From Kampala and Entebbe to Kidepo
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the far northeast of Uganda, and most visitors arrive from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport (EBB). There are three road routes. The one through Gulu and Kitgum is about 571 km, the route via Mbale and Moroto about 661 km and the route via Soroti and Mbale about 700 km. Ask your driver for the current road conditions and travel time.
This is a trip of several days, which is why many visitors book a guided Uganda safari tour from Kampala with a driver-guide. Prices below are 2026 amounts and they change. The park itself is described on the home page, and the fees are on the park fees page.
Our pick: a trip with transfers included
This three-day trip takes the road via Gulu and Kitgum, with airport transfers from Entebbe or a hotel pick-up in the price.
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 from Kampala and Entebbe
Multi-day safaris to the Narus Valley with transport arranged, with live prices and availability.
Road route: Kampala, Gulu, Kitgum
The main way to reach the park.
The road from Kampala runs north through Gulu and on to Kitgum, then to the park. Kitgum is a stop on the route, and you should not count on a fixed connection there. The Ministry of Finance announced funding for 115.8 km of road from Kitgum to Kidepo on 1 July 2026. Do not assume the road is finished or fully paved, and plan for a long drive on today's roads.
Do not count on a public bus to the park centre. Travelling with a driver-guide is the practical choice. The park's gates are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Flights to Kidepo
Charter and scheduled options.
Do not count on a scheduled flight to Kidepo: none is confirmed for 2026, and charters depend on availability, so ask a charter operator before you plan around one. A new Kidepo airport is under construction: building started in June 2026 with a planned runway of 3.6 km. It is not an operating international airport yet, so do not plan a route that depends on it. If you do arrive by air to an airstrip in the park, an airstrip pickup costs UGX 50,000.
Taxi and transfer from Entebbe Airport (EBB)
The first leg of most trips.
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi to Kampala | $40 or UGX 100,000 | About 40 minutes, with possible traffic |
| Public transport, Entebbe to Kampala | About UGX 5,000 | About 1 hour |
| Airport to Kitoro | About UGX 2,000 | About 4 km |
Airport taxis wait at the arrivals level. The road to Kampala is about 40 to 42 km, and traffic can add a lot of time. Prices can change, so confirm the price before you get in. If you book a safari, ask whether the airport pickup is included. For most visitors, a pre-arranged pickup to a hotel in Kampala or Entebbe is the easiest start.
Car rental and parking
Driving yourself in northeast Uganda.
Self drive and cars with a driver are available at the airport. Uganda drives on the left. Avoid driving at night outside the main Kampala to Entebbe road. In flood-prone parts of the northeast, UK advice asks for suitably equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles. Check the rental contract and insurance for the roads you plan to use.
Inside the park, a self drive costs $10 per vehicle, plus the vehicle fee from the tariff. Stay on the tracks. Camping is allowed at designated sites only.
Visa, health and travel advice for 2026
Check these before you book.
Visa
The tourist single-entry eVisa costs $50 and is applied for online. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100, lasts 90 days and covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. Rules change, so check the immigration authority.
Yellow fever
Since October 2026 the immigration authority no longer requires a yellow fever certificate on entry. A country you travel on to may still ask for it.
Karamoja
As of October 2026, UK advice mentions armed cattle raiding and a heightened security presence in Karamoja, and advises against night driving. German advice notes an increased risk of armed attacks near Kidepo and the border, and recommends caution and experienced company.
Karamoja page →US advice
The US advice of June 2026 lists Uganda as Level 4, do not travel, and names Karamoja as a conflict area. Read the current advice from your own government before you book.
Combine Kidepo with other Uganda parks
Each park has its own guide.
Kidepo is far from the western parks, and the travel time depends heavily on the route you choose. If you plan a longer trip, the guides to getting to Murchison Falls and to getting to Kibale show those routes separately. The best time to visit page explains the seasons, which also affect the roads.
Getting to Kidepo: frequently asked questions
How far is Kidepo from Kampala?
Road distances are 571 km via Gulu and Kitgum, 661 km via Mbale and Moroto and 700 km via Soroti and Mbale. Plan several days for the trip and confirm the current travel time with your driver.
Can I fly to Kidepo?
Do not count on a scheduled flight. Charters depend on availability, so check the current timetable or ask an operator. A new Kidepo airport is under construction but not open.
How much is a taxi from Entebbe Airport to Kampala?
An airport taxi costs about $40 or UGX 100,000 and takes about 40 minutes, with traffic able to add time. Confirm the price before you ride.
Can I rent a car and drive to Kidepo?
Self drive and cars with a driver are available at the airport. Avoid night driving, and check that your vehicle and insurance suit the northeast roads. A guided trip with a driver-guide is the simpler choice.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Check whether your nationality needs a visa. The single-entry tourist eVisa is $50 and the East Africa Tourist Visa is $100 for 90 days. Check the immigration authority for your nationality.
Is there a yellow fever requirement?
Since October 2026 a certificate is no longer required on entry to Uganda. Another country on your route may still ask for one.