Ajai wildlife reserve
Ajai wildlife reserve is a very small game reserve that is found in westnile region particularly in Arua district. Ajai forest reserve was gazetted in the year 1965 and the total ground surface area is approximately 148 square kilometres. Ajai wildlife reserve is approximately 497 km by road from Kampala via Luwero Nebbi to Arua town. The drive is usually around 6 to 7 hrs. This wildlife reserve initially hosted numerous wildlife species including the endangered white Rhino species however due to the increased poaching activities all the endangered Rhino species were taken to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. However, Ajai forest reserve still boast to have numerous wildlife species which include; Hippos along the Nile River, Uganda Kob, black and white colobus monkeys, bush bucks, hartebeest, warthogs, water bucks to mention but a few. Ajai wildlife reserve also has numerous bird species such as Grey crowned cranes, Marabou stocks, African fish eagle, White backed vultures, helmeted guinea fowl, black headed weaver, white browed coucal, little bee eater to mention but a few. All these bird species will indeed fulfil a bird lovers’ interest and enable them to be able to have a great Uganda Birding safari at Ajai wildlife reserve.
While at Ajai wildlife reserve, one can carry out Fun tourist activities such as;
Game drives; while at Ajai forest reserve, one can view the different wildlife species while on a safari vehicle with the aid of a well-trained tour guide, one can view the various wildlife species such as; Hippos along the Nile River, Uganda Kob, black and white colobus monkeys, bush bucks, hartebeest, warthogs, water bucks to mention but a few. While have a game drive at Ajai game reserve one can also get the opportunity to take beautiful pictures of the various beautiful sceneries, lush vegetation, the scattered savannah grasslands to mention but a few. However, it is important to note that game drives come at a cost and all these can be determined by a trusted tour operator.
Boat cruise; Since Ajai game reserve is right next to the Nile River, one can take a thrilling and relaxing Boat cruise at the river while viewing the beautiful sceneries, the different Aquatic wildlife species like the Hippos, crocodiles to mention but a few. And also get the opportunity to view the different bird species that hang around the banks of the river. This makes Ajai game reserve indeed one of the best safari destinations in west Nile region of Uganda.
Cultural tours; While on a Uganda safari at Ajai wildlife reserve, one can move through the various communities around Ajai forest reserve and learn about their ways of life, fishing techniques, their efforts towards preserving of Ajai forest reserve get the opportunity to participate or watch their beautiful traditional dances and songs. The most dominant tribes around Ajai forest reserve include, the Lugbara, the Alur some of the madi. These group of people have a very rich cultural heritage that they still uphold up to date.
Bird watching; Ajai game reserve is indeed a birders haven. It is filled with numerous bird species such as; Grey crowned cranes, Marabou stocks, African fish eagle, White backed vultures, helmeted guinea fowl, black headed weaver, white browed coucal, little bee eater to mention but a few. While having guided nature walks through the different walking trails at Ajai forest Reserve, one can get the opportunity to closely view bird species and even take beautiful pictures as a souvenir. All these amazing bird life makes Ajai game reserve indeed a beautiful place to visit while on a Uganda birding safari.
Guided nature walks; With the aid of a well-trained tour guide, one can explore Ajai forest reserve on foot and get an intimate opportunity to view the various wildlife species and bird species that are found at Ajai forest reserve and be able to take pictures. During these nature walks, one also gets the opportunity to connect with nature and move through the different parts of the game reserve. While on guided nature walks, tourists get are encouraged to put on protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and also boot on safety boots to protect them from any kind of cuts and insect bites.
Camping; Ajai forest reserve offers great camping opportunities where tourists can set up their tents and even spent the whole night out in the protected camping areas. Tourists are usually charged a fee for the tents if they didn’t carry their own tents. They can set a camp fire, tell stories and also get time to interact with friends and family while camping at Ajai forest reserve during their Uganda wildlife safari and stay there.
The best time to visit Ajai forest reserve is during the dry season in the months of January, February, December, June, July and August. However, tourists can visit this beautiful wildlife reserve throughout the year.
