The cheetah in Kidepo at a glance
Kidepo Valley National Park covers 1,442 square kilometres of savanna, rocky hills and dry river valleys in Karamoja, between 914 and 2,750 metres above sea level. The cheetah is one of the cats that draws visitors to the Narus Valley, the park's main game drive area. It is also a hard animal to find. Cheetahs are rare here, they cover a lot of ground, and no guide can promise you a sighting on a given day.
The cheetah is not unique to Kidepo within Uganda, because the animals have also been recorded in the Pian Upe reserve. The setting is wide open grassland with mountains on the horizon.
Our pick: a Narus Valley game drive
This tour includes a game drive in the Narus Valley, where cheetahs have been recorded. Sightings can never be promised.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kidepo safaris and trips to look for cheetahs
Guided safaris and trips to Kidepo, with live prices and availability. No tour can promise a cheetah sighting, so compare what each one includes.
Where to look for cheetahs in Kidepo
Open ground near water, mostly in the Narus Valley.
The Narus Valley
Most game drives go through this valley around Apoka. In the dry season the remaining pools hold animals together. Read the Narus Valley guide for the loops and the dry-season pattern.
Open grassland
Cheetahs need space to run, so scan the open plains as well as the shade under the trees.
Early and late in the day
The gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00. Start early or stay out in the late afternoon, when it is cooler and the light is softer.
Ask where animals were seen
Rangers and guides hear where the cats were last seen. Ask for that before you leave Apoka, and treat it as a hint, not a promise.
Cheetah facts worth knowing
The African cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is listed as Vulnerable. It is the fastest land animal and reaches up to 103 km/h, but only over short distances. It cannot hold that speed for long.
A survey from September to December 2022 noted two male cheetahs that were seen repeatedly in the Narus Valley. That is a snapshot of one survey period. There is no current count of cheetahs in the park, so treat any number you hear as a rough guess.
Why sightings are uncommon
With few animals and a large area, a cheetah sighting is a bonus on a safari, not a reason to book on its own. Plan the trip around the whole park: elephants, buffalo, zebras and lions also live here. See the wildlife guide for the full list.
How to go looking for a cheetah
Three ways to drive the park, each with its own fee.
| Option | What it is | Fee for foreign non-residents (UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Day game drive with a guide | A guide joins your vehicle | $20 to $25 per guide, plus park entry and vehicle fee |
| Night game drive | With a UWA guide, for guests who sleep in the park | $30 per person |
| Self drive | Your own vehicle, no guide | $10 per vehicle, plus park entry and vehicle fee |
Confirm the day guide fee in writing before you pay. Park entry is $40 per adult and $20 per child aged 5 to 15 for 24 hours, and children under 5 enter free. Check the current amount before you book. For tours, check whether permit and park fees are included. The full list is on the park fees page.
For most visitors, a day drive with a guide is a good way to look for a cheetah. The guide knows the tracks and hears where animals were seen. Self drive suits people who know the area and are comfortable with rough roads. Read the Kidepo safari guide to plan the days.
Park rules on a cheetah drive
They apply to everyone in the vehicle.
Stay on the tracks
Driving off the tracks is not allowed. If a cheetah is far from the road, you watch from where you are.
Keep to 40 km/h
The speed limit is 40 km/h. Slow driving also helps you spot movement in the grass.
Keep noise down
No honking, no shouting and no rubbish. Pets are not allowed in the park.
Bring binoculars
A cheetah is often seen at a distance. A pair of binoculars turns a speck into a clear view. If you also like birds, the birding guide covers the same drives.
If you plan to visit the west of Uganda as well, the route from Kampala is the place to start, and the Queen Elizabeth safari guide covers the savanna there.
Cheetah in Kidepo: frequently asked questions
Are there cheetahs in Kidepo Valley National Park?
Yes. Cheetahs live in the park and have been recorded in the Narus Valley. They are rare, and a sighting is never certain.
Is Kidepo the only place in Uganda with cheetahs?
No. Cheetahs have also been recorded in the Pian Upe reserve. Kidepo has a developed game drive area in the Narus Valley.
How many cheetahs live in Kidepo?
There is no current count. A survey from September to December 2022 noted two male cheetahs that were seen repeatedly in the Narus Valley. That is a record of one period, not the size of the population.
How fast can a cheetah run?
Up to 103 km/h, but only over short distances. It cannot keep that pace for long.
What is the best time to look for a cheetah?
Early morning and late afternoon on a game drive, in the drier months when animals gather near the remaining water. See weather and best time for the seasons.
How much does a night game drive cost?
A night drive costs $30 per person for foreign non-residents, with a UWA guide, and is meant for guests who sleep in the park (UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026). Park entry is extra.