Africa condensed in one country,” or “The Pearl of Africa” are some of the expressions used to describe Uganda because of nature’s gifts to her. There are various game reserves in Uganda that offer amazing experiences to the people who visit Uganda. You can include some of these when on your.CAR HIRE IN UGANDA Uganda’s wildlife population has continued to thrive because of the commitment to conservation from the government and the local communities. Each reserve is home to different wildlife; from mammals like the African elephant and vast primate species to the smallest of rodents. Their views are picturesque with undulating terrains, diverse vegetation coupled with abundant activities to indulge in when you visit the wildlife reserves on a safari to Uganda. Here are some of the reserves to visit while in Uganda.
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Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
Situated on the west bank of the Albertain Nile in north western Uganda – Arua District the Reserve sits on 166 square kilometers of land. Grass plains, sparse Savannah woodland and swamps would best describe the reserves topography. Some of the birds in this reserve include; Marabou stocks, African Fish eagles and Grey-crowned cranes, white brows car hire in Uganda council, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Black headed weaver. It is great destination to be included on your a Other activities in this area include; nature walks and game drives to sight Uganda Kobs, Heartbeats, Warthogs, Hippopotamuses, Leopards, Oribis, Crocodiles, Snakes, Water bucks, Sitatunga, Buffalo, Common Dicker, Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus monkeys, and Velvet Monkey. Plans are underway to reintroduce rhinos and the Nile buffalo given that the reserve was originally home to white rhinos.
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Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve.
The Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is located in North-Eastern Uganda in the Karamoja sub region and derives its name from the ethnic group of the Bokora people. It sits on acreage of 2056 square kilometers with amazing landscape. It is a great birding destinations for species that are unique to the north eastern region. There is birding at the Loporokocho swamp, hikes to Mount Kadam and nature walks and great community experiences visiting the cattle kraals of the Bokora people. The most sought after animals in the reserve include the Rothschild’s Giraffe, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, The Topi, Oryx, Oribis, Cheetahs, Reed bucks, Striped Hyenas, The Uganda Kobs, The Lesser Kudu, Roan Antelopes and Elands. Birds in Bokora reserve include; Ostrich, Dusky Turtle Dove, Eastern Bronze-Napped Pigeon, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, The Hart laub’s Turaco, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Jackson’s Horn bill, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Black-Throat ed Wattle-Eye, Lemon Dove, White-Headed Buffalo-Weaver and Thick-Billed Honey Guide etc. This makes for a rich birding experience in this area.
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Bugungu Wildlife Reserve.
Bugungu wildlife reserve is nestled between the Bulisa and Masindi districts at the base of the rift valley escarpment to the western side of Murchison Falls National Park. It covers 473 square kilometers which are home to 600 Uganda Kobs, 1200 Oribi among other animals and 240 bird species. The well maintained trails at the reserve allow tourists the chance to enjoy a game drive, nature walks and other activities such as community visits to experience the cultures of the people living near the reserve, camping, picnics and bird watching. You can visit Bugungu wildlife reserve as an add on to the Murchison falls national park or on its own with amazing time engaging with the community for beautiful cultural experiences..
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Kabwoya wildlife reserve.
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is found along the western rift valley trail between Murchison Falls Park and Kibale National Park and covers 87 square miles. Given that the reserve is in the Albertine rift valley region close to Lake Albert, fishing is one of the main activities done by communities living near the reserve. The ideal catch would be the Nile Perch although there are many fish species to choose from. The absence of predators has made guided hikes and nature walks a safe and fun activity to add to your to-do list when in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. The reserve’s topography allows mountain bike safaris as well as ATV Quad biking. A particularly rare activity in Uganda is Fossil finding but it can be done at the Kabwoya Wildlife reserve and is quite engaging for those on safari with children. The avid birder on a bird walk will find Kabwoya wildlife reserve a birding delight with over 460 bird species to see which include; 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 etc.
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Karuma wildlife reserve.
Like the name suggests, Karuma Wildlife reserve is known for its greatest feature; the Karuma water falls on the River Nile. This wildlife reserve is next to Murchison falls national park making it easy for one to combine the two in one visit. Unfortunately the falls have quite a number of stones and therefore not suited for water rafting. It is abundant in primate life like the Olive Baboons, Black And White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys and L’Hoest Monkeys. The reserve is also home to Buffaloes, Leopards, Rothschild Giraffe, Elephants, Lions, and Antelopes like The Uganda Kobs, Oribis and Topi. For those interested in birding safaris, there are several bird species which include; Swamp flycatcher, yellow -throat-ed leaf, Grey-crowned cranes, pied kingfisher, Abdmin’s stork, Rock pranticole, Giant heron, Senegal think-nee, red-throat ed bee-eater, Giant kingfisher etc.
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Katonga wildlife reserve.
Located on the banks of Katonga River, Katonga Wildlife Reserve supports about 40 mammal species. These mammals include the shy Sitatunga Antelope, African Elephants, Reed buck, Uganda Kob, River Otter and Water bucks. Guided nature walks, hikes and canoe safaris are the only possible activities in Katonga Wildlife Reserve. This is due to the absence of developed road networks making Katonga Wildlife Reserve a sanctuary best explored on foot and canoe. The reserve is home to about 150 bird species which include; Rufus-bellied Heron, cattle Egret, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Madagascar Pond-Heron, Squacco Heron,
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Kigezi wildlife reserve.
Kigezi Wildlife reserve is located in Rukungiri District in Western Uganda and covers 265 square kilometers. If your goal is to set your eyes on the African elephant, Kigezi Wildlife reserve is the place for you. It is the sanctuary to elephants moving from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other animals that can be viewed include Kobs, Buffaloes Giant Forest Hogs, Bush bucks and Topi s as well as multiple Bird Species. Some of the bird species in Kigezi wildlife reserve include; Hammer kop, Grey-crowned cranes, Verreaux’s Eagle, Saddle-billed stork, Red-faced barbets, Peregrine Falcon, etc.
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Kyambura wildlife reserve.
Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is near the Queen Elizabeth National park and is best known for its chimpanzee population making chimp trekking with the guidance of experienced guides the chief activity of this site. The reserve is a water source to the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park which makes it a hotpot for wildlife viewing. The birder is not at a loss when visiting Kyambura because it is home to bountiful bird species including; Falcons, African Skimmer, African Broad Bill, Pink Backed Pelicans and the White Tailed Lark among others. A guided nature or forest walk should be added to your bucket-list on things to do while at Kyambura. It would be a rewarding walk given the location of the reserve; north east of Queen Elizabeth National Park and close to the Kazinga Channel.
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9. East Madi wildlife reserve
In Northern Western Uganda, north of Murchison Falls-Amaru District is where the East-Madi Wildlife reserve can be found. The reserve rests on 831 square kilometers of land that houses 50 mammals, 181 bird species and 374 plant species making nature walks, wildlife viewing and birding some of the activities to do while at the reserve. There are a number of primates that can be seen including the Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys and Red-tail Monkeys.
10. Matheniko wildlife reserve.
Matheniko wildlife reserve is found in the Karamoja sub-region North East of Uganda. It is home to the Lesser Kudu, Roan Antelopes, Bright’s Gazelle and Ostriches (which are otherwise easily seen in Pian Upe and Kidepo Valley National Park) as well as bird species including the Alpine Chat, Grey-Cuckoo Shrike, and Thick Billed Honey Guide can be seen while touring the reserve. Matheniko Wildlife Reserve also has some ancient rock paintings said to date back to 3000 years ago. Birding, nature walks, community and cultural visits are some of the activities to do while at Matheniko wildlife reserve.
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Pian Upe wildlife reserve.
Pian Upe wildlife reserve is the second largest conservation area after Murchison Falls National Park which is the largest. It is situated in Nakapiriprit District in North Eastern Uganda and can be reached by driving from Kampala to Mbale to Pian UPe. This reserve is home to several mammals including Roan antelopes, cheetahs, Several cats, Elands, Zebras, Rock hyrax, water bucks, common duiker etc. Some primates like vervet monkeys, tapas monkeys and olive baboons. The bird species in Pian Upe wildlife reserve include; Fox’s weaver, Abyssinian ground horn bill, superb sterling, Ostrich, Karamoja Apalis, Great Hartlaub’s bastard, Jackson’s horn bill etc. There are opportunities of Mountain climbing at Mt. Kadam, guided nature walks and wildlife safaris, cultural community visits are some of the activities to do while at Pian Upe wildlife reserve.
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Toro-Semiliki wildlife reserve.