GAME RESERVES IN UGANDA
Overview
Because of the wonders that nature has given her, Uganda is sometimes referred to as "Africa condensed in one country" or "The Pearl of Africa." Uganda has a number of wildlife reserves that provide visitors with incredible experiences. Some of these can be incorporated into your safari in Uganda. The governments and local people' dedication to conservation has allowed Uganda's wildlife population to flourish. Mammals such as the African elephant, large primate species, and even the tiniest rodents may be found in each reserve. Mammals such as the African elephant, large primate species, and even the tiniest rodents may be found in each reserve. When you visit the wildlife reserves on a safari in Uganda, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of rolling landscapes, a variety of plants, and a wealth of activities. While in Uganda, you should visit some of these reserves.
The Ajai Wildlife Reserve
The Reserve occupies 166 square kilometers of territory in the Arua District of northwestern Uganda, on the west bank of the Albertine Nile. In terms of terrain, the reserves are best described as grass plains, scant savannah forest, and marshes. Marabou stocks, African Fish Eagles, Grey-crowned Cranes, White-Browned Council, Helmeted Guineafowl, and Black-headed Weavers are a few of the species found in this area.
It is a fantastic place to include on your birding tour in Uganda. To see Uganda Kobs, Hartebeests, Warthogs, Hippopotamuses, Leopards, Oribis, Crocodiles, Snakes, Waterbucks, Sitatunga, Buffalo, Common Duiker, Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus monkeys, and Vervet Monkeys, one may also go on nature walks and game drives in this region. Since white rhinos once roamed the area, plans are in place to restore rhinos and the Nile buffalo.
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve
Named for the Bokora ethnic group, the Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Karamoja subregion in northeastern Uganda. It has a stunning setting and has 2056 square kilometers of land. For species that are exclusive to the northeast, it is an excellent place to go bird watching. Hikes to Mount Kadam and nature walks, birdwatching in the Loporokocho marsh, and wonderful communal experiences at the Bokora people's cattle kraals are all available.
The Rothschild's Giraffe, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Oryx, Oribis, Cheetahs, Reedbucks, Striped Hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Lesser Kudu, Roan Antelopes, and Elands are among the most sought-after creatures in the reserve. The following birds can be found in Bokora Reserve: Jackson's Hornbill, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Black-Throated Wattle-Eye, Lemon Dove, White-Headed Buffalo-Weaver, Thick-Billed Honey Guide, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Eastern Bronze-Napped Pigeon, Dusky Turtle Dove, and African Hill Babbler. This contributes to the area's great birding experience.
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
On the western side of Murchison Falls National Park, Bugungu Wildlife Reserve lies tucked away at the foot of the rift valley escarpment, between the districts of Bulisa and Masindi. Its 473 square kilometers are home to 240 different kinds of birds, 600 Uganda Kobs, and 1200 oribis, among other wildlife. The reserve's well-kept pathways give visitors the opportunity to take part in nature walks, wildlife drives, and other activities including camping, picnics, bird watching, and community visits to learn about the customs of the locals. You may visit Bugungu Wildlife Reserve as an extension of Murchison Falls National Park or independently, and you'll have a great time interacting with the locals and seeing their stunning culture.
The Kabwoya wildlife reserve
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is 87 square miles in size and is located between Murchison Falls Park and Kibale National Park along the western rift valley path. Considering that the reserve is located near Lake Albert in the Albertine Rift Valley, fishing is a major pastime for the local populations. Although there are numerous fish species to pick from, the Nile Perch would be the perfect capture. Because there are no predators in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, nature walks and guided treks are a delightful and safe addition to your itinerary. The terrain of the reserve permits both ATV quad riding and mountain bike safaris.
Fossil hunting is a very uncommon pastime in Uganda, but it is possible at the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and is a lot of fun for families traveling with kids. With over 460 bird species to observe, including Western Nicator, Yellow-billed Oxpeckers, Black-headed weavers, Grey Parrot, Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, Stripe Breasted Tit, dwarf honey guide, Bare Faced Go-away Bird, and more, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a birding paradise for the ardent birder on a bird walk.
The Karuma Wildlife Reserve
As the name implies, the Karuma water falls on the Nile River are the main attraction of the Karuma Wildlife Reserve. Because Murchison Falls National Park is adjacent to this wildlife reserve, it is simple to explore both in one trip. Unfortunately, the falls are not suitable for water rafting due to their large number of stones. Primate species such as Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and L'Hoest Monkeys are numerous. Buffaloes, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, elephants, lions, and antelopes such as the Uganda Kobs, Oribis, and Topis may all be found in the reserve.
Swamp flycatcher, yellow-throated leaf, grey-crowned cranes, pied kingfisher, Abdmin's stork, rock pranticole, giant heron, Senegal think-nee, red-throated bee-eater, and giant kingfisher are among the bird species available to people interested in birding safaris.
Katonga Wildlife Reserve
About 40 animal species may be found at Katonga Wildlife Reserve, which is situated on the banks of the Katonga River. The timid Sitatunga Antelope, African Elephants, Reedbuck, Uganda Kob, River Otter, and Waterbuck are among these creatures. In Katonga Wildlife Reserve, the only activities available are canoe safaris, hikes, and guided nature walks. This is because Katonga Wildlife Reserve is a refuge that is best visited on foot and by boat because it lacks extensive road networks. About 150 bird species may be seen in the reserve, including the Rufous-bellied Heron, Madagascar Pond-Heron, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, Goliath Heron, and Purple Heron.
The Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
The 265 square kilometer Kigezi Wildlife Reserve is situated in Western Uganda's Rukungiri District. The Kigezi Wildlife Reserve is the place to go if you want to see an African elephant. Elephants traveling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Queen Elizabeth National Park are housed there. Kobs, Buffaloes, Giant Forest Hogs, Bushbucks, Topis, and several bird species are among the other creatures that are seen. The Hamerkop, Grey-crowned Cranes, Verreaux's Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Red-faced Barbets, Peregrine Falcon, and others are among the bird species found at Kigezi Wildlife Reserve.
The Kyambura Wildlife Reserve
Chimpanzee trekking, under the supervision of knowledgeable guides, is the main activity of Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, which is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is well-known for its chimpanzee population. The reserve is a popular site to see wildlife since it provides water to the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Because Kyambura is home to several bird species, such as the White-Tailed Lark, African Skimmer, African Broad Bill, Pink Backed Pelicans, and Falcons, the birder is not at a loss when visiting the area.
You should include a guided nature or woodland walk on your list of things to do while visiting Kyambura. Given the reserve's position near the Kazinga Channel and northeast of Queen Elizabeth National Park, it would be a worthwhile hike.
East Madi Wildlife Reserve
The East-Madi Wildlife Reserve is located in Northern Western Uganda, north of Murchison Falls-Amuru District. Nature hikes, animal watching, and birding are among the activities available at the 831 square kilometer reserve, which is home to 50 mammal species, 181 bird species, and 374 plant species. The Blue Monkey, Colobus Monkey, Vervet Monkey, and Red-tail Monkey are among the primates that are seen.
The Matheniko Wildlife Reserve
The Matheniko Wildlife Reserve is located in the northeastern Ugandan subregion of Karamoja. During a visit of the reserve, one may observe the Alpine Chat, Grey-Cuckoo Shrike, and Thick Billed Honey Guide, as well as the Lesser Kudu, Roan Antelopes, Bright's Gazelle, and Ostriches—all of which are often found in Pian Upe and Kidepo Valley National Park. There are also some prehistoric rock drawings at Matheniko Wildlife Reserve that are said to be 3,000 years old. Activities in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve include birdwatching, outdoor hikes, and visits to local communities and cultures.
The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest conservation area, with Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve coming in second. It is accessible by car from Kampala to Mbale to Pian UPe and is located in the Nakapiriprit District of North Eastern Uganda. Roan antelopes, cheetahs, serval cats, elands, zebras, rock hyrax, waterbucks, common duiker, and other species may be found in this reserve.
Some primates include olive baboons, patas monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Fox's weaver, Abyssinian ground hornbill, superb sterling, ostrich, Karamoja Apalis, Great Hartlaub's bustard, Jackson's hornbill, and more bird species may be found at Pian Use Wildlife Reserve. Activities available in Pian Upe wildlife reserve include guided nature walks, animal safaris, mountain climbing at Mount Kadam, and visits to local traditional communities.
Toro-Semliki Wildlife nature reserve
One of Uganda's top wildlife reserves is the Toro-Semiliki, which was gazetted in 1926. It is situated in the same area as Semliki National Park in western Uganda, between the Kabarole and Ntoroko Districts. The uncommon shoebill and other water birds, such as the African open bill, Great while pelican, and Pied kingfisher, can be spotted during a boat trip on Lake Albert during a safari at Toro-Semiliki Wildlife Reserve. There are reportedly more than 400 bird species in the reserve. The Abyssinian ground hornbill, Malachite kingfisher, African open bill, Luhdrers Bushrike, Tropical Boubal, Black-billed Barbet, Arrow market babbler, Red necked falcon, and others are among the other bird species found in Toro-Semliki natural reserve.
At Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, you may see buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, hyenas, elephants, and more. Primates such as De Brazza's monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Vervet monkey, Central African red colobus, baboon, blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, Dent's mona monkey, and others may be seen along the woodland walk. See the locals create handicrafts or perform a traditional dance when you visit.