Jackson’s Hartebeest is very relaxed on the savannah
Ungulates and Birds
Kidepo Valley was the first National Park I visited in Uganda. During the four nights I stayed at my lodge over New Year’s 2025, I met tourists from EU countries like Greece and England, Ugandan families from Kampala, but no-one from the U.S.
I understand why Kidepo doesn’t support the wildlife diversity that tourists will find in the national parks of Southern Africa or other East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Lions and cheetahs used to be sighted in Kidepo, but I didn’t see any big cats during my stay there.
Situations change in national parks if the national wildlife authority renews its interest in a particular region and if non-profit conservation groups begin to work with the federal and local governments. Perhaps positive changes have already occurred since white rhinos were introduced into Kidepo this year.
Flock of Mousebirds
My favourite sightings
Despite the absence of predators, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Kidepo. The ecosystem there is an extension of South Sudan and Western Kenya environment which includes vast savannahs, mountains, and open vistas.
elephants
The small herd of elephants have probably suffered from poaching. The herd was nervous and avoided our truck all morning.
Giraffe
I enjoyed spending a few minutes with a small herd of Nubian Giraffe, then a minibus of tourists arrived. They disembarked to take selfies with the giraffe. The giraffe herd quickly ran away.
Ungulates
I saw many Ugandan Kob, buffalo, and other ungulates, so there is plenty of food for predators. I hope lions return to this rugged and remote park.
birds
Daybreak
I stayed at Kidepo Savannah Lodge, part of a larger chain of lodges located around all of Uganda’s national parks. The staff were lovely, and my private room looked out across the plains. Beautiful.
Nightfall
