Philanthropy Program

Beyond The Park

The park and broader region are the traditional lands of the Karamojong (Dodoth tribe) and Acholi people. The Karamojong are descendants of Nyangatom in Ethiopia; a nomadic pastoralist community who migrated south around 1600 AD. They inhabit the area south and east of the park, with a primary nomadic lifestyle of livestock herding and some small crop cultivation. Cattle hold an especially significant social and cultural significance to the Karamojong people. The Acholi live in the areas primarily west of the park. They are descendants of the Luo people and are believed to have migrated to the areas around 1700 AD from Southern Sudan. The Acholi derive their primary livelihoods from sedentary agriculture and other commerce. Their traditional dwellings are circular huts with high peaked grass thatched roofs.

Community Led Conservation

Seeing elephant, buffalo, and other animals in the wild is the primary reason to visit Kidepo Valley National Park. As there are no fences in the park, animals also move freely into community land south of the park. KKAKKA Community Wildlife Association (KKAKKA CWA) is a community-run organization operating in this landscape, with the mission to promote community-led conservation. As animals move out of the park, they often wander into the fields of villages that border the park, eating and destroying the food crops that people need to survive. This creates conflicts that can injure and kill both people and wildlife. Over 600 scouts in about 30 Community Wildlife Scout groups have been established to prevent this. Scout groups are volunteers from the communities that are impacted by human-wildlife conflicts. They are trained and equipped to scare off wildlife that encroaches on people’s crops as well as patrol for snares that poachers lay to trap animals. The scout groups are supported by the KKAKKA CWA, who helps to coordinate and also raise funds to support scout group activities.

There are over 600 scouts in about 30 Community Wildlife Scout groups.

Through a $30 donation, you help a Community Wildlife Scout protect local communities and wildlife for a month. To learn more, see videos of their work and donate, please please click below.

Acholi Culinary & Traditional Dance Experience

Nyangea Napore Cultural Experience

Dodoth Village Experience & Hike

A day in the life of a wildlife scout