Ajai wildlife reserve lies on the Banks of Albert Nile. It is one attraction worth your visit while in the west Nile region in the District of Arua.
This place was established in 1962 as a white Rhino Sanctuary, and then later in 1965, it was declared an Ajai Game reserve. At that time, this place had over 6o white Rhinos, however, the white Rhinos in this reserve are now extinct because of poaching.
This reserve is relatively small covering an area of about 166 square kilometers of land and it is under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Ajai wildlife reserve is covered in grassland, its landscape is dominated by a vast island and its surrounding is mostly flooded because of the swamps. The swamps are connected by two Rivers of Acha and Ala. It also has savannah woodland vegetation and animals do survive well in this environment.
Wildlife in Ajai Game Reserve.
Ajai wildlife reserve is home to primates and aquatic animals. Among the Primates include the black and white colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, olive baboons, the warthogs, and other wildlife like sitatungas, Buffalos, Lelwel Hartebeest, Leopards, Blue duikers, Zebras, Oribis, foxes, common duiker, Uganda kobs, and many more. Aquatic animals include Hippopotamus, crocodiles, lizards, and other reptiles.
Ajai wildlife reserve has a good number of bird species including Marabou stocks, African fish eagles, Grey crowned cranes, weaver birds, and many more.
Activities in the Reserve.
Various activities like bird watching are available since the reserve harbors a variety of species.
Nature walks and game drives through the reserve spotting different animals like Uganda Kobs, Oribis, warthogs, Buffaloes, and many more. Photography tours can also be arranged in this area as you capture the scenic beauty of the landscape and animals, birds, and vegetation. Fishing is also another interesting activity carried out in this wildlife reserve.
When to visit Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
As they say, timing is the best, and the best time to visit Ajai wildlife reserve is during the dry season in December to early March and June to October. It is not advised to visit this reserve in the rainy season April, May, October, and November. since roads are slippery.
Accommodation in Reserve.
Most wildlife reserves have no established accommodation facilities this applies to Ajai wildlife reserve. However, it provides camping services. There are some lodges in the neighboring areas next to Ajai wildlife reserve alternatively you can book a hotel or lodge in Arua and Gulu towns and enjoy your stay, or get a hotel or lodge in Murchison falls national park and proceed to Ajai Wildlife reserve just for activities.
How to Access the Reserve.
Ajai wildlife reserve can be accessed by both Air and road transport. It is approximately a 6-7 hours’ drive from Kampala to Arua Town. With air transport, scheduled and charter flights from Kampala can be organized directly to Arua Airfield.
Historical fact:
Initially, Ajai Wildlife Reserve was managed by a local chief named “Ajai” who led this area in the 1930s hence the Reserve derived its name from him.