Kidepo Valley National Park, tucked in Uganda’s northeastern Karamoja region, is a remote haven for global adventurers. Reaching this 1,442-square-kilometer wilderness, 520 kilometers from Kampala, requires planning, with options by air or road offering distinct experiences.
Flying is the fastest route, starting at Entebbe International Airport. Domestic flights by AeroLink or Bar Aviation to Kidepo Airstrip (near Apoka) take 1.5-2 hours, one way. These small planes, seating 10-15 passengers, run 2-3 times weekly, with bookings advised months ahead, especially in dry seasons (June-September and December-February). From the airstrip, a 30-minute drive (via lodge transfer or taxi) reaches the park’s core.
Driving offers a scenic alternative, with the 520-kilometer journey from Kampala (via Gulu or Moroto) taking 10-12 hours. A 4×4 is recommended, as roads shift from paved highways to dirt tracks near Kaabong and Karenga. Public buses from Kampala to Kitgum (8-10 hours) connect to taxis or hired cars for the final 2-3 hours. Fuel stops are sparse, so top up in Gulu or Moroto.
For cross-border travelers, entry via Kenya’s Lodwar (300 kilometers, 6-8 hours) or South Sudan’s Nimule is possible with a 4×4 and proper visas. Regardless of route, Kidepo’s isolation rewards with lions, ostriches, and unspoiled vistas, making the journey as thrilling as the destination.