The only airstrip near Kidepo Valley National Park is Kidepo Airstrip. This is situated inside Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast of Uganda. This implies that the distance to your accommodation is almost negligible. Traveling to Kidepo Airstrip is done from Entebbe International Airport. Flights to Kidepo Airstrip are operated only by AeroLink Uganda.
Flight timetable for Kidepo Airstrip?
Flying to Kidepo Airstrip is done on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight starts at 01:00 p.m. in Entebbe International Airport and arrival is at 02:30 p.m. The return flight from Kidepo to Entebbe International Airport starts at 03:00 p.m. to 04:30 p.m. But these schedules may vary if the aircraft reroutes. Each flight to Kidepo Airstrip will require a minimum of 7 persons to operate.
Air fares to Kidepo Airstrip?
Each one-way flight ticket to or from Kidepo Airstrip costs only $541.80 and excludes tax, which is $10. The return flight however costs $1,083.60 excluding a $20 tax fee. We at Standard Safaris recommend that you purchase your ticket in advance, at least 2 weeks before your flight. We can do this with you so that you avoid inconveniences like delays.
Best time to fly to Kidepo Airstrip?
You can fly to Kidepo Airstrip throughout the year regardless of traveling in the dry or wet season. It is also important to know that AeroLink Uganda reserves the right to make changes to your flight in case they find it necessary.
What to see in Kidepo when you fly?
Fauna
One of the key reasons to consider flying to Kidepo Airstrip is to view the vast wild animals that reside there. Travel to see any of the 86 mammal species and 475 bird species of Kidepo National Park on a game drive. Four of the big 5 game (leopard, lion, buffalo and elephant) can be see in Kidepo. Other big game include cheetah, striped hyena, Rothchild’s giraffe and plains zebra etc.
Highlights to spot while on a birdwatching excursion or game drive include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, Denham’s bustard, Abyssinian roller, Karamoja apalis, rose ringed parakeet, common ostrich, secretary bird and red-throated bee-eater etc. viewing wild animals is best done in the Narus Valley, a part of Kidepo Valley National Park crossed by the Narus river.
Karimojong culture
Flying to Kidepo offers a unique chance to gain deeper understanding and connection with the Karimojong community close to the park. Visit the community to witness the Manyattas, which are their distinct homesteads. This pastoralist tribe will present other authentic experiences. For example, traditional dressing, food preparation and traditional music and singing etc.
Landscapes
Flying to Kidepo Valley National Park offers some of the most breathtaking views of natural elements in Uganda. Kidepo Valley National Park has vast savannah vegetation, forest, Narus and Kidepo valleys, both with rivers and mountain Morungole among others. These landscapes are visible to you whether you are having a game drive, birding excursion or short nature walk.
Why fly to Kidepo Valley National Park instead of driving?
By road, Kidepo Valley National Park is quite far away from Kampala. To cover a distance of around 570 km from Kampala to Kidepo, you will need to drive for 10-12 hours. This valuable time would be spent enjoying the captivating activities in Kidepo and other destinations. Therefore, fly to Kidepo from Entebbe Airport for a shorter travel time, which is 1.5 hours.
Transportation by flight offers perfect moments for sweeping aerial views from central Uganda to the northeast. While aboard the plane, you will witness the changes in Uganda’s physical features. The features to see include lush forests, lovely hills, neatly arranged plantations, breathtaking lakes, rivers and man-made landscapes among others.
About Kidepo Valley National Park
This is was established in 1962 and covers approximately 1,442 km2. This makes it one of the largest national parks, only second to Murchison Falls National Park. Kidepo Valley National Park has 2 rivers that waters it. This is the Narus and Kidepo rivers. Wild animals largely depend on the Narus river during the dry months of the year. River Kidepo dries out during this time.
Kidepo Valley National Park experiences only one wet season annually. This occurs in the month of November. This is because Kidepo Valley National Park is situated in a semi-arid region. Such regions experience dry atmospheric and the hot monsoon winds. These conditions make the park comprise of little vegetation and pasture.
