Located in Northwestern Uganda Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem in the Pearl of Africa. The reserve was first established in 1962 as a rhino sanctuary but was later upgraded into a game reserve in 1965 purposely to promote the conservation of wildlife in the area. Ajai Wildlife Reserve is one of the 12 wildlife reserves in Uganda scattered in different parts of the country. The small reserve spreads over 148 square kilometers of Land comprised of savannah grassland, woodlands and swamps, a diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of fauna and Fauna.
Whereas wildlife conservation and tourism in Ajai Wildlife Reserve has been so much affected by poaching and encroachments, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has tried so much to restore the lost treasures of this beautiful reserve. UWA also plans to reintroduce the endangered rhinos into Ajai Wildlife Reserve! Despite the challenges, the reserve is home to a variety of birds and wildlife which you should not miss on your Uganda Safari. If you are seeking a less crowded destination with intimate wildlife encounters. Ajai Wildlife Reserve is your best place to visit.
Top Activities in Ajai Wildlife Reserve
Game Viewing
Guided game drives in the savannah grasslands and woodlands of Ajai Wildlife Reserve offer travelers scenic views of wild animals feeding and resting. The reserve is home to animals such as Buffalos, Elephants, Zebras Warthogs, Uganda kobs, Civets, Bushbucks, Duikers, Leopards, Dik Dik, Sitatungas, and Colobus Monkeys among others. Game viewing is done throughout the day but morning and evening hours are the best times when animals are actively feeding before sunrise. The passionate driver guides at Superfine Safaris Limited to help you sport wild animals and explain details about each spotted animal
Bird Watching
Sheltering over 122 bird species, Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a birder’s paradise. The walk through woodlands and swampy areas of the reserve offers you a chance to see numerous bird species such as Marabous Stork, White-backed vultures, African Fish Eagle, Little Bee Eater, Grey Crowned Cranes, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, White Browned Coucal, African Openbill, African Grey Hornbill, Malachite Kingfisher, Common Bulbul, Blackbilled wood Dove, White Crested Turaco, Yellow Fronted Tinkerbird, Black Billed Barbet and Northern Crombec among others. Binoculars are highly recommended for birding in Ajai Wildlife Reserve
Nature Walks
Nature walking is yet another interesting to do in Ajai Wildlife Reserve. Explore the hidden treasures in this reserve on foot! The walk through the forested and swampy areas of Ajai Wildlife Reserve offers you the chance to see various animals birds and ground insects. You will also see different plant species and the guide will help you locate some herbal plants. Guided nature walks provide a closer look at the reserve’s flora and fauna.
Boat cruising
A boat cruise at the Nile River offers you the chance to enjoy the cold breeze of the calm Nile waters. The cruise also offers you a chance to see various wild water animals such as hippos, Monitor lizards, and crocodiles among others. You will also see some birds in the swampy areas on the banks of the river
Cultural Experiences
Be part of the guided cultural tours to the neighboring communities around Ajai Wildlife Reserve. The community tours bring you close to local people in their homesteads giving you a chance to learn and experience their traditions, norms, and customs. Also, enjoy traditional songs and dances performed by local people
How to get to Ajai Wildlife Reserve
Ajai Wildlife Reserve can be accessed by road and air. The drive from Kampala to the reserve is roughly 6 -7 hours via Luwero and Nebbi in northwestern Uganda. The chattered flight from Entebbe to Arua airstrip is the quickest way to reach Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
Other attractions in Northwestern Uganda
Besides Ajai Wildlife Reserve, travelers to northwestern Uganda are blessed with more interesting things to see and do. The other attractions include
Murchison Falls National Park
YES, northwestern Uganda is home to Uganda’s largest and oldest National Park. Visit Murchison Falls National Park for excellent game viewing, boat cruising, bird watching, community tours, and a hike to the top of the mighty Falls after which the park was named!
Budongo Forest
Visit Budongo Forest and unveil the gem in this rainforest. Budongo is famous for hosting the endangered chimpanzees and is well known for the chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest is also home to a variety of bird species and colobus monkeys.
Other Wildlife Reserves in Uganda
- Katonga Wildlife Reserve
- Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
- Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
- Karuma Wildlife Reserve
- Matheniko Wildlife Reserve
- Karuma Wildlife Reserve
- Kyambura Wildlife Resrve
- Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
- Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
- Bokora Wildlife Reserve
- Kalinzu Wildlife Reserve
- Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve
How to book a safari to Ajai Wildlife Reserve
Superfine Safaris Limited is your ultimate guide to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. We offer customized Uganda safaris to the northwestern region taking you to explore the gem in Ajai, Murchison Falls, and other attractions in the region. Contact us now for bookings and inquiries
