Kidepo Valley National Park is located near Karenga in Kaabong District, in the northeastern part of Uganda. The park is around 220 kilometres, by road northwest of Moroto, the biggest town in the sub-region. It is about 520 kilometers, by road, northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and biggest city. The northwestern border of the park runs along the international border with Bira, South Sudan, and borders against its Kidepo Game Reserve.
Kidepo Valley National Park is a 1,442 square kilometers national park in the Karamoja region in northeast Uganda. Kidepo is a rugged savannah, dominated by the 2,750-meter Mount Morungole and transected by the Kidepo and Narus rivers.
The Ketebo or Mening are the earliest residents of the area, who had been living here since 1800. It was gazetted as a game reserve by the British colonial government in 1958, and the people were evicted. The purpose was both to save the animals from hunting and to control different clearing of bush for tsetse fly-control. The displacement of the resident people and the resulting famine, mainly the Ketebo people who were forcefully migrated to different areas within Bira such as Napotpot, Kalo Kudo, Namosingo, Loriwo, and Naurkori in South Sudan, was noted by park management as an example of the inappropriate outcomes of not taking residents needs into history when establishing reserves.
The park has two major valley systems, the Kidepo and Narus Rivers. The valley bottoms lie between 3,000 feet and 4,000 feet. Kanangorok (also spelled Kananorok or Kanatarok) is a neutral hot spring in the extreme north of the park, in Lotukei, South Sudanese boundary. This spring is the most endless source of water in the park.
The soil in the park is grey. In the Kidepo Valley, black chalky clay and sandy-clay soil predominate, while the Narus Valley has freer-draining red clays and soils. Most of the park has open tree savannah. Because of differences in rainfall with yearly averages of 89 cm in Narus and 64 cm in the Kidepo valleys, vegetation and animal populations differ between the two valleys.
Narus is a name given by the Ketebo Clan which were the people living in the Valley. Primary grasses in the Narus Valley are the shorter red oat grass taller bunchy Guinea grass and fine thatching grass. Typical trees in the dry places are red thorn acacias, desert dates, and to a smaller size drumstick trees. Sausage trees and fan palms line the water courses, and the shorter monkey bread and Buffalo thorn trees are also in the park. Yearly water makes River Kidepo an oasis in the semi-desert which brings almost 86 animal species including spotted hyena, lion, cheetah, African leopard, African wild dog, African bush elephant, giraffe, zebra, African buffalo, bat-eared fox, Rothschild’s giraffe, and nearly 500 bird species.
Discover Kidepo Valley National Park
If you are dreaming of an adventure in Kidepo Valley National Park, you are in the right place. The park is known for its stunning landscapes and various wildlife, Kidepo is a must-visit destination for every traveler. Let us guide you on how to get there and make your trip as smooth as possible with our reliable car rental services.
Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park
1. By Air: The fastest way to reach Kidepo is by flying into Kidepo Airstrip. Planned flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo are available, making it a suitable option for travelers looking to save time. Once you land, you can easily pick up a rental car from us at FK Car Rental Uganda to start your adventure.
2. By Road: If you prefer a road trip, Kidepo Valley National Park is accessible by car from different cities in Uganda:
- From Kampala – The journey takes around 12-14 hours. The most common route is via Gulu, where you can stop for refreshments before continuing north.
- From Gulu – It’s about a 4-5 hour drive to Kidepo, a scenic route that will have you in the beauty of Uganda’s landscapes.
- From Kitgum – This is the closest route, taking around 2-3 hours, perfect for those staying nearby.
Renting a Car with FK Car Rental Uganda
To make your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park smooth and enjoyable, renting a car with FK Car Rental Uganda is the ideal choice. Here’s how we can help;
1. Wide Range of Cars – Whether you need a compact car for solo travel or a 4×4 for rugged terrain, we have a various fleet to meet your needs. All our cars are well-maintained and prepared for your comfort.
2. Flexible Rental Options – We offer both short-term and long-term rentals, allowing you to choose what fits your travel plans best.
3. Affordable Rates – Our competitive pricing ensures that you get the best value without compromising on quality. Plus, no hidden fees!
4. Expert Guidance – Our reservations team is ready to provide you with all the information you need about your trip, including the best routes, nearby attractions, and travel tips for Kidepo Valley.
5. Easy Booking Process – Book your car online or contact us directly to discuss your requirements. We are here to help you get the best.
Don’t let transportation hold you back. Rent a car with FK Car Rental Uganda and embark on an unforgettable journey. For more information or To rent a car to Kidepo Valley National Park with a driver, self-drive adventure, or book a Uganda car rental service today, simply contact us now at info@fkcarrentaluganda.com or call us now at Airtel;– (+256-707457134 ), Whatsapp;– (+256-774784213) to speak or chat with our team.
