Bat-eared Fox in Kidepo Valley National Park
- Sightings
- Not typically seen
- Best Months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Where
- Kidepo Valley National Park
The bat-eared fox is a small, highly specialized canid instantly recognized by its extraordinary, oversized ears that measure up to five inches long. Sporting an ashy-grey coat, black limbs, and a distinct raccoon-like facial mask, this unique mammal has largely abandoned hunting vertebrates in favor of an insectivorous diet consisting mostly of harvester termites. It relies on its incredible acoustic hearing to detect the faint chewing sounds of insects moving completely underground. Armed with up to 50 specialized teeth, more than almost any other non-marsupial mammal, the bat-eared fox plays a vital ecological role in controlling local insect populations while living in tight-knit, monogamous family groups.
From Our Guides
These small, fascinating canids are completely absent from Uganda's wetter western parks. Tracking them reveals an entirely different side of savanna wildlife; watching a family of bat-eared foxes use their massive, radar-like ears to detect underground insect movements before digging frantically is an exclusive, highly entertaining privilege, since a sighting depends on being in the right patch of grassland at the right moment.
- What Kidepo Valley National Park Is Known For
Kidepo is renowned for its spectacular, crowd-free landscapes and harboring Uganda's unique wilderness predators, including the largest single herds of African Cape buffalo on the continent
- Best Time to Visit Kidepo Valley National Park
September to March, with the prime window of the dry season from December to February, when wildlife congregates heavily around the permanent water sources of the Narus Valley.
Last updated October 22, 2026
· Written by Enoch, Huko Safaris
5.0average traveler rating
Local expert: Enoch
Best Months to See Bat-eared Fox in Uganda
From our team
Bat-eared Fox
In Uganda, this species is entirely restricted to the remote, semi-arid north-eastern park, specifically Kidepo Valley National Park and the pristine Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Since they are largely nocturnal, you get chances of spotting them through a night game drive in Kidepo. Watching them tilt their massive heads to the soil to listen for bugs is an absolute joy to watch!
— Enoch, Huko Safaris
Kidepo Valley National Park
Clients always ask if the long trip north is worth it. Our answer is a definitive yes. Kidepo offers a profound, untouched wilderness you won't find in Uganda’s western parks, featuring endemic species like cheetahs and ostriches without any of the tourist crowds. Our insider tip: We highly recommend booking a domestic flight straight there; it bypasses the long drive and drops you directly into one of Africa's most exclusive, private wildlife spectacles.
— Enoch, Huko Safaris