Across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park has been nominated in the coveted World Travel Awards which rewards and celebrates excellence. Kidepo valley national park is one of the 10 national parks in Uganda that lies in north Eastern part of Uganda. The park is described as a virgin park which is undoubted as the best destination for unique wildlife species and bird species that are endemic to be spotted in other parks.
Kidepo valley national park has been nominated into world travel awards for three times in 2017,2022, and 2023 alongside Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana, Etosha National Park in Namibia, Masai Mara National Park in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Kidepo is a gem, a true wilderness experience according to the Public Relations Officer of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Bashir Hangi.
UWA’s Hangi explains that Kidepo Valley National Park is next to none. Mention any places where you get the feel of tranquility, peace of mind and an amazing experience of the jungle and Kidepo will beat them. Check the amazing beauty of Narus Valley with a variety of animals such as cheetahs, elephants, Buffalos, zebras, Giraffes among others. It is nature at its best in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Jonathan Benaiah, a conservation photographer and filmmaker says as someone who has been to Kidepo countless times and will be there again in a few weeks’ time, each time closes his eyes and thinks of Kidepo, sees it as a place for those who are tired of the crowds.
A place worth dying for.
Are you tired of noise around you and tired of spotting the same mammals in some of the savannah national parks? Benaigah elaborately explains that those in search of a new and more intimate experience, a hidden gem in Uganda’s safari scene. Kidepo for him is an opportunity for visitors to experience a breathtaking landscape that protects diverse wildlife and is neighbored by some of the truest and most unadulterated cultural heritage.
He added saying that kidepo valley national park is the best destination for sunset and sunrises which is highly stands out due to unique mammals and birds compared to other national parks.
“I am not surprised but I am absolutely thrilled by the news. For me, this is a huge achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those incredible people involved in the conservation and promotion of this beautiful African wilderness. Hopefully, we can all vote to bring the award home this time around.” The photographer adds.
About Uganda Tourism Board
UTB is a statutory organization mandated to promote and popularize Uganda as a viable holiday destination both locally and internationally, welcomes the recognition of Kidepo Valley National Park as well as the other entities in Uganda’s hospitality industry.
Gessa Simplicious, the PRO of UTB said that Uganda is not only attractive but also heavily gifted with a variety of attractions. Uganda’s variety of attractions are not only limited to wildlife but other aspects like culture and heritage, sceneries, food and agro tourism and a lot more.
He continually said that the country is making tremendous progress in marketing Uganda across the globe hence the recognition of kidepo valley national park and not just that, Uganda for the last decades have been showing increase increase in nominations of Uganda’s facilities and attractions with increase in the country’s visitation till now.
“UTB has from time to time changed tactics on how this country is marketed, adapting to the most current methods of reaching out to the broader community through embracing technology.” Gessa further says.
With the new brand of explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, we have every hope to believe that these recognitions and visibility of the country is only going to increase that’s according to the publicist saying that such efforts and use of partnerships with the private sector to showcase the Pearl of Africa is clearly paying off.
Voting is now open for organizations in Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean and Oceania of the World Travel Awards 2023 programme. Industry professionals, the media and consumers worldwide can vote for their favorite travel brands. Voting for Africa and the Indian Ocean runs until 30 April, whilst Asia and Oceania closes on 23 July.
The most votes in a category will be named as the winner in the landmark 30th anniversary year according to World Travel Awards, the nominee gaining.
About the Founder of World Travel Awards
“With voting now open for our key regions of Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean and Oceania, momentum for our landmark 30th anniversary is now building. It is time for you to choose the organizations that are raising the bar of travel excellence.” Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA said.
This year nominees cover a broad spectrum of categories including Aviation, Tourist Attractions, Car Hire, Cruise, Destinations, Hotels & Resorts, Meetings & Events, Travel Agencies and Tour Operators. Kidepo was gazetted into a national park in 1962, the same year Uganda became independent. It hosts over 75 species of mammals and 470 species of birds
Other nominees
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Botswana
- Etosha National Park – Namibia,
- Masai Mara National Park – Kenya
- Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
- Kruger Park – South Africa
