Are you taking a road trip to Uganda? Kidepo is one place you would not love to miss visiting if really your priority in Uganda is to have an extraordinary vacation. Kidepo Valley National Park is a very popular and the most recommended national park to go to if you are a true wildlife lover – nature lover. Kidepo is in fact far ahead from being just a wildlife sanctuary but its aesthetically pleasing landscape and the various bird species are among the other things that make the Park an extraordinary one.
However, like any other Park, Kidepo is more exhilarating in the dry season when the animals are congregated near the water points contrary to the rainy season where animals disseminate from the valleys moving to higher and drier grounds where viewing them may become a hurdle. Nevertheless, there are various reasons as to why you should drive northeast wards to visit the spectacular Kidepo and below are some of them:
Its wildlife and nature
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the northeastern parts of Uganda and it is known for its varied wildlife, and the eye-catching landscape. A trip to Kidepo is surely a discovery one as you will explore a variety of amazing things such as; the bird life, wildlife, impressive culture, fantastic climate, and not forgetting the magnificent view of the entire Park – hence being an ideal spot for great photographers.
Wildlife viewing in Kidepo is a classy one if you are that traveler who would like to see almost every African wildlife species protected in one specific place. Kidepo protects more wildlife species than any other protected area in Uganda and among these include; African Lions, African Elephants, African Leopards, Cape Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Zebras, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Oribi, Impalas, Uganda Kob, Elands, Klipspringers, African Wild Dog, Jackals, Bat-eared Foxes, and many others. On the side of bird life, Kidepo protects more bird species in Uganda (500 bird species) only behind Queen Elizabeth National Park which has 600-plus bird species.
The amazing culture
The well-known cattle keepers, Karamojong, are the most popular tribe in northeastern Uganda and around the boundaries of Kidepo Valley National Park. For the travelers to Kidepo you are guaranteed with amazing cultural experiences once you immerse yourself in the Karamojong culture. According to the Karamojong culture, for a young Karamojong man to be counted as a true matured man and for him to marry a Karamojong woman should first wrestle the woman he desires to marry – this is a must-done ritual to every Karamojong man.
When he comes out victorious from the wrestling match against the woman, he is now considered to be a man and is qualified to marry the woman. This is a gesture showing that the man will be strong enough to give protection to his wife and the entire family. After a successful match, the dowry negotiations are allowed to commence.
In an instance where the young man is unable to defeat the woman in the wrestling match, he will not be considered by his people to be a man and will often leave to marry a woman from a different people-group where a test of strength is not required. Even when a non – Karamojong man wishes to marry a Karamojong woman, he is also subjected to go through this ritual too.
Good accommodations in Kidepo
As you enjoy the extra ordinariness of Kidepo Valley National Park, you will be very pleased to also sleep comfortably at night and also taste the good organic foods of Uganda in the well-equipped restaurants. Some of the best accommodations to enjoy your stay in Kidepo include: Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Apoka Safari Lodge, Nga’moru Wilderness Camp, and Apoka Rest Camp, among others, but all in all you are advised to consider advance booking.
