Uganda | Kidepo Valley National Park | leeuwen
As a result of Kidepo Valley National Park's remote location in the far north of Uganda, it is the least known of the country's national parks. This is a pity, however, because as far as landscape is concerned, it is one of the most spectacular parks: there are numerous mountain forests and savannahs, and the different altitudes offer breathtakingly beautiful views.
It's a well-known fact: Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda's most spectacular parks. This mountainous border region (with Sudan and Kenya) is 1,442 km2 and comprises the most stunning landscapes across all of eastern Africa. The flora and fauna in this park are in fact more reminiscent of Kenya than of Uganda. Many visitors say that they couldn't have wished for more beautiful surroundings and that they are highly likely to return to Kidepo on their next visit. You couldn't ask for a better recommendation than that.
The park offers very varied, breathtakingly beautiful savannah landscapes that extend all the way to the uneven horizon. Some of the higher areas are covered with mountain forests and acacia trees line the Lorupee River.
The different altitudes in the park provide not only for stunning views, but also but for very diverse plant breeds and thus also a great diversity of animal species. Some of these animals are common only to Uganda, such as bat-eared foxes, striped hyenas, aardwolves, caracals, cheetahs and wild dogs. It's impossible to name all of the other animals, yet suffice it to say that no less than five different primates inhabit the park and that the many animals also inadvertently act as prey for lions, leopards, various species of cat, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals and striped jackals.
Birds of prey such as eagles, vultures and falcons also demand their share of the park; as do large herds of buffaloes, elephants and giraffes. Bird lovers can feast their eyes on the estimated 465 different species of bird, a number of which are unique to this area. The different types of hornbill are particularly notable.
In exchange for a small sum, the local people will introduce you to a large number of traditional dances. You can also visit the Karimajong manyattas (homesteads), where a range of traditional costumes, tools, jewellery and weapons can be viewed.
