Jackson’s Hartebeest is very relaxed on the savannah
Ungulates and Birds
Kidepo Valley is the first National Park I visited in Uganda. It was over New Year’s 2025. There 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. Historically lions and cheetahs used to be sighted in Kidepo, but not in 2025.
Situations can 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 to the park in 2026.
Flock of Mousebirds
My favourite sightings
I enjoyed my stay at Kidepo, despite the absence of predators. 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. As I was watching these critically endangered giraffe a minibus of tourists drove up. They disembarked to take selfies and the giraffe herd quickly ran away. It was a one-off giraffe sighting during my stay at Kidepo.
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
