Ajai wildlife reserve in Uganda
Ajai wildlife Reserve is located in north-eastern region of Uganda between districts of Arua, Nebbi, Oyo and Adjuman on the Western banks of Albert Nile between areas of Namule and Pakwach, about only 10km north and 32km east of southeast of Arua. The reserve is strategically located in an area with higher elevation but relatively small approximately (166 sq km) and it is managed under Uganda wildlife Authority. The reserve derived its name from a powerful local chief called Ajai who led in 1930s. The park was first established in 1962 and later along in 1965 was officially gazette as Ajai wildlife under Uganda wildlife Authority. Ajai wildlife reserve is comprised of an island that is covered by savannah grassland and seasonal swamps that are dispensed into by river Acha and Ala.
Ajai wildlife reserve harbors several wildlife species including mammals and birds. Mammals include black and white colobus monkeys, zebra, water bucks, leopards, foxes, Dik dik, olive baboons, common duikers, oribi, hippo, vervet monkeys, Uganda kobs, sitatunga, civets. The Reserve also harbors number of reptiles such as green snakes, monitor lizard, Black cobras, puff adders python and many more. Additionally, the reserve is also home to several bird species including Grey crowned cranes, weaver birds, giant kingfisher, African jacanas, pied kingfishers among others.
Safari Activities in Ajai game reserve
The Ajai game reserve features several attractions that culminated into several safari activities that the visitors can engage in during their visits to this great Reserved and thus below is the details of the safari activities in Ajai Game Reserve.
Game drives as the safari activity at Ajai game reserve: In Ajai wildlife reserve game viewing is one of the exciting activities that can be enjoyed by traveler who visit the reserve. This activity is done during day in different game drive areas, driving through the landscapes where you will have a greater opportunity to view wildlife animals like Lions in wait for prey, baboon, bush bucks, hartebeests, common duikers, hyenas, antelopes and leopards among others. This will give you a great adventurous safari.
`Birding watching as the safari activity at Ajai game reserve: Ajai game reserve is also a perfect destination for birders who like birding. Travelers who travel to Ajai game reserve view different bird species while on game drives and nature walks where one will be able to view birds like savannah forest birds and water birds. However, the common bird species found in Ajai game reserve are Black-billed Bustard, Kingfisher, swallow-tailed, Bee-eaters, African fish eagles, Red-throated Bee-eaters geese, plovers, Flycatchers, herons, Malachites, Stits among others.
How to reach Ajai game reserve to enjoy the above mentioned safari activities
Ajai game reserve can be accessed by both road and air transport means. By road one can access Ajai using a 4WD motor vehicle through Kampala-Arua Road where the journey will approximately take about 6-7 hours to reach the reserve headquarters in Arua. While by Air transport one can access the park by booking schedule or charter flights from Entebbe international airport and fly to Arua airfield and then use road transport up to the game reserve.
