Flying Safari to Kidepo Valley National Park

Flying Safari to Kidepo Valley National Park

Are you ready to explore one of Uganda’s most breathtaking wildlife parks? Kidepo Valley National Park, often referred to as the “True African Wilderness,” is an incredible destination for a flying safari. At Excursia Adventures, we specialize in creating tailor-made packages that align with your budget and expectations. Our expert safari consultants are dedicated to providing prompt assistance, typically responding to inquiries within 30 minutes.

Why Choose a Flying Safari?

Given Kidepo Valley’s remote location—miles away from Kampala and Entebbe—many travelers opt for flying safaris to avoid the long drive. This allows you to maximize your time in the park, immersing yourself in its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

About Kidepo Valley National Park

Situated in the far northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park borders South Sudan and Kenya. The park spans an impressive 1,442 square kilometers, predominantly covered by savannah grassland. Its breathtaking scenery includes Mount Morungole, Narus Valley, and the seasonal Kidepo Valley River. Known for its untouched beauty, Kidepo remains one of Uganda’s lesser-explored national parks. However, with the recent introduction of flights, visiting Kidepo is more accessible than ever.

Established as a national park in 1958, Kidepo was created to protect wildlife from poaching and habitat destruction. The local communities, including the Ik and Karamojong people, faced significant challenges, leading many to migrate to neighboring regions. Since then, the park has flourished, now hosting over 80 mammal species, with 28 indigenous to the region, as well as over 450 bird species. This rich biodiversity makes Kidepo a fantastic destination for all types of safari enthusiasts.

Flights and Travel Seasons

Flying to Kidepo Valley National Park is efficient and convenient, with several reliable operators, including Aerolink and Kampala Executive Aviation. Scheduled flights take about one hour from Entebbe to Kidepo Valley. Departures occur on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, so plan your trip accordingly.

Check-in is required an hour before departure, and flights may occasionally include stops at Pakuba or Bugungu Airstrips in Murchison Falls National Park to pick up additional passengers. Keep in mind that scheduled flights require a minimum of four passengers. If your group is smaller, you’ll need to pay for extra seats to meet this requirement. Weather can also affect flight schedules, but operators will always keep you informed of any delays.

For more flexibility, charter flights are available, allowing you to fly on any date of your choice, depending on your budget.

Accommodation Options

Accommodations near Kidepo Valley National Park offer a range of options to suit various budgets. Most are conveniently located within an hour of the airstrip:

• Luxury Option: Apoka Safari Lodge – The best lodge in the park, renowned for its exceptional service and value for money.
• Mid-Range Options: Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, and Adere Safari Lodge.
• Budget Accommodation: Apoka UWA Bandas – A simple yet comfortable option, though it’s advisable to bring your own food.

How to Book Your Flying Safari

Booking your flying safari to Kidepo Valley National Park requires advance planning to secure flights and accommodations, as options are limited. At Excursia Adventures, we take care of all the details for you—arranging domestic flights, accommodations, transfers, and expert guides to ensure a seamless experience.

Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park, often hailed as one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations, welcomes visitors year-round. However, the ideal time for a memorable trip is during the dry months, specifically from July to September and December to January. During these periods, the heat drives animals closer to the limited water sources, making wildlife viewing more rewarding. The dry conditions also make the park’s roads easier to navigate, ensuring a more pleasant experience compared to the muddy and slippery conditions of the wet season.

To truly immerse yourself in the wonders of Kidepo, we recommend spending at least four days in the park. This duration allows you to explore its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife without feeling rushed. Kidepo offers some of the best opportunities for spotting elusive species like cheetahs and leopards, which are more frequently seen here than in other Ugandan parks.

When planning your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park, keep in mind that a 4×4 Land Cruiser is the best choice for traversing the park’s varied terrain, regardless of the season.

Activities at Kidepo Valley National Park

On a flying safari to Kidepo Valley National Park, you can look forward to a range of exciting activities:

Game Drives

Kidepo is renowned for its exceptional game viewing, boasting over 80 mammal species, including 28 that are endemic to the Karamoja region. The park’s flat terrain makes it easier to spot wildlife, and there are no set times for game drives—you can choose to embark on morning, evening, or even night drives to encounter nocturnal species. Expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, Uganda kobs, oribis, kudu, buffalo, oryx, elephants, giraffes, striped hyenas, reedbucks, waterbucks, duikers, and crocodiles, among others.

Cultural Experiences

Engaging with the indigenous communities surrounding Kidepo Valley National Park provides a unique cultural experience. The Karamajongs, traditional herdsmen, live a nomadic lifestyle centered around cattle. They pride themselves on their herds, which symbolize wealth and status within their community. A day spent with the Karamajongs offers invaluable insights into their way of life and customs, including the significance of cattle in marriage ceremonies. The fees collected for these visits contribute to community projects, such as constructing boreholes to provide clean water—a vital resource in this semi-arid region.

The Ik people, indigenous to the mountainous areas of Mount Molongore, also offer a fascinating cultural encounter. Though their community has dwindled due to relocation when Kidepo was designated as a national park, the Ik maintain unique traditions as hunters, gatherers, and beekeepers. Visitors are encouraged to bring gifts to support this community and hire local guides for a richer experience.

Birding

Kidepo Valley National Park is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 450 bird species recorded. The diverse terrain and vegetation enhance birdwatching opportunities. Look out for the striking ostrich, secretary bird, little green bee-eater, kori bustard, pygmy falcon, and the endemic Karamoja apalis. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the 58 species of birds of prey found in the park, including the Verreaux’s eagle and the Egyptian vulture.

In addition to these highlights, you can enjoy guided nature walks and visits to the hot springs if time permits.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Trip?

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on being a local Ugandan company with extensive experience in organizing unforgettable safari experiences. Our dedicated team is committed to providing professional service and personalized attention to ensure your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park exceeds your expectations. Contact us today, and we promise to respond within 30 minutes to help you plan your adventure!