Camping in Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Uganda’s untamed wilderness. Located in the remote northeast, far from the country’s busier safari circuits, Kidepo offers travelers a rare chance to immerse themselves in dramatic landscapes of golden savannah, rugged mountains, and sweeping valleys teeming with wildlife. Spending a night under canvas here brings you closer to nature than ever before, where the sounds of roaring lions, rustling elephants, and the call of nocturnal birds replace the noise of city life. This essential guide highlights everything you need to know about camping in Kidepo, from where to pitch your tent and what to pack, to safety tips and the best times to visit, ensuring a memorable and safe wilderness adventure.
What to expect while camping at Kidepo Valley National Park
Wildlife Encounters
During your camping adventure at Kidepo Valley National park, expect close encounters with different wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo herds, jackals, and sometimes lions. Rangers may patrol campsites at night for safety.
Essential Camping Gear
- Tent & bedding: A sturdy tent with mosquito protection is a must. Nights can be chilly, so carry warm sleeping bags.
- Cooking equipment: Gas stove or charcoal, cooking pots, utensils, and enough food supplies (shops are limited in and around the park).
- Lighting: Solar lamps, lanterns, or head torches since campsites have no electricity.
- Water & purification: Carry sufficient drinking water or purification tablets.
- First aid kit: Include insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication.
- Binoculars & camera: Essential for wildlife and landscape photography.
Best time to visit the park for camping safaris
The best time for wildlife viewing is the middle and end of the Dry season (November to February) when animals concentrate around reliable water sources and grazing grounds. Some areas are clear due to controlled bush burning, which makes it easier to spot wildlife. During the Wet season (April to August) animals disperse from the valleys and move to higher ground, where they are more difficult to locate, the grasses would have grown more longer that makes spotting of some animals more of difficult.
Safety Tips During your Camping Adventure
- Always camp under the guidance of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers.
- Do not wander away from the campsite at night.
- Store food securely to avoid attracting animals.
- Respect wildlife—observe from a safe distance.
- Follow Leave-No-Trace principles to keep the park pristine.
Where to Camp in Kidepo
Apoka Rest Camp
Located within Kidepo Valley National Park, Apoka rest camp serves as the starting point for safari activities in the park since it is near Apoka Tourism Centre. The camp offers variety of good amenities and facilities such as water, pit latrines, and ranger support. The amenities include: cleanliness, meals, and others. Right from your tent, you can enjoy fabulous view of wildlife roaming around camping grounds such as Warthogs, kobs, impala, Eland, Buffaloes, lions among others.
Nga’Moru wilderness camp
Located 3 km from Kidepo Valley National Park, Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp is a private property set on a hill with spectacular views of the park’s breathtaking lowlands. The camp offers inexpensive services such as a limited number of cabins, a bar, a lounge, and a restaurant. Each chalet is private, tidy, spacious, and inviting. The rooms offer solar illumination and hot showers. The safari camp is situated on a hill near Narus Valley and offers panoramic views of wildlife activity in the plain savannah. Among the animals you will watch include buffaloes, zebra, ostriches, waterbucks and others.
Kara- Tunga safari camp
Located at the slopes of the stunning Moroto mountain, Karatunga campsite is another perfect safari campsite created to provide the best adventure to the Kidepo Valley National Park tourists. The camp is well-furnished and blends beautiful traditional customs and local materials with a modern touch, thus providing a memorable experience of heritage, comfort, and friendliness during a visit to Uganda’s unmatched safari destination.
Karatunga comprises six comfortable en-suite safari rooms positioned beneath large indigenous trees, seven beautifully designed safari tents, and four guest rooms. It comprises of different amenities including free breakfast, 24 hours desk reception, free internet and parking, and also a perfect restaurant.
How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park
One can get to the park through two types of transport that is Road and air types of transport.
By road: About 10–12 hours from Kampala. Routes pass through Gulu or Kitgum. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended due to rough terrain.
By air: Domestic flights to Kidepo airstrip are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi, cutting travel to about 2 hours.
In conclusion, camping in Kidepo is known as the least visited tourism destination because it’s rugged, remote, and wild. But for those seeking a true African wilderness adventure, it’s one of the most rewarding safari experiences you can have in Uganda.