Secret places to visit in Kidepo Valley National Park            

Secret places to visit in Kidepo Valley National Park : Kidepo Valley National Park is among Africa’s true wilderness Park with so many virtually pure and untouched attractions. It is situated in the extreme North Eastern Uganda bordering Kenya and South Sudan. The Park is surrounded by Karamojong people; a tribe that still holds a sound rich cultural values and paying a visit to this place will leave a memory that you will live to remember.

When you are in the heart of Kidepo Valley National Park, there are many activities you should watch out for and these activities are game viewing, walking safaris and Hiking, Bird sights and cultural tours among others.  However, this article enriches you with the best Secret places to visit and not to be missed while on a wildlife safari in Kidepo Valley National Park. they include;

Apoka Tourism Centre

Apoka Tourism Centre is wonderfully situated with a view of the stunning Narus Valley. It serves as the central point for activities in the park, where most of the staffs of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) can be found. Several lodges including some owned by UWA, are nearby, providing accommodation options for visitors. Here, you’ll also find armed park rangers and guides ready to lead you an exciting journey through the deeper parts oof the park for game drives and nature walks.

If you’re looking to buy refreshments, you can find Drinking water, alcohol, sodas and even books and other souvenirs can be bought from the craft shops. For those planning to camp, you can easily reserve cooking equipment at the Centre. If you don’t have your own safari vehicles, there are tour vans available for hire. During the dry season, visitors at the Apoka Tourism Centre have the chance to see various animals as they come to drink at the nearby Narus valley and dam, making it an excellent spot for wildlife watching.

Kidepo Valley

The Kidepo valley stands as one of the top spots for wildlife watching in the park. its a unique area because, during the dry season, water is hard to come by.  Unlike the Narus valley, which has more plentiful water sources, the mighty river Kidepo almost completely dries up, leaving behind a long stretch of pales sand that marks its former path. This dry landscape creates a dramatic backdrop for those hopping to see animals in their natural habitat. In additional to the magnificent mammals thar rom this region. Kidepo Valley is also a haven for bird lovers. The area is home to a fascinating bird species, including ostriches, Golden Pipit, Ring-necked Spurfowl, Taita Fiscal, Rufous Chatterer, Fox’s Cisticola, Yellow and red spotted Barbet, Fox’s Weaver, Lesser Kestrel, Pallid Harrier, Black-winged Pratincole, White-crested, Hartlaub’s Turacos among others and is worth a visit for birders.

The Narus Valley

 The Narus valley is a remarkable spot in Africa, known for its incredible variety of wildlife. This picturesque place features gently rolling savannah grassland that area surrounded by mountainous landscape.  At the bottom of the valley flows the Narus River, which, during the dry months of the year, often dries up completely. When this happens, only few small muddy ponds and the man -made Narus dam remains, providing precious drinking water for the animals that call this area home. As season shifts, the Narus valley transforms into a vibrant haven for many wildlife species. Visitors may be fortunate enough to see wildlife such as are buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, leopards, lions, oribis and reedbucks.

Namamukweny Valley

The Namamukweny Valley is located in the North-western section of the game park.  and is has a unique name that tells a story. In the local Napore language, “Namamukweny” means a lonely place with few people or birds can be found. However, this isn’t quite accurate when it comes to the world of birds. In fact, this secluded valley is a vibrant haven for a variety of bird species. Among them, you can spot the stunning Abyssinian Roller, known for its bright colors and remarkable flight patterns, Common Bulbul, Eastern Paradise Whydah, Green Wood Hoopoe and the White-crested Turaco also call this valley home.

Secret places to visit in Kidepo Valley National Park            
Secret places to visit in Kidepo Valley National Park            Namamukweny Valley

Morungole Mountains

These mountains rise up to 2,750 meters tall and act as one of the boundaries of the park. Neighbouring peaks are Mount Zulia and the Labwor and Dodoth Hills reach heights in excess of 2,000 meters. These towering peaks are home to the Ik community, who were moved by a previous administration. They were attached to Mount Morungole considering it a sacred place. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes that surrounds the Morungole Mountains through guided tours.

Lomej Hills

Lomej Hills are situated just a short distance from the park’s headquarter, making them easily accessible for visitors. These gentle slopes offer a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching, attracting variety of colorful and melodic bird species that flit between the trees. Some of the bird species you may sight here includes Egyptian vultures, Ostriches, Pygmy falcon, Kori bustard mentioned but few.  Additionally, the stunning hills of Lomej offers opportunity to spot animals like the mountain reedbuck, bush pigs, lesser and greater kudu, warthogs, common elands, Defassa waterbucks, giraffes, Hartebeests, Oribis, Cape buffaloes and zebras among others.

Kanangorok Hot Springs

These hot springs are located past the Kidepo valley and river on the border with South Sudan. The Hot springs are a great place to view the mountain ranges. its about 40 kilometers from Apoka Rest Camp. The hot springs water hits up to about 50 degrees Celsius. These hot sprigs are attached with the believe the local people that water in Kanangorok Hot Springs contains some healing powers. visitors here can find some peoples bathing therein, making its one of the natural features that you shouldn’t miss in this Uganda safari destination.  During your visit here, you may also have the chance to meet with other wildlife species on your way such as elephants, buffalos, giraffes, abd elands as well as a variety of bird species. Visitors to these stunning hot springs pass through the lush forest zone and are offered with a memorable opportunity of exploring the raw beauty of kidepo valley national park.

Lonyili Mountain

Lonyili Mountain has is a hidden gem in northeastern Uganda, particularly located in the border of Uganda (Kitgum District) and South Sudan.  This mountain is home to a variety of fascinating creatures such red-tailed monkey, white Columbus monkey, and black Columbus monkey which can be found in its lush, montane forest. These primates thrive in the mountain’s unique ecosystem, making Lonyili Mountain a paradise for nature lovers.  Unfortunately, the roads leading to the mountain are not well developed. Visitors need special permission and guidance before hiking the mountains.