Uganda

When to go on safari to Kidepo Valley

The vast majority of savanna safari in Africa is best during the Jun-Oct dry season, but the proximity of Kidepo Valley to the Sahara Desert means that it has completely converse seasonality. The dry season here is Nov-Feb, when it competes with just a handful of other counter-seasonal locations like Serengeti and Makgadikgadi.

Home World

Kidepo Valley

has a contrary seasonality

with a Nov-Feb dry season

four distinct seasons

Kidepo Valley is usually best visited during the Nov-Feb dry season.

It is important to note that this area has a rather contrary climate to the remainder of the country and, for that matter, to the vast majority of the safari areas in Africa. This is because conditions here are more influenced by the Sahara weather systems than the usual Indian Ocean monsoon.

one of the least-visited

safari areas in East Africa

Mar-Apr : Fall season in Kidepo Valley

deteriorating conditions as the rainy season approaches

The Mar-Apr period marks the transition from the preceding dry summer and the subsequent wet winter.

Although rainfall in Kidepo is considerably lower year round than in the safari areas of the Western Rift Valley (Bwindi Forest, Murchison Falls etc.), through this period there is likely to be an increasing frequency of showers, against a background of generally clear and sunny weather.

Temperatures during the day average around 29C/84F, so it can be pretty hot and humid, some people may find it quite uncomfortable.

The big problem from a wildlife viewing perspective in this area is the length of the grasses. This should be fine throughout this season, perhaps starting to become an issue into late April.

Visitor traffic is very low into this area year round, although there may be a slight surge in local traffic from Kampala over Easter.

May-Aug : Winter season in Kidepo Valley

the most challenging time for safari in Kidepo

The May-Aug season represents what might be considered a more conventional southern hemisphere winter, with lower temperatures and higher rainfall. This is in stark contrast the most safari areas, which tend to have a hot rainy summer and cool dry winter.

Although we anticipate this being the season with the most rainfall, it usually takes the form of relatively short showers or downpours, usually in the afternoon. Longer periods of overcast and drizzly weather are relatively rare (although we’ve certainly been caught out in them and they can be pretty miserable).

Temperatures during the day still tend to hold up around 26C/79F and, with the increase in humidity, it can actually feel less comfortable than in the hotter seasons.

The big problem from a wildlife viewing perspective in this area is the length of the grasses. This is likely to be a significant issue throughout this season, as the rain prompts a surge of growth, making wildlife viewing a good deal more challenging.

Visitor traffic should be low at this time, but a lack of understanding of these unusual conditions means that numbers typically peak during August. However, given the remoteness, traffic isn’t exactly serious.

Sep-Oct : Spring season in Kidepo Valley

improving conditions as the dry season approaches

The Sep-Oct spring season is the period when the winter rains in Kidepo Valley should be easing and the prevailing conditions should be generally clear and sunny.

Temperatures during the day average around 29C/84F, so it can be pretty hot and humid, some people may find it quite uncomfortable.

The big problem from a wildlife viewing perspective in this area is the length of the grasses. This is likely to be a significant issue throughout this season, as the surge of growth from the previous season persists, making wildlife viewing a good deal more challenging. The situation should improve into October.

Visitor traffic is very low into this area year round and this season should be no exception.

Nov-Feb : Summer dry season in Kidepo Valley

the best time of year for safari in Kidepo

The Nov-Feb summer season is the classic time to visit the Kidepo Valley area.

The rainfall during these months should drop close to zero and the prevailing conditions should be hot and sunny throughout.

Temperatures during the day average around 31C/88F and humidities should be much reduced, so conditions should be pleasant and comfortable.

The big problem from a wildlife viewing perspective in this area is the length of the grasses. This is likely to be much less of an issue throughout this season, as the grasses should have died back and been eaten by now, making wildlife viewing easier and more productive.

Visitor traffic is very low into this area year round, but this unusual coincidence of optimum conditions and the Dec-Jan holiday season means that there can be a modest surge in numbers. It is certainly worth booking well in advance for the best rooms.