基代波河谷国家公园(Kidepo Valley National Park)位于乌干达最东北端的卡拉莫贾地区,占地约1442平方公里,是这个国家最偏远但也最原始的自然保护区。这里海拔跨度极大,从914米一直延伸到2750米的莫伦戈莱山,这种地理落差造就了独特的气候与植被。如果您想在乌干达寻找那种一望无际、没有游人如织干扰的东非大草原,这里是唯一的选择。12月到次年3月的旱季是这里的黄金旅游期,此时动物为了寻找水源会大量聚集在纳鲁斯河谷,是拍摄非洲五霸的绝佳时机。
纳鲁斯河谷(Narus Valley)是整个公园的心脏。由于这里的地下水源比其他地区更丰富,即便在最干旱的季节,河谷依然保留着零星的水洼。这种特性使得动物密度高得惊人,您几乎不需要费太多力气就能看到成群的水牛。据说这里的单群水牛数量最高能超过1000头。这里的驱车游猎非常省心,因为草丛相对较矮,视线开阔,很容易发现远处草丛里潜伏的食肉动物。
往北走一段路,景观会突然发生变化,这就是著名的基代波河谷。与常年有水的纳鲁斯河谷不同,基代波河在一年中的大部分时间都是干涸的,河床露出一层细软的白沙,两岸长满了硼砂棕榈树。站在干涸的河床上走一走是种很奇妙的体验。虽然这里的动物密度不如南部,但景观的开阔感和那份荒凉美感是无与伦比的。这里也是距离南苏丹边境最近的地方,那种站在国境边缘观察野生动物的兴奋感非常独特。
基代波最出名的画面就是狮子趴在巨大的花岗岩露头上打盹。这种被称为“Kopjes”的岩石群散落在草原各处,狮子喜欢利用高度观察猎物。更重要的是,基代波是乌干达唯一能看到猎豹的地方。这种陆地上跑得最快的动物对领地要求极高,只有这里广阔平坦的地形能满足它们的捕猎需求。说真的,如果您在乌干达其他公园没看够大猫,来基代波绝对能补齐遗憾。这里的狮子看起来更有野性,甚至会对着巡逻车发出低沉的警告。
对于喜欢观鸟的朋友来说,这里是绝对不能错过的圣地。公园记录在册的鸟类超过475种,数量仅次于伊丽莎白女王国家公园。其中有50多种猛禽是基代波特有的。最值得一看的自然是鸵鸟,它们成群结队地在荒原上奔跑,这种景象在乌干达其他地方很难见到。清晨六点半出发时冷到需要抱着热水杯,但当太阳升起,第一声犀鸟的叫声划破长空,您就会觉得这一切辛苦都值得了。
钱的问题得算清楚,时间也是。从首都坎帕拉(Kampala)开车过来,走古卢(Gulu)路线至少需要10到12个小时。路况虽然在改善,但后半程的颠簸依然会让腰背受罪。如果您预算充足,强烈建议订一张从恩德培出发的支线飞机票,大约2小时就能降落在阿波卡(Apoka)简易机场。虽然往返机票可能耗费数百美元,但能省下整整两天的路途颠簸。自己开车的话,务必租一辆车况极佳的4x4越野车,这边的维修点非常罕见。
住的地方主要分两类。阿波卡游猎旅店(Apoka Safari Lodge)走的是高端奢华路线,房间直接建在岩石边,窗外可能就有水牛在吃草。预算有限的朋友可以考虑乌干达野生动物管理局(UWA)经营的营地,虽然设施简陋一些,但胜在有烟火气。这边昼夜温差极大,中午可能直奔35度,但凌晨和夜晚会降到15度以下。记得带一件防风厚外套,还有防尘口罩,旱季开车时的扬尘不是开玩笑的。建议出发前查看官网最新信息以确认当前的入园费标准。
这里曾因为边境局势和卡拉莫贾武装放牧受到影响,但现在的安全状况非常稳定。乌干达旅游警察和公园巡逻员会进行常态化巡逻,游客通常在进入偏远区域时会有武装护卫陪同。只要遵循向导建议,不擅自下车,安全基本没有问题。
目前外籍成年游客的门票价格约为每人每天40美元,车辆进入通常还需要额外支付约30000乌干达先令。这些费用一般由乌干达野生动物管理局收取,建议在入园前准备好充足的现金或通过授权旅行社代缴。费用有效期通常为24小时,如果打算停留多日需要连续购买。
12月到次年3月是最理想的季节,因为此时是典型的旱季。这个阶段由于植被稀疏,动物会聚集在仅有的水源地,观察成功率极高。相比之下,4月到8月的雨季虽然草原变得翠绿,但厚大的草丛会遮挡视线,且部分泥土路段会变得异常湿滑,增加驾驶难度。
必须提前预订,尤其是阿波卡附近的住宿点。由于这里非常偏远,物资补给全靠长途运输,营地需要根据预订人数准备食材和燃油。阿波卡游猎旅店只有10个左右的房间,在旅游旺季经常提前数月订满,如果您打算自备帐篷露营,也建议提前向管理局报备并确认水肥设施情况。
Peter Butoto Lots of wildlife; Fauna and Flora. Beautiful scenery of Rocky hills and green valleys. Zebras, Buffalos
Livingmarks25 HOME TO MORE THAN 20,000 BUFFALOES. we did the safari in Oct 2022 with my colleagues and the experience was one for the books. We have seen a lot of buffaloes, herd of elephants and many other wildlife species. the place is massive and roads to adventure is manageable, you will take an offroad vehicle and enjoy nature at its finest. Africa is truly a gem for wildlife safaris, i have been in kenya and tanzania as well, they are unique on its own beauty.
Rajesh Mondal (Devy Jones) The semi-arid plains and valleys of this Ugandan park are a sanctuary for many species of animals, and a perfect playground for safari lovers. The dry season spanning July and August is the best time to visit, when animals gather around water holes. On expeditions or hikes through the park, visitors can see lions, gazelles, elephants, giraffes and dozens of other species.
LUKEBOY THE GUIDE Kidepo Valley National park is located in the north eastern side of Uganda and is one of the least visited National Park. This is mainly due to the fact that this beautiful national park has been for a longtime been had to access. Having done a familiarization tour to Kidepo Valley National Park to find out Kidepo attractions, kidepo Lodges and how best to get there, Encounter Africa safaris is glad to inform you that we have now extended our operations to Kidepo National Park.
Obentu L.Peace Everything in this park is to die for.. Breathtaking scenery.... So many wild animals... I saw more than 500 buffaloes in a single day... I got to see my favourite animals, the zebras so beautiful.. The Amapwas rock has got the best views of the park.. The rangers are so lovely and kind... The birds... The journey to the park, the people... The thrill that comes with the cars getting stuck en route, PS: make sure you avoid travelling during the rainy season if you don't have a four-wheel. I loved everything Karamoja region had to offer♥️