The Ik is a tribe of Uganda are a group of people living together on Morungole Mountain in north-eastern Uganda near Kidepo Valley National Park. The Ik people became famous in 1972 after Colin Turnbull, the British-American anthropologist, published his book, ‘’The Mountain People." The Ik people are loving, caring, and interesting people to live with and interact with. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

During your trip to Kidepo Valley National Park, you can take a nature walk to the nearby communities, like the Ik. The Ik people have one of the most unique cultures, which should not be missed by travelers. Travelers can hike the steep slopes of the scenic Morungole mountain, which takes the whole day, as well as view Kidepo Valley National Park with its fascinating wildlife species. Click here to see our recommended gorilla trekking tour

The Ik tribe of north-eastern Uganda has a total population of approximately 10,000 to 11,000 people; they are believed to have relocated from Ethiopia, first settled in Kenya, then emigrated to their current place around Morungole Mountain near Kidepo Valley National Park. 

The Ik people were mainly gatherers and hunters, although they also had some cattle before constant raids by the Turkana of Kenya, the Tuposa of South Sudan, the Pokot of Kenya, and the Karamojong of Uganda made the Ik people adopt substance farming, goat rearing, and beekeeping for honey.

 Game drives

Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park are done mostly along the Narus Valley since most of the park’s wildlife species gather here. This area is Kidepo Valley National Park, well designed with track circuits that are accessible by a 4×4 land cruiser, where visitors can have clear views of herbivores grazing from the short savanna plains.

Lions and other wild cats are often seen on top of rocks and kopjes, searching for prey in the vast plains. The best time to go on a game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park is in the early morning when herbivores are grazing and these cats are hunting, or in the afternoon game drive when you will find many animals near the water sources.

The sand bed along the River Kidepo

The sand bed experience takes place in the dry season on the river Kidepo, offering a fascinating encounter. The sand bed experience allows travelers to enjoy the wilderness while listening to different sounds from many bird species.

The River Kidepo is an intermittent sand river situated in the northern region of the park. It is beautiful because it is surrounded by Borasus palms, which make it look like an oasis in the Sahara Desert. The River Kidepo protects many bird species.

Bird-watching in Kidepo National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is another of Uganda’s birding havens, offering an incredible birding destination. Kidepo Valley National Park is only discovered by birdwatchers since it is off the main tourist circuit. Kidepo Valley National Park accommodates over 475 recorded bird species. It protects some of Africa’s rarest, such as the Karamoja Apalis and Black-breasted Barbet. Kidepo Valley National Park is good for semi-arid bird species that cannot be seen in other parts of Uganda, such as the rare ostrich.

Nature walks in Kidepo Valley

Nature walks are done near Apoka Camp, where tourists can observe a number of wildlife species such as zebras, buffaloes, elephants, and reedbucks. There are also long trails and circuits where visitors can walk either in the morning or in the afternoon to observe animals at close range.

Hiking Mount Morungole

Hiking Mount Morungole is another attractive adventure that leads travelers to the IK people. The great Moroungole expedition, which takes a day’s hike via varying vegetation zones and rocky terrain commanding wonderful views of Kidepo Valley National Park, exposes visitors to a variety of traditional dances from the IK people.

The prime time to view wildlife species in Kidepo Valley National Park is in the dry season, from June to September. Kidepo Valley National Park is, however, situated in the semi-arid region and can be toured year-round. Kidepo Valley National Park’s wet season months are from April to May, which are pleasantly less hot and offer beautiful scenery.