The 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda
The 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda : Because to her wildlife reserves, Uganda’s animal population has thrived. Each reserve is home to a diverse range of animals, including mammals such as the African elephant and several primate species, as well as the tiniest rodents. When you visit the wildlife reserves on a Uganda Safari, the vistas are stunning, with undulating terrains, rich vegetation, and a plenty of activities to enjoy. Here are a few reserves to visit when in Uganda.
The 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
The 87-square-mile Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is located along the western rift valley path between Murchison Falls Park and Kibale Forest Park. Fishing is a must-do activity while visiting the reserve because it is located in the Albertine rift valley region, adjacent to Lake Albert. The Nile Perch is the ideal catch, although there are numerous fish species to select from. Because of the lack of predators, guided treks and nature walks are a safe and enjoyable activity to add to your Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve itinerary.
The terrain of the area allows for mountain bike safaris as well as quad biking. Fossil hunting is a somewhat uncommon pastime in Uganda, although it is possible at the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and is a fun activity for families on safari. Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a birder’s paradise, with over 460 bird species to observe on a bird walk.
Matheniko Wildlife Reserve
Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, located in the Karamoja sub-region of north-eastern Uganda, ranks fifth among Uganda’s most vulnerable protected conservation areas. Despite this, the reserve is home to the Lesser Kudu, Roan Antelopes, Bright’s Gazelle, and Ostriches (which can only be found here and in the Kidepo National Park), as well as bird species such as the Alpine Chat, Grey-Cuckoo Shrike, and Thick Billed Honey Guide. Matheniko Wildlife Reserve also includes some old rock drawings that are said to date back 3000 years. Some of the activities available at Matheniko Wildlife Reserve include birding, natural hikes, and community and cultural visits.
Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is the second largest conservation area after Murchison Falls National Park. It is located in the Nakapiripirit District in northern Uganda. Mountain climbing on Mt. Kadam, guided nature walks and animal safaris, cultural village visits, and bird viewing are just a few of the things to do when visiting Pian Upe wildlife reserve.
Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve
The Toro-Semliki game reserve, established in 1926, is one of Uganda’s greatest and most visited wildlife reserves. It is situated in western Uganda, between the districts of Kabarole and Ntoroko. On a Uganda safari in Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, you can take a boat ride on Lake Albert, go birding, hike 7 kilometres to the Nyaburogo Gorge, and go on a guided primate walk that can last up to 4 hours, or visit the local community and watch them perform a traditional dance or make handcrafts.
Kyambura Wildlife Reserve
Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is most renowned for its chimpanzee population; therefore chimpanzee trekking with skilled guides is the main activity at this site. The reserve serves as a water supply for the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing.
The birder will not be disappointed while visiting Kyambura because it is home to a plethora of bird species such as Falcons, African Skimmers, African Broadbills, Pink Backed Pelicans, and White Tailed Larks, among others. A guided nature or woodland walk should be on your list of things to do in Kyambura. Given the reserve’s position, north east of Queen Elizabeth National Park and near to the Kazinga Channel, it would be a worthwhile trek.
Ajai Wildlife Reserve
The Reserve is located on the west bank of the Albertine Nile in north-western Uganda – Arua District – and has an area of 166 square kilometres. The geography of the location is best described as grass plains, patchy savannah forest, and wetlands. Birding is a must-do activity at this reserve, which is home to Marabou populations, African Fish eagles, and Grey-crowned cranes. Visitors to the Ajai wildlife reserve can go on nature walks and game drives.
During a nature walk or game drive, you may see the Uganda Kob, Hartebeest, Warthog, Hippopotamuses, Leopard, Oribis, Crocodiles, Python Snakes, Waterbucks, Sitatunga, Buffalo, Common Duiker, Olive Baboon, Black and White Colobus, and Vervet Monkey. Given that the area was once home to white rhinos, plans are in the works to restore rhinos and Nile buffalo.
Katonga Wildlife Reserve
Katonga Wildlife Reserve, located on the banks of the Katonga River, is home to 40 animal species. The shy Sitatunga Antelope, African Elephants, Reedbuck, Uganda Kob, River Otter, and Waterbucks are among these animals. The only activities available at Katonga Wildlife Reserve are guided nature walks, treks, and canoe safaris. Because of the lack of built road networks, Katonga Wildlife Reserve is best visited on foot or by boat.
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
The reserve is located at the base of the rift valley escarpment on the western side of Murchison Falls National Park, between the districts of Buliisa and Masindi. It encompasses 473 square kilometres and is home to 600 Uganda Kobs, 1200 Oribis, and 240 bird species, among other creatures. The reserve’s well-maintained paths allow guests to enjoy a game drive, nature walks, and other activities such as community visits to learn about the customs of the people who live nearby, camping, picnics, and bird watching.
Karuma Wildlife Reserve
Karuma Wildlife Reserve in Uganda is recognized for its most famous feature, the Karuma Falls, but there is more to this site than just viewing the rushing cascades. It is rich in primate life, and you are likely to spot Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and L’Hoest Monkeys while on a nature walk here. Buffaloes, Leopards, Rothschild Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, and Antelopes such as Uganda Kobs, Oribis, and Topis may also be found in the reserve. Kiryandogo District is home to the Karuma Wildlife Reserve.
Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
The Kigezi Wildlife Reserve was first established in 1952. It is located south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Common mammals found in Kigezi Wildlife Reserve include: the eastern black-and-white Colobus, eastern chimpanzees, lions, leopards, warthogs, elephants, Uganda Kob, waterbucks, bushbuck, and Oribis to mention but a few.
Bokora Wildlife Reserve
The Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is located in north-eastern Uganda, in the Karamoja sub region, and is named after the ethnic group of the Bokora people. It covers an area of 2056 square kilometres. Given the abundance of animal and bird species, activities offered at this reserve include birding in the Loporokocho wetland, hiking to Mount Kadam, and nature walks.
Rothschild’s Giraffe, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Topis, Oryx, Oribis, Cheetahs, Reedbucks, Striped Hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Lesser Kudu, Buffaloes, Lions, Zebras, Roan Antelopes, and Elands are among the most sought-after creatures in the reserve. Some of the birds to see at the reserve include the Ostrich, Dusky Turtle Dove, Eastern Bronze-Napped Pigeon, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Hartlaubs Turaco, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Jackson’s Hornbill, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Black-Throated Wattle-Eye, Lemon Dove, White-Headed Buffalo-Weaver, and Thick-Billed Honey Guide.
