Self-Game Drives Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

Self-Game Drives Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park: Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the magnificent national parks in Uganda located in the remote Karamoja region in Kaabong district between the Uganda and South Sudan border.  Kidepo Valley National Park is the country’s third largest national park and was gazetted in 1958 due to its beautiful and breathtaking landscape and abundant wildlife species. The park covers a total area of 1442 square kilometers and is comprised of savannah vegetation, hills, valleys like Kidepo and Narus Valley, Mount Morungole among others. The park houses about 77 mammal species, 475 bird species several reptiles, and flora such as the smallest antelope, cheetahs, ostriches, and Karamoja Apalis are endemic to Kidepo Valley National Park. One of the best ways to explore this captivating park is by embarking on a self-game drive safari.

Self-game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park allow visitors to explore the park at their own pace without the private sector tour guide or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Ranger Guide and immerse themselves in the stunning remote natural beauty that surrounds them. The park is home to a variety of animals including 4 of the Big 5 African animals such as lions, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards as well as captivating bird species. With its diverse ecosystems ranging from savannah plains to hills, mountains and valleys, Kidepo Valley National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife in their natural habitat.

visitors can embark on a self-game drive in their own vehicle, preferably a 4WD vehicle due to the rugged terrain and remote location of the park. The park has well-maintained roads and tracks that are suitable for self-driving, but is important to adhere to the park rules and regulations to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. Visitors are advised to stay in their vehicles at all times and keep a safe distance from the animals.

During your self-game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park, you’ll have the chance to spot some of the park’s most iconic inhabitants such as the elusive cheetahs, leopards and the unique Rothschild’s giraffes. The park is also known for its large herds of buffaloes and elephants as well as a wide variety of antelope species, including the Jackson’s hartebeest and Uganda Kobs.

One of the highlights of a self-game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park is the astonishing scenery that the park offers. From the rolling plains and rugged mountains to the Narus and Kidepo valleys, visitors are treated to unique views and photo opportunities at every turn. The park is also home to the iconic Kotido and Narus Rivers, offering visitors the chance to witness congregating around the water sources.

For those looking for a unique and unforgettable safari experience off the path, a self-game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park is the perfect choice; by exploring the park independently and getting up close and personal with the wildlife and scenery, visitors can create memories that will last a lifetime in this remote and captivating wilderness.

In addition to self-game drives, visitors to Kidepo Valley National Park can also enjoy other activities such as day game drives, birding, hiking and nature walks, and cultural encounters among others. Self-game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park are an adventurous activity that can also be combined with other exciting activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park among others.

The cost of a self-game drive safari at Kidepo Valley National Park

The cost of a self- gam drive safari in Kidepo Valley National Park is US$ 10 per person for both foreign non-resident and foreign residents and UGX 10,000 per person for East African citizens including Ugandans. This amazing activity is conducted without a private sector tour guide or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger guide.  You will pay Park entrance fees in order to access the national park and it costs $40 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 20,000 for East African residents.

How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in the remote northeastern corner of remote Karamoja region in Kaabong district between the Uganda and South Sudan border, which is approximately 410 km by road from Kampala. when getting to kidepo valley national park, you can enter using different gates depending on the direction you’re coming from

The Kalokudu Gate, this gate is one of the main entrances to kidepo valley national park, the gate offers access to the Kalokudo area. This area is known for its abundant wildlife, including lions, buffaloes and elephants. Visitors on a self-game drive can enjoy a game drives and bird-watching opportunities in this scenic part of the park

The Apoka Gate, the Apoka gate is located near the park’s headquarters and offers access to the Apoka area, where visitors on a self-game drive enjoy their game drives, nature walks and cultural interactions with the local Karamojong community. The area is also home to Narus Valley a lush savannah landscape teeming with wildlife including lions, buffaloes and elephants among others.

The Lopie Gate, this gate is situated in the western part of the park, offering access to the Lopie area. This area is characterized by vast savannah plains and is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras and several antelopes. Visitors on a self-game drive have the opportunity to marvel at game drives and birdwatching in this scenic part of the park.

The Lotukei Gate, is another important entry point to the park, the gate offers access to the Lotukei area. This area is known for its stunning landscape and rugged terrain, making it a prime spot for hiking and nature explorations, visitors on a self-game drive can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains hike spotting wildlife such as hyenas, jackals and warthogs.

The Nataruk Gate, this scenic gate is located in the northern part of the park, offering access to the Nataruk area. This area is known for its diverse wildlife, with over 450 bird species recorded in the park. Visitors on a self-game drive can embark on an amazing birdwatching safari to spot a wide variety of bird species such as ostriches, vultures and hornbills.

Where to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park

There are a number of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, midrange and budget where you can stay while on an Uganda night game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park such as Apoka Safari Lodge, Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp, Mara Safari Lodge, Kidepo, Karatunga Safari Camp, Katurum Lodge, Apoka Rest Camps, Kidepo Savannah Lodge and Zebra’s Safari Lodge, Kidepo, among others.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Self-game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris which offers the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.