A game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is on the border of South Sudan and Uganda in the far northeastern part of Uganda and is perhaps one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in Africa. For its area of 1,442 square kilometers, Kidepo is famous for its beauty, the number of listed ecosystems, and the variety of animals. It is located in a rather isolated area, but the park provides one of the most fruitful and interesting sightseeing tours in East Africa without the company of people, so beloved by other parks. The following is likely to happen during the game drive safari in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Overview of Kidepo Valley National Park
Geography and Ecosystem
Kidepo Valley National Park has features of steep slopes such as margin, valley, and savannah landforms. The park is divided into two main valleys: by the Narus Valley which is more so and heavily forested valley to the Kidepo valley which is comparatively so and more arid.
Wildlife
Kidepo Valley National Park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including:
– Mammals: Big Game: elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, elands, Kudus, and there are many species of antelopes.
– Birds: Of which over 475 birds consist of; ostriches, kori bustards, ground Abyssinian hornbill, and different kinds of vultures.
– Primates: Olive baboons, patas monkeys, and other primates with pictures.
Game Drive Experience
Morning and Evening Drives
Safaris and game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park could be done in the morning and in the evening when most animals are often seen to be most active. Morning drives start early in the morning from the time the sun rises, which can include seeing animals that are retiring to their dens as well as animals that are waking up from their dens. Sunset colors are best encountered on evening drives, as are many of the animals, which get ready to face nighttime.
Narus Valley
Narus Valley is preferred for game drives than the other locales because the sources of water are more permanent and the game is also denser. This is a good place for the observations of the animals since during the dry season the water sources remain limited and many animals assemble around them.
Kidepo Valley
The Kidepo Valley which is comparatively drier presents a different but equally as entailing and rewarding game drive scenario. Spoken history reveals that the valley has unique features such as the Kanangorok Hot Springs nature feature. There is some journey while passing through the area they are well conversant with wildlife including; ostriches, cheetahs, and caracals due to the dry weather. Large open plains, valleys, and hunchback montages are the backdrops of a game drive, not to mention that the area is really beautiful.
Seasonal Rivers and Waterholes
As mentioned above the water in the form of rivers and water holes becomes scarce during the dry season and hence becomes the meeting point for the animals. Watching animals approach water for drinking is another perfect opportunity to take excellent photos and often interact with many species of animals. These types of water sources are quite versatile and bring in a number of the animals that are found within the savanna environment such as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and the predators such as lions and leopards.
Highlights of a Game Drive Safari
Big Cats
Lions, leopards, and cheetah’s among the big cats are easily spotted at Kidepo Valley National Park which is among the best national parks in Uganda to witness these cats. The lions in Kidepo are among the largest and can easily be spotted when they are lounging on rocks or hunting in the Acacia-wooded grassland. Of all the big cats cheetahs are more unknown but one can see them in the open plains of the Kidepo Valley.
Large Herds of Buffaloes
The park is blessed with large numbers of buffalo whose numbers may in some areas be in the hundreds. These herds are wonderful to observe from the ground, particularly when all of them migrate across the savannah plane. These large herds also draw predators and this makes for some great game viewing and virtual guarantee of sighting big game.
Unique Species
It is avowed that Kidepo Valley National Park has several species that are not easily found in other Uganda’s parks. Some of these are the cheetah, aardwolf, caracal, and bat-eared fox. It is also home to ostrich that can be easily seen in the wild within Uganda and other regions.
Bird Watching
bird watching enthusiasts especially will be in haven if they visit Kidepo Valley National Park. The park habitats cover over 475 bird species. Some of the avian species to sight include; ostrich, kori bustard, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and other birds of prey. Since the park is situated in an isolated area, the birds found in the park are easily and almost naturally breeding.
Scenic Landscapes
Large rugged mountains, large valleys, and large savannah plains that characterize the park offer a good background for wildlife viewing. It is true that while exploring the park through the different viewpoints the sightseeing is notable during the sunrise and the down.
Other Activities in Kidepo Valley National Park
Nature Walks
Nature walks in Kidepo Valley National Park act as an opportunity to visit the park and explore it on foot. With the presence of a professional tour guide, one is taken through the vegetation to observe and even follow trails of animals and or even get to enjoy the natural sound of the wild. Walking is more informal than driving and it lets one get really close and personal with nature.
Community Visits
Socio-cultural interactions with some of the inhabitants that dwell within proximity to Kidepo Valley National Park let one get acquainted with the traditional ways of the people residing in this area. Culture-related sites and activities can include visits to the Karamojong people’s terraced homesteads, their dances, and social artifacts. This makes the safari interactive and you get to learn how the people who live around the park use and view the park.
Birding Excursions
Bird watching tours can be arranged at off peak hours or by several days in order to have a better view on the bird-life in the park. Kidepo Valley Natural Park is very special for bird watching because there are over 475 species of birds in this park. In the company of the guides, one may actually spot and name numerous bird species including some of the rare ones that are endemic in the region.
Hiking and Rock Climbing
The landscapes are rather rocky, and this makes the park appropriate for mountain hiking or rock climbing. Lamoj Mountains that are situated inside the park offer steep trails that are fun to hike as well as excellent views of the park and other surrounding landscapes. Such activities are suitable for people who would want to enjoy the park in another way in addition to the usual adventure.
Practical Information for Visitors
birdlife.
Conclusion
Endeming game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park can be said to be something to look forward to due to the combination of spectacular magnificent sceneries and wild animals. Going by the big herds of elephants and buffaloes, the big cats, rare sighted species like cheetahs, bird life that includes ostriches; then yes one can be assured of an exciting wildlife encounter at the park. You should balance your game drivers with nature walks, community visits, bird watching, and hiking to make maximum utilization out of this natural and culturally unique site.
