Kanangorok and the Kidepo Valley at a glance
The Kanangorok hot springs are small pools of warm water at the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park, close to the border with South Sudan. They lie in the valley of the Kidepo River, a wide sandy riverbed that is dry on the surface for much of the year. Along its banks grow borassus palms.
This is a trip for people who like remote landscapes. It is not a spa. The pools are small, and the visit is about the journey and the valley. If you are mainly after wildlife, the Narus Valley is the better first stop, and a Kidepo safari covers both.
Our pick: a trip with the Kanangorok springs
This private four-day trip lists the Kanangorok springs among its inclusions. Access depends on current conditions and ranger escort.
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 trips to the Kidepo Valley and beyond
Guided safaris and trips to Kidepo, with live prices and availability. Ask the operator whether the Kidepo River valley is part of the plan.
The Kidepo River valley
A sand river with palms and wide views.
A river of sand
The Kidepo River is dry on the surface in the dry season. You see a broad sandy bed.
Borassus palms
Borassus palms grow along the Kidepo and other sandy river valleys in the park.
Distance from Apoka
The drive out along the sand river is around 30 km from Apoka, and the springs lie further on. Treat every distance as a rough figure and ask for the current one.
Time and light
Plan a full day for the trip. Leave early, as the gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00 and the park's speed limit is 40 km/h.
The Kanangorok hot springs
The springs are small basins of warm water. They are a sight at the end of a long drive, not a place to relax in. Do not plan to swim or bathe, and do not expect a pool with facilities. Ask the park what is possible on the day.
Because the springs lie near the border, a ranger escort is part of the trip. The border is not a crossing point for your trip.
What the visit is really about
The long road through a remote valley, the sand riverbed, the palms and the feeling of being far from the main tracks. Bring water, sun protection, snacks and a charged phone or camera.
Safety and access near the border
Check the current situation before you plan this trip.
As of October 2026, government travel advice recommends keeping as much distance from the South Sudan border as possible and travelling with experienced local support. Karamoja has a heightened security presence because of armed cattle raiding, and night driving is best avoided. The Karamoja guide explains the region.
Ask the park or your operator whether the route is open today, whether a ranger escort is available and how the day would run. If the answer is uncertain, spend the time in the Narus Valley instead.
Some travellers break the long drive north with a stop on the way. The Murchison Falls getting-there guide covers that stretch, and our Kidepo route page covers the rest.
What to bring and what it costs
Park rates apply, and they can change.
Park entry
For foreign non-residents $40 per adult and $20 per child aged 5 to 15 for 24 hours, and under 5 free (UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026). Check the current amount before you book.
Vehicle and guide
A foreign-registered 4x4 tour vehicle is $150 for 24 hours. A day guide costs $20 to $25, so confirm the amount in writing. See the park fees page.
Fuel and supplies
Bring water, food and fuel for the whole day, as you will be far from the main camps.
Where to stay
The valley is a long day trip from the main camps near Apoka. See accommodation for the options by area.
More about Kidepo
Pages that go with the valley.
Kanangorok and the Kidepo Valley: frequently asked questions
Where are the Kanangorok hot springs?
They lie in the Kidepo River valley in the north of the park, close to the border with South Sudan. As a rough guide they are about 11 km beyond the Kidepo River crossing.
Can I swim in the hot springs?
Do not plan on it. The pools are small, and the visit is a sight, not a swim. Ask the park what is possible on the day.
Do I need a ranger?
Plan to go with a ranger escort. Book it through the park or your operator in advance.
Is the trip safe?
Government travel advice recommends keeping distance from the South Sudan border. Go with experienced local support and check the current situation before you plan.
How long does the trip take?
Plan a full day from the main camps. Distances vary, so ask for the current figure.
Is there a separate fee for the springs?
Park entry applies: $40 per adult for foreign non-residents and $20 per child aged 5 to 15 (UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026). Ask the park about any fee for the ranger escort.