Karuma game reserve is located in the Northwestern region of Uganda, in the district of Kiryandongo. It was established in 1964. The main aim for its establishment was create a buffer zone so that there could be less conflict and minimal poaching of animal land that was part of the Murchison falls national park and the neighboring villages.
Karuma wildlife reserve is 902 meters above sea level and is within the greater Murchison conservation area consisting of Murchison falls national park, the Budongo Forest Reserve, the Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest, and the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. The reserve covers an area of 820 kilometers.
The main attraction in this reserve is the breathtaking Karuma waterfall, situated at the Victoria Nile.
Different wildlife animals roam the plains of Karuma wildlife reserve. They include the Buffalos, Giraffes, hippopotami, bush duikers, hyenas, water bucks, Topis, Uganda kobs and many more.
Just like other wildlife reserves, Karuma wildlife reserve also is home to several primates, these include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Blue monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, and others.
Karuma wildlife reserve has different bird species that are mostly viewed near the waterfalls, these lovely birds include swamp flycatchers, kingfishers, yellow-throated leaf love, sunbirds, and grey-cheeked crane, among others.
There is an interesting history of the Rocks that form these Waterfalls, it is said by the locals that they were contrived by a powerful traditional spirit called “Karuma”, and it is from it that the waterfalls acquired their name.
However, people have encroached on this reserve and the Kiryandongo refugee settlement camp which was established in recent years, has made the barrier role impossible, this settlement camp host over 7,000 people from different countries.
Where to stay on your visit to Karuma game reserve.
Karuma game reserve gives you several options when it comes to accommodation. The main accommodation facilities within can as well work for Karuma Wildlife Reserve.
Some of the campsites available include the Red chili rest campsite, Karuma Falls Campsite, and shoebill campsite among others. There are also lodges available that will give you comfort and a beautiful view as you admire nature. Some of the lodges you can spend a night at include Chobe safari lodge, Paara safari lodge Pakuba Safari Lodge, all giving comfortable stay and accessibility to the reserve. Another one you can choose from, and others.
How to reach Karuma game reserve.
The Wildlife Reserve is found on the Masindi-Gulu highway that crosses the River Nile, at about 110 kilometers/68 miles drive North-west wards from Masindi Town and only 70 kilometers/43 miles drive south of Gulu Town.
Traveling from Kampala to Karuma game reserve will take you approximately 4-5 hours if you’re traveling by road, the distance is about 236.3km via the Kampala-Gulu highway route.
If you want to travel by air, you can use domestic chatter flights at Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba Airstrip.