How much does it cost to visit Kidepo National Park

How much does it cost to visit Kidepo National Park

Are you dreaming of exploring Uganda’s stunning wildlife? If you’re wondering about the cost to visit Kidepo National Park, Excursia Adventures is here to help you craft a personalized package that suits your budget and expectations. Our expert safari consultants will guide you through the planning process, covering transportation, accommodation, and activity fees for your time in Kidepo Valley National Park.

About Kidepo Valley National Park

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park borders South Sudan and Kenya, covering an impressive area of 1,442 square kilometers. This park is characterized by expansive savannah grasslands and is dominated by stunning landscapes, including Mount Molongore, Narus Valley, and the seasonal Kidepo River. Often considered one of Uganda’s untouched gems, Kidepo has remained relatively unexplored due to its distance from Entebbe Airport and Kampala. However, with the introduction of flights to the park, it’s becoming more accessible, allowing more visitors to experience its breathtaking beauty.

Established as a national park in 1958 to combat poaching and protect its wildlife, Kidepo Valley is home to over 80 mammal species—28 of which are indigenous to the region—as well as more than 450 bird species. This rich biodiversity makes it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Park Entrance Fees for Kidepo Valley National Park

If you’re wondering how much it costs to visit Kidepo National Park, the entrance fees are a key component of your overall safari cost. As of now, the park entrance fees are as follows:

• Foreign Non-residents: USD 40 per day
• Foreign Residents: USD 40 per day
• East African Citizens: UGX 25,000 per day

These fees, paid to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, grant you access to the park for various activities. Additionally, you’ll need to pay a vehicle entry fee of UGX 45,000.

Activity Costs in Kidepo Valley National Park

The activities you choose to engage in will also influence the total cost of your visit. Here are some popular options:

Game Drives/Wildlife Viewing

Guided game drives are available at USD 20 per vehicle, while night game drives cost USD 30 per vehicle. Kidepo is renowned for its game viewing, offering opportunities to see an array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, Uganda kobs, oribis, kudus, buffaloes, oryx, elephants, giraffes, and more. With flat terrain, spotting animals is relatively easy, and game drives can be scheduled for morning, evening, or even night to catch nocturnal species. Most drives take place in Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley, so plan to spend several days to fully explore the park.

Cultural Experiences

Cultural encounters with the local communities are an enriching aspect of visiting Kidepo Valley. These experiences range from USD 80 per person and allow you to immerse yourself in the lifestyles of the Karamojong people, who are known for their nomadic herding culture. Cattle play a central role in their community, symbolizing wealth and prestige. This cultural exchange also supports local development, with fees helping to fund initiatives like borehole construction for clean water—an essential resource in this semi-arid region.

You may also wish to learn about the Ik people, who inhabit the northern part of the park. Though they were relocated to establish Kidepo as a national park, the Ik maintain a unique culture based on hunting and gathering. A visit here can be profoundly enlightening, and we encourage visitors to bring gifts to support these communities.

Kanangorok Hot Springs

Visiting the Kanangorok Hot Springs is a unique and budget-friendly activity you won’t want to miss during your trip to Kidepo Valley National Park. These beautiful hot springs are steeped in cultural significance, with the local African communities attributing various meanings and values to them. For just around USD 30, you can hire a local guide to enhance your experience at this remarkable natural site.

Accommodation Options in Kidepo Valley National Park

When it comes to accommodation, Kidepo Valley National Park offers a variety of choices to suit every budget, all conveniently located within an hour’s drive from the airstrip. If you’re looking for luxury, Apoka Safari Lodge stands out as the best option in the park, offering exceptional service and great value for money, with prices ranging from USD 470 to 1,040 per person per night.

For those seeking mid-range options, consider staying at Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, or Adere Safari Lodge, where prices start around USD 150 per person per night. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Apoka UWA Bandas provide affordable accommodation for budget travelers. Your choice of accommodation and the number of nights you stay will influence the overall cost of your safari to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Transportation Costs to Kidepo Valley National Park

Transportation is another important factor in determining the total cost of your visit to Kidepo National Park. The cost includes daily allowances for guides, vehicle hire, and fuel for your entire trip. Kidepo is accessible by road from Kampala or Entebbe, with the journey taking approximately 9 to 10 hours. We recommend breaking the journey in Gulu for an overnight stop, making the drive more enjoyable. The trip starts from your hotel or the airport and includes stops for lunch and photography, allowing you to soak in the scenic views along the way.

For the journey, we suggest using a 4×4 Land Cruiser due to the terrain of the park, which is vital in both the dry and wet seasons. The rental for a Land Cruiser typically ranges from USD 150 to 250 per day.

Alternatively, you can fly directly to Kidepo from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. The flight takes about two hours and is operated daily by Aero Link Uganda and other airlines, with charter flights also available. Aero Link allows only four passengers per flight on select days, with one-way flight fees starting at USD 412 per adult. Contact us to customize your package to Kidepo National Park to fit your budget and preferences.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Kidepo Adventure?

At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable trips to Kidepo Valley National Park, combining a wide array of activities with tailored safari packages throughout Uganda. Our strength lies in our dedicated team, which includes a blend of energetic young staff and experienced managers, all passionate about showcasing the beauty of Uganda.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews from travelers who have experienced our services firsthand. Reach out to us to learn more about how much it costs to visit Kidepo National Park and start planning your adventure today!