Kidepo Game Reserve

Kidepo Game Reserve

Kidepo Game Reserve is a protected area located in Ikotos and Budi Counties. Covering an area of 1200 km2, the reserve is located on the border of South Sudan and Uganda, where it creates a contiguous ecosystem with the Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda. The reserve's unique location allows for the free movement of wildlife between the two countries, making it an essential habitat for a diverse range of species. The landscape of the reserve is characterized by open savannas, rolling hills, and rugged mountains, providing a perfect habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The reserve is drained by the Kidepo River, which flows into the Narus River, a major tributary of the Nile River. The Kidepo Game Reserve is home to over 80 species of mammals, including the iconic African Bush Elephant, African Wild Dog, lion, cheetah, leopard, Spotted Hyena, Lesser Kudu, African Buffalo, and giraffe. The reserve is also known for its impressive population of antelopes, including the Jackson's Hartebeest, and the Chandlers' Mountain Reedbuck. The reserve's avifauna is equally impressive, with over 450 species of birds recorded, including the ostrich and the secretarybird. The reserve is also an Important Bird Area where native birds include Heuglin's Spurfowl, Yellow-Necked Spurfowl, and Dusky Turtle Dov. The reserve's unique biodiversity is attributed to its geographical location, which allows for the convergence of different ecological zones. The reserve's altitude ranges from 900 to 2,750 meters above sea level, creating a variety of microclimates that support a wide range of plant species.