kidepo Valley National Park: Uganda's Remote Wilderness
Wide valleys, mountain backdrops and few visitors in Uganda's far north-east.
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the far north-east of Uganda, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. Its wide savannah valleys, mountain horizons and lack of crowds give it a wilderness feel that is hard to find elsewhere in the country, and the park is home to wildlife that is rare or absent in other Ugandan parks.
Kidepo takes more time and planning to reach, so it suits travellers with at least four days or those willing to fly. See the 4-day Kidepo safari and our fly-in options.
At a glance
- Location: Far north-east Uganda
- Main attraction: Remote savannah wilderness and wildlife
- Also see: Mountain scenery, birding, Karamojong culture
- Typical stay: Three to four nights
- Getting there: A long road journey from Kampala or a scheduled or charter flight
What to Do in Kidepo
- Game drives across the Narus Valley and the plains, with chances for lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and more.
- Guided nature walks in the valleys.
- Birding in a park known for a wide range of species.
- Cultural visits to nearby Karamojong communities.
How to Get to Kidepo
The road journey from Kampala is among the longest in the country, usually a full day or more. Most visitors who are short of time fly from Entebbe or Kajjansi. See the distance guide.
Best Time to Visit
Kidepo has a long dry season and is generally easiest to visit then, particularly for game viewing. Roads can be affected in the rains, so confirm conditions when you book. See our season guide.
Is Kidepo Right for You?
Kidepo rewards travellers who want solitude and landscape over convenience. If you have only a week and want gorillas as well, consider fitting Kidepo into a longer trip such as the 16-day Big Five and primates safari.
Why Kidepo Feels Different
Kidepo Valley National Park is in the far north-east of Uganda, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. It is remote, wide and dramatic, with open savannah surrounded by mountains. The park is home to animals you may not see in other Ugandan parks, such as cheetah and ostrich, as well as lions, elephants, buffalo and many birds. Because it receives fewer visitors, game drives are often quiet.
Getting to Kidepo and How Long to Stay
The drive from Kampala is long, so many travellers choose to fly in from Entebbe or Kajjansi, or combine it with Sipi in a loop. See fly-in safari packages and driving distances. We recommend at least three nights so the journey is worth the effort. Our 4-day Kidepo wildlife safari gives a good introduction.
Culture Around Kidepo
The surrounding region is home to the Karamojong and other communities. Cultural visits can be arranged for those who want to understand local life. Be respectful, ask before photographing people and follow your guide's advice. Also see cultural safaris in Uganda.
Kidepo Fees at a Glance
| Activity | FNR | FR | EAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entrance (adult) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Guided day game drive (per guide) | $20 | $15 | UGX 20,000 |
| Night game drive (per person) | $30 | $20 | UGX 50,000 |
| Birding and nature walks | $25 | $20 | UGX 20,000 |
| Lonyili summit hike | $50 | $40 | UGX 50,000 |
| Hiking Lomej | $40 | $30 | UGX 30,000 |
| Self game drive (per vehicle) | $10 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
Airstrip pick-up is UGX 50,000 and Karenga UGX 100,000. See Lonyili and Lomej.
About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.
Safaris That Include Kidepo Valley National Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
Plan Your Kidepo Valley National Park Safari
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Related Uganda Safari Activity Guides
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda safaris and tours, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.