The Best time to Visit Kidepo National park

The Best time to Visit Kidepo National park : Kidepo park is  located in north east corner of the country near karenga in kaabong District, between Uganda’s borders  with Sudan and Kenya , its about 500 kilometres from Kampala to Kidepo National Park. There are a few routes you can take to get there from Kampala and that is the northern route and the southern route. The northern route is passing to Gulu and kitgum which covers approximately 550 kilometres, it takes 10-12hours  and the roads are generally in good conditions, making for smooth journey. And the Eastern  route takes you through Mbale and soroti and for it is slightly a longer drive, approximately  550kilometers and of which some parts of the road may be narrow, so both routes gives unique experiences.

Kidepo National Park covers an area of 1,442 square kilometres making it one of the Uganda’s largest parks, providing ample space for diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. It is the most least explored Park in all the national parks but its a good area to explore true wildernesses.

Kidepo can be accessed any time throughout the year depending on the visitors interests though its general climate does differ from the rest of Uganda’s climate. The climate in Kidepo is demi-arid so the droughts are common and the park is generally hot and dry. It has two major seasons; the dry and wet season. During the dry season, which occurs from December to February and June to September, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The skies are mostly clear, providing excellent visibility for exploring the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.

The wet season in Kidepo National Park takes place from March to May and October to November. During this time, the park receives rainfall, which rejuvenates the vegetation and creates a rich and vibrant environment. The temperatures during the wet season range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), offering a cooler and more comfortable climate for outdoor activities.

All the seasons have their own unique charm and opportunities for wildlife viewing. In the dry season, animals tend to gather around water sources, making it a great time to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and various antelope species. Rather than the wet season that bring migratory birds and rich greenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for wildlife photography.

So, whether you prefer the warm and sunny days of the dry season or the rich green landscapes of the wet season, Kidepo National Park has something to offer throughout the year. It’s a place where one can immerse his/her self  in the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories

The best time to visit Kidepo National Park is during the dry season, which occurs from December to February and June to September. During these months, the weather is hot and sunny, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. The dry season also offers better road conditions, as the rain won’t make the routes muddy and difficult to navigate.

There are two main routes  options for reaching Kidepo National Park from Kampala. Passing from the  northern route driving via Gulu and Kitgum. This is the more popular route and takes you through the towns of Gulu and Kitgum. The journey is approximately 550 kilometres  and takes around 10-12 hours, depending on the road conditions of which the roads are good and may be the traffic. It’s important to know that this route is mostly on paved roads, but there may be some sections that are rough and require a 4by4 safari vehicle.

 Taking a domestic flight from Entebbe to Apoka Airstrip: If one prefer a quicker and more convenient option, you can take a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport to Apoka Airstrip, which is located within Kidepo National Park. This flight takes around 2-3 hours, allowing you to reach the park in a shorter time. And if one prefers the cheaper transport can use the southern route that pass via Mbale and sorting of which it will take him/ her hours to reach because someone parts of the roads may be narrow thus leading for the delay to reach on time.

And when it comes to vehicle to use when one has visited KidepoNational Park, I think one should  use a 4×4 safari,relaible and well-maintained vehicle that can handle the conditions especially during the rainy season. This type of vehicle is more suitable for navigating the park’s rugged landscape and ensures a smoother and safer journey.