Kidepo Valley National Park: Lying in the rugged, semi- arid valleys, is Kidepo valley national park between Uganda’s border with South Sudan and Kenya. Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park but also the most magnificent teaming with Africa’s finest wilderness. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazette area towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The park contains one of the most exciting faunas of any Ugandan national park. It contains many species including the greater and lesser kudu, eland, cheetah, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, elephants, Burchell’s zebra, bush duiker, Defassa water buck, bush pig, Kavirondo and an extensive list of around 475 bird species.
Kidepo valley national park has a number of areas of interest such as; Apoka tourism centre, Narus valley, Kidepo valley and Kanangorok hot springs, Mount Morungule, Namamukweny valley, Lamoj hills, Lonyili mountain, and Matheniko Bokora reserve.
The park boosts with several activities such as game drive, birding, nature walks and cultural encounters. Travel to this off-the-beaten path destination in Uganda to enjoy excellent photographic opportunities as well as viewing the most exclusive wild game.
Bwindi impenetrable national park lies in south western Uganda on the edge of the rift valley. This impenetrable forest which dates back over 25000 years contains almost 400 species of plants and protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas. The region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as forest baboons, forest chimpanzees. Other animals include forest elephants, forest antelopes and around 350 species of birds. The neighbouring towns have an impressive array of luxury lodges, rustic bandas, camp sites, restaurants craft stalls and guiding services.
The park has several areas of interest such as Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector, Rushaga sector, and Ruhija sector which are trail heads for gorilla tracking at Bwindi impenetrable national park. Nyundo north of Buhoma on the Congo border offers wonderful guided hikes along the hill crests and rivers to discover waterfalls, glorious views and the traditional lifestyle of the Kigezi people.
The major activity at the park is gorilla trekking which takes place in the four sectors fore-mentioned starting at 8:30 am daily. Visitors embark on a forest trek lasting a few hours up to a full day depending on the location of the gorillas. Tours are limited to a maximum of eight people and visitors spend a maximum of one hour in the company of gorillas.
Other activities at Bwindi impenetrable national park include; birding, nature walks, mountain biking and cultural tours. The chance to sight half of the world’s mountain gorillas makes viewing exciting and trekkers have splendid photographic moments at Bwindi.
In conclusion, with the above five incredible places each visitor is in position to enjoy legendary safaris across frontiers.
Similarities between Kidepo valley and Bwindi Impenetrable National parks include;
Both are Ugandans National Park
The two National parka hosting a variety of wild attractions including birds and animals among others.
The two park are situated far areas from Kampala. From Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable, its 8-9hrs drive while from Kampala – Karuma – Gulu – Kitgum – Kidepo = 571km (10 hours) .
Differences:
Kidepo Valley National Park is a savannah park while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rain forest park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in South western Uganda while Kidepo Valley National Park in North Eastern Uganda.
Kidepo Valley National Park is larger than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at square kilometre 1442 and square kilometre 321respectively.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects mountain Gorillas while Kidepo Valley National park is a ground for game drives.