Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda? If you're planning to go to Kidepo Valley National Park, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Kidepo Valley National Park
  2. Important essentials for Kidepo Valley National Park
  3. Activities for Kidepo Valley National Park
  4. Kidepo Valley National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Kidepo Valley National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Kidepo Valley National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Kidepo Valley National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Kidepo Valley National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Kidepo Valley National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Kidepo Valley National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Kidepo Valley National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Kidepo Valley National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Kidepo Valley National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Kidepo Valley National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Kidepo Valley National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Based on the climate and weather in Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kidepo Valley National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda by month

January

If you go to Kidepo Valley National Park in January, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

February

February in Kidepo Valley National Park dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

March

Traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in March, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

April

April for Kidepo Valley National Park is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

May

May in this region can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June here can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

July

If you are traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in July, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the right kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you are traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in August, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you are traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in September, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you are traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in October, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

November

If you are traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in November, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you are traveling to Kidepo Valley National Park in December, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Uganda has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kidepo Valley National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

What to do in Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Uganda has plenty of national parks and game reserves, but the Kidepo Valley National Park is a cut above the rest. Located in the northernmost part of Uganda, it is one of the most remote and isolated parks in the country. This, however, is what adds to the park's charm and uniqueness. The park has a lot to offer, making it a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists. In this article, we will explore some of the top tourist attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park.

1. Wildlife

Kidepo Valley National Park hosts a wide range of wildlife species, making it a top destination for game drives. Some of the animals found in the park include lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and ostriches, to mention but a few. The park is also a hotspot for birdwatchers, with over 475 bird species recorded to date.

2. Cultural encounters

Kidepo Valley National Park is surrounded by various ethnic groups, including the Karamojong, Dodoth, and Ik, all of whom have unique cultures and traditions. Visitors can interact and learn about the customs of these communities by partaking in guided community walks or attending cultural dances.

3. Narus Valley

Narus Valley is one of the most scenic parts of Kidepo Valley National Park, characterized by vast grassy plains and scattered acacia trees. The Narus river runs along the valley, attracting wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes, which come to drink water. Visitors can enjoy a game drive in the Narus Valley while admiring the stunning landscape.

4. Kidepo Valley

The Kidepo Valley is the centerpiece of the park, running north-south through the center of the reserve. The valley is surrounded by rugged hills and rises from an altitude of 900m to 2,750m in the Morungole range. It is a great spot for hiking and camping.

5. Hot springs

The Kanangorok Hot Springs are located in the extreme north of Kidepo Valley National Park. The hot springs are a result of the underground hot rocks that heat and boil the water, creating an ideal spot for an evening relaxing dip. The hot springs are also a geological wonder, with a natural sauna cave where visitors can sit and steam.

In conclusion, Kidepo Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, and culture enthusiasts. The park's isolation and remoteness only add to the charm and unique experience that visitors can expect. The top tourist attractions listed above are just a few of the attractions that make this park special. It is an adventure waiting to be explored!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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