Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park

Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park; Travelers have different tastes and preferences and may not be an easy task to specify which time is best to visit Kidepo valley national park. Generally, climatic condition is the most significant factor when planning a Uganda safari into Kidepo valley national park. Survival of wildlife species in Kidepo valley national park heavily revolves around the weather conditions at the time of travel. Kidepo valley national park has semi arid climatic conditions; generally dry most part of the year.

The period December-March and June to Late August are the driest periods. In this period, the sky is very clear with hardly any cloud visible, daily temperature averages 27.5°C with daily variations from 21.5°C-34°C. On some occasions temperatures rise to 40⁰C. There is a high rate of evaporation, water pools and swamps dry up, vegetation withers and dries, and the environment is windy, hazy and dusty. The wilderness looks desolate and wildlife congregate in valleys with oases. To the visitors on tour into Uganda in Kidepo valley national park, this reduces on the search area for wildlife species. Wildlife species trek in search of grass and watering holes to few places. The safari guides pay more attention here and the visitors get opportunity of spotting their ideal attractions. Note that the temperature is very high, irritating and levels of dehydration are very high. The wildlife species retreat early to their safe zones, escaping the burning sun. This is the best time to visit kidepo valley national park for Game viewing safaris which start very early morning because wildlife species are more active in the night when temperatures are cool. The air is dusty, the weather hazy, visibility is not clear and observing attractions is distracted. Opportunities of capturing memorable wildlife images are at minimum.

The period April-May and September-November, Kidepo valley national park receives erratic amounts of rainfall. During this period, the sky gets cloud cover; temperatures fall dramatically to an average 17°C/63°F in the morning and daily of average 27°C/81°F. The water collection from the Mt Morungole ranges increases and the flow trickles down valleys into the plains. River Kidepo resurrects, often floods large parts of Kidepo valley. The vegetation that was burnt and dormant flourishes and the wilderness is carpet of green grassland. The terrain of Kidepo valley national park is breathtaking, wildlife is vibrant and the setting is beautiful for photography. The weather is calm and very conducive to many visitors. The air is fresh; the smell of earth and wilderness brings the real picture of an African wilderness safari. Migratory birds return and flock in beautiful large flocks. The wildlife species disintegrate and spread in all direction. Game viewing safaris wander large areas; pay extra attention and do work in searching for wildlife as they spread away from the valleys. Most roads are dirt and road travel during rainy season may be challenging needing 4WD vehicles.