Things to see and do Kidepo Valley National Park

The beautiful Kidepo Park can be explored on four wheels (motorized) or two feet (well-shod). The inveterate walkers will opt for a guided nature walk . Between the short walk around Apoka, where zebras and antelopes are waiting for you, and the ascent of one of the peaks (like Lonyili) punctuating the perimeter of this wildlife sanctuary, it is the hikes on the trails of Kakine, Rionomoe and Katurum, in the south of the park, that attract visitors (count 15 US$). On these trails, there is a good chance of spotting elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and, if you are lucky, lions. If you appreciate being in direct contact with the bush, you can extend the experience by spending the night (20 000 Ush/person) in one of the two rudimentary camps (sanitary facilities, fireplace...) and guarded by the UWA, in Kakine, whose surroundings are tasted by big cats, and in Nagusokopire, not far from the Savannah Lodge (reservation and payment with the UWA staff in Apoka). Besides birding (US$ 30), game drive is the other main activity in the park. If you have your own vehicle, you can explore the park at your leisure. However, a trip to Apoka can be a good idea as UWA sells maps of the park (30 000 Ush). Moreover, hiring a guide (20 US$) multiplies your chances to flush out the four-footed beasts. On the other hand, the night game drive (from 7pm to 10pm) requires the presence of a mahout (40 US$/person) and the prior registration of your vehicle. The visit to the hot springs of Kanatarok, not far from the South Sudanese border, must also be done in the company of a ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you do not have a car, the UWA provides a vehicle for visitors (US$30/person for the day and US$40/person for the night, not including the optional or compulsory hiring of a guide), provided that there are at least three people in the car. If you are staying in Karenga, you will have to reach Apoka by boda-boda or, as a last resort, by using the UWA (count 100 000 Ush per car). The daytime game drives organized by the Ugandan agency take place at the beginning (6am-6.30pm) and at the end of the day (4pm); they usually last between two and two and a half hours. Last but not least, Apoka Safari Lodge guests have the option of two game drives, included in the price of the overnight stay, in a private vehicle driven by a friendly and competent guide.