Karuma Wildlife reserve

Karuma Wildlife reserve is located in Kiryandongo district of western Uganda in the eastern part of Murchison Falls National Park near Karuma Falls. The reserve has an area coverage of 675.0 sq km (82000 hectares), the reserve is named after the Karuma falls that are a stone’s throw from the reserve where you can even have scenic views of the falls. The reserve is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation area which also includes Bugungu wildlife reserve, Kaniyo-pabidi forest, Budongo Forest and Murchison Falls National Park.

Karuma Wildlife reserve has wildlife similar to that of Murchison Falls National Park, some of which include Elephants, Hippos, Leopards, Giraffes, primates like vervet monkeys, Olive Baboons, white and black colobus monkeys and a countless bird species like pied Kingfisher, yellow-throated leaf, red-throated bee-eater, Giant Heron to mention but a few. Karuma Wildlife reserve is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Reserve and works closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

History of Karuma Wildlife reserve

The reserve was a controlled hunting area in 1962 and also acted as a barrier between the local community and Murchison Falls National Park. Later in 1964 it was declared a wildlife reserve.

What to do at Karuma Wildlife reserve

Game drives

Game drives are an opportunity to spot all the reserve’s wildlife in a 4×4 WD safari Vehicle, game drives are usually done in the morning, afternoon and evening, possible sighting includes cape buffaloes, leopards, Colobus monkeys, L’Hoests Monkeys, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, Hippos, Uganda Kobs, Impala, Oribis, Olive baboons, Giraffes among others.

Birding

Karuma Wildlife reserve is home to countless bird species that can be spotted while on a game drive, nature walk or even done solely, you spot a number bird species especially in the morning like pied Kingfisher, yellow-throated leaf, red-throated bee-eater, Giant Heron among others.

Karuma Falls Viewing

A visit to Karuma wildlife reserve can be used as an opportunity to go and visit the magnificent Karuma Falls and they fall from the uniquely formed rocks. You will awe at the waters as they flow over the rock and sound of gnashing waters and the surrounding flora and other features.

Community Tour

You can visit the neighboring villages around the reserve like Kiryandongo community, a refugee camp where you will experience the local people and also see the good work done by the Ugandan government and several international communities.

How to get to Karuma Wildlife reserve

The road is 110 km (68 mi) north west of Masindi Town via the Masindi-Gulu highway and 70 km (43 mi) drive from south form Gulu Town.

Accommodations  at Karuma Wildlife reserve

Karuma Wildlife reserve has no accommodation facilities but it offers camping to its guests and travelers who want amore comfortable night rest can use Choe Safari Lodge which is a luxury lodge.

Best time to visit  

The best time to visit the reserve during the dry season in the dry months of December to late February and from June to September because the animals are easy to spot as they congregate on the water bodies.