Matheniko Wildlife Reserve is one of the reserves found in the Northeastern region of Uganda located in the Moroto District on the Savanah plains of the Karamoja sub-region.
This reserve covers an area of about 1520 square kilometers and is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Matheniko game reserve is a section of the Karamoja Protected Areas and stretches from the renowned Kidepo Valley National Park neighboring Bokora and Pian Upe Wildlife reserves.
In addition, the reserve is under the Somalia-Masai eco-region of the semi-arid savannah and shrubland, and it is dominated by Red acacia and the desert date, bushwillows, Harrisonia abyssinica, and red spike-thorns. The reserve also has the butterfly pea and woolly caper bush.
Touring through the Matheniko game reserve, you will notice various paintings dating from about 3,500 years ago. The paintings bear animals that used to stay in this reserve and an idea of what life was like back then in this place. It is believed that the Nilotic and Kushites had a hand in these tremendous artworks.
Wildlife in the Reserve
Matheniko Wildlife Reserve is home to a variety of splendid wild animals that attract different people to this place like the Uganda Kobs, Bright’s Gazelle, Common Duikers, Common Elands, waterbucks, Lesser Kudu, Mountain reedbucks, Blue duikers, Oribis, Bohor reedbucks, and Topi. There are also primates like Patas monkeys, Olive Baboons, and
Vervet monkeys. Carnivores also reside in the Matheniko game reserve, and these include wildcats, servals, spotted hyenas, Leopards, striped hyenas, Cheetah, Jackals, and civets.
There is also a variety of Unique Bird species in the Matheniko game reserve like the mountain Yellow Warbler, Egyptian Vulture, Pygmy falcon, Ethiopian Swallow, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Verreaux’s Eagle, Thick-billed Honeyguide, the Eastern Bronze napped pigeon, Black-headed plover, Cattle egret, Clapper ton’s Francolin, Red-billed Oxpecker among others.
Activities in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve.
Mountain and rock climbing:
Matheniko game reserve has a variety therefore when you visit this place you can hike through the rocks as well as mountain Elgon since it’s almost within the same area, on top of these rocks you can see the beautiful surroundings of this area.
Game drives:
Game drives in Matheniko are done with a professional guide who will take you through the Reserve where you can view all the wild animals mentioned above
Cultural tours
Matheniko game reserve communities are occupied by the Karamojong people, who have a unique culture, they are majorly Pastoralists and depend on their animals for meat, milk, and hides plus economic needs. While visiting they will offer you their unique dances and music that will leave you astonished.
Where to stay in Matheniko game reserve.
There are some available campsites in Matheniko Game Reserve where you can spend a night after your tour, as well as hotels and lodges in Kotido and Moroto towns where you can book a room of your comfort.
How to get to Matheniko game reserve.
It is always better to visit game reserves in the dry season since this allows you to enjoy your tour and view different animals coming to the plains. June to September and December to February are the best months to visit the Matheniko game reserve.
You can access the Matheniko game reserve by road transport or air. From Kampala city, by road, you will use the Jinja-Soroti route. It is advisable to use a 4×4 safari vehicle for a smooth ride.
Then if you are in Kidepo Valley, it will take you 119 kilometers to get to Matheniko game reserve.