Kidepo Valley National park covers an area of 1,442 sq km and is located in the northern Eastern part of Uganda on the border with Sudan. Lying in the rugged, semi-arid valleys of Karamoja province, the Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It harbours scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa as well as great numbers of faunal and floral species. The vegetation can best be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forests.
Visitors can also go to view the splendid Kidepo valley dominated by borassus palm forest; its wide flat river-bed is dry for most of the year. Visitors may enjoy picnic on the sand, and the sound of palm leaves in constant motion in the wind. From the Kidepo valley, visitors may also visit the Kanagorok hot springs which are located only 11km Kidepo river valley.
The mountain and savannah of the park is spectacular. The Narus valley in south west of the park; the rugged Napore-Nyagea mountain range forms its western boundary. Separating it from the Kidepo Valley in the north east, are the Lokayot hills. To the north in the Sudan are the Lotukei Mountains and the Morungole range marks the southern boundary of the park.
Accommodation
The park also runs a self catering hostel comprising of 14 bandas each with two beds. It offers cooking facilities only but may provide visitors with basic drinks (beer and soda). Apoka Rest Camp managed by Uganda Safari Company provides food and bedding for up market on full board basis. The park has two ‘do it yourself” campsites. However provision of water, firewood and charcoal can be arranged.