The 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda

The 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda: Uganda’s animal population has flourished as a result of her wildlife reserves. A wide variety of creatures can be found in each reserve, including the smallest rodents and mammals like the African elephant and various primate species. There are many activities to enjoy, abundant greenery, undulating terrain, and breathtaking views when you visit the wildlife reserves on a Uganda safari. When in Uganda, make sure to visit these reserves.

The Wildlife Reserve of Kabwoya

Between Murchison Falls Park and Kibale Forest Park, on the western rift valley trail, is the 87-square-mile Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. Because the reserve is situated next to Lake Albert in the Albertine Rift Valley, fishing is a must-do activity while there. There are many fish species to choose from, but the Nile Perch is the perfect catch. Guided treks and nature walks are a fun and safe addition to your Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve itinerary because there aren’t many predators.

The region’s terrain permits both quad biking and mountain bike excursions. Although it is possible at the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and is an enjoyable activity for families on safari, fossil hunting is a rather unusual sport in Uganda. With more than 460 bird species to see on a bird walk, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a birder’s dream come true.

The Matheniko Wildlife Reserve

The fifth most vulnerable protected conservation area in Uganda is Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, which is situated in the Karamoja sub-region in northeastern Uganda. In spite of this, the reserve is home to bird species such the Alpine Chat, Grey-Cuckoo Shrike, and Thick Billed Honey Guide, as well as animals like the Lesser Kudu, Roan Antelopes, Bright’s Gazelle, and Ostriches (which are only found here and in Kidepo National Park). There are also some ancient rock carvings in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve that are thought to be 3,000 years old. Matheniko Wildlife Reserve offers a variety of activities, such as community and cultural visits, hiking in the natural environment, and birdwatching.

Pian-Upe Natural Area

After Murchison Falls National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is the second-largest conservation area. It is situated in northern Uganda’s Nakapiripirit District. Activities at Pian Upe wildlife reserve include bird watching, guided nature walks and animal safaris, mountain climbing on Mt. Kadam, and excursions to traditional villages.

Semliki Wildlife Reserve in Toro

One of the best and most popular wildlife reserves in Uganda is the Toro-Semliki game reserve, which was created in 1926. It is located between the districts of Kabarole and Ntoroko in western Uganda. You can go birdwatching, climb 7 kilometers to the Nyaburogo Gorge, go on a guided primate walk that can last up to 4 hours, visit the local community and see them create handicrafts or perform a traditional dance, or take a boat ride on Lake Albert while on a Uganda safari at Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

The Kyambura Wildlife Reserve

The primary activity in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve is chimpanzee trekking with knowledgeable guides because the park is most known for its chimpanzee population. The reserve is a well-liked location for wildlife viewing because it provides water for the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Falcons, African Skimmers, African Broadbills, Pink Backed Pelicans, White Tailed Larks, and many more bird species can be found in Kyambura, so birdwatchers won’t be disappointed. Your list of things to do in Kyambura should include a guided nature or woodland walk. It would be a worthwhile hike considering the reserve’s location close to the Kazinga Channel and northeast of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Kyambura

The Reserve is 166 square kilometers in size and is situated in the Arua District in northwest Uganda on the west bank of the Albertine Nile. Wetlands, patchy savannah forest, and grass plains are the greatest ways to characterize the area’s geography. This reserve, which is home to Marabou populations, African Fish Eagles, and Grey-crowned Cranes, is a must-do place for birdwatchers. Game drives and nature hikes are available to visitors to the Ajai wildlife reserve.

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 are among the animals you might encounter during a nature walk or game drive. Plans to rehabilitate rhinos and Nile buffalo are underway since the region was formerly home to white rhinos.

The Wildlife Reserve of Katonga

Forty animal species can be found in the Katonga Wildlife Reserve, which is situated on the banks of the Katonga River. These creatures include the timid Sitatunga Antelope, African Elephants, Reedbuck, Uganda Kob, River Otter, and Waterbucks. At Katonga Wildlife Reserve, the only activities offered are canoe safaris, treks, and guided nature walks. It is recommended to access Katonga Wildlife Reserve on foot or by boat due to the absence of constructed road networks.

Wildlife Reserve of Bugungu

The reserve is situated between the districts of Buliisa and Masindi on the western side of Murchison Falls National Park, at the foot of the rift valley escarpment. It covers 473 square kilometers and is home to 240 different species of birds, 600 Uganda Kobs, and 1200 Oribis. A game drive, nature hikes, and other activities including community visits to learn about local customs, camping, picnics, and bird watching are all made possible by the reserve’s well-kept paths.

The Karuma Wildlife Reserve

Although the Karuma Falls are the most well-known feature of Uganda’s Karuma Wildlife Reserve, there is more to this location than merely admiring the thundering waterfalls. Olive Baboons, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and L’Hoest Monkeys are among the many monkey species that can be seen here during a nature walk. The reserve may also be home to buffaloes, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, elephants, lions, and antelopes such Uganda Kobs, Oribis, and Topis. The Karuma Wildlife Reserve is located in Kiryandogo District.

The Kigezi Wildlife Reserve

In 1952, the Kigezi Wildlife Reserve was originally created. It is situated in Uganda, to the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The eastern black-and-white colobus, eastern chimpanzees, lions, leopards, warthogs, elephants, Uganda Kob, waterbucks, bushbuck, and oribis are among the common mammals that can be found in Kigezi Wildlife Reserve.

The Bokora Wildlife Reserve

Named for the Bokora ethnic group, the Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Karamoja subregion in northeastern Uganda. It is 2056 square kilometers in size. Activities available at this reserve include trekking to Mount Kadam, nature hikes, and birdwatching in the Loporokocho wetland because of the abundance of animal and bird species.

Among the most sought-after animals in the reserve are Rothschild’s Giraffe, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Topis, Oryx, Oribis, Cheetahs, Reedbucks, Striped Hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Lesser Kudu, Buffaloes, Lions, Zebras, Roan Antelopes, and Elands. Jackson’s Hornbill, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Black-Throated Wattle-Eye, Lemon Dove, White-Headed Buffalo-Weaver, Thick-Billed Honey Guide, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Hartlaubs Turaco, African Hill Babbler, Alpine Chat, Ostrich, and Dusky Turtle Dove are a few of the birds that can be seen at the reserve.