Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is a protected area situated in great Karamoja sub region in the north-eastern region of Uganda, this reserve is one of the three reserves situated in the great Karamoja and the other two are Pian Upe wildlife reserve and Matheniko wildlife reserve. Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 2056 square kilometers stretching from mount Kadam to mount Napak on its northern side, this reserve was gazetted in 1964and it is under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority. Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is part of the enormous ecosystem mountain and savannah plains which dominate the reserve.
The great Karamoja is divided into three sections depending on the ethnic tribe of residence that is the Pian, the Matheniko and the Bokora, the section where Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is situated is the Bokora. This area is a residential for the Bokora ethnic people and it is from this tribal group that reserve gets its name.
Tourist attraction of Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve
Wildlife
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is dominated by savannah grasslands thus being a perfect habitat for various species of wildlife, animals species that are found in the reserve include Rothschild giraffe, leopards, topis, roan antelopes, cheetah, gazelles, stripped hyenas, zebras, reed bucks, Oryx, cheetahs, lesser kudu, hartebeests and many more. Because of these various wildlife species, Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve offers adventurous game viewing safaris.
Birdlife
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is an excellent bird site and a home to various bird species with rare and difficult or spot species, Loporokocho swamp is the best site in the reserve where many species of birds are found. These birds include ostriches, dusky turtle dove, African hill Babbler, thick-billed honey guide, alpine chat, Jackson’s hornbill, grey cuckoo-shrike, Hartlaub’s turacco, mountain yellow warbler, black throated wattle eye, lemon dove, white headed buffalo weaver and many more
Mount Kadam and mount Napak
Mount Kadam and mount Napak lie on the boundaries of the north side of Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve creating a beautiful scenery, Mount Kadam is the second highest mountain in the Karamoja region with Lobo as the highest peak. Mount Kadam also Dabasien stands at the elevation of 3,063 meters, this mountain is hiked by visitors of Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve. Mount Napak is the third highest mountain in the Karamoja region standing at the elevation of 1,500 meters , this mountain is so steep and it is covered with lush vegetation encountered while on hiking safari experience
Loporocho swamp
Loporocho swamp is situated in the plains of Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve, this swamp is a remarkable habitat of a huge population of birds in the reserve and it is a perfect spot to visit while on a bird watching safari. Loporocho swamps is a home to various bird species such as ostrich, dusky turtle dove, African hill Babbler, thick-billed honey guide, alpine chat, Jackson’s hornbill, grey cuckoo-shrike, Hartlaub’s turacco, mountain yellow warbler, black throated wattle eye, lemon dove, white headed buffalo weaver and many more.
Tourist activities in Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve
Game viewing
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is one the destinations offering great game viewing experience in Uganda, the reserve is a home to many wildlife species which are easily spotted as you drive through well trained trails in the savannah grassland dominated plains. On a game viewing safari experience you get to see animals such as Rothschild giraffe, leopards, topis, roan antelopes, cheetah, gazelles, stripped hyenas, zebras, reed bucks, Oryx, cheetahs, lesser kudu, hartebeests and many more.
Birding
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is one of the perfect for spot for birding in Uganda and East Africa, the reserve is a home to over 100 species of birds such as ostrich, dusky turtle dove, African hill Babbler, thick-billed honey guide, alpine chat, Jackson’s hornbill, grey cuckoo-shrike, Hartlaub’s turacco, mountain yellow warbler, black throated wattle eye, lemon dove and many more. The perfect spot for birding in Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is Loporokocho swamp which hosts many birds species.
Cultural visits
On the borders of Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve there lives the Bokora ethnic tribe, tourists visiting Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve get a chance to visit the Bokora community on cultural visit safari experience. On your cultural visit you get to enjoy local dances and songs, local practices of rearing livestock, local houses and many more.
Guided nature walks
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve offers amazing guided nature walks, the reserve is naturally beautiful with scenic views created by mount Napak and mount Kadam. this experience is done on foot under the guidance of a ranger and on your walk through the savannah grasslands of the park you get a chance to spot many animals and birds.
Where to stay in Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve
Currently there is no accommodation facility inside Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve and for tourists who want to stay inside in the reserve camping is the best option, however there is plans by the managing authority of the reserve”Uganda wildlife authority” to establish accommodation facilities in the reserve. Tourists with a desire of staying in a hotel there are many hotels outside the park such as Bokora Hotel and many more
Getting to Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve is situated in a distance of 508.6 kilometers and drive of approximately 8 hours from Kampala the capital city of Uganda via Kampala – Gulu highway, the reserve is also in a distance of 424.9 kilometers and a drive of about 7 hours using Mbale- Soroti road.
Best time to get to Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve for a safari experience
Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve can be visited all year round for a safari but the most perfect time to visit is the dry season which is experienced in the periods of June to September and December to February because the route leading to and in the reserve are dry. Roads in Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve are murrum type of roads and in the wet season experienced in the months of April, May and November these roads are very wet and slippery which makes it very hard to access the reserve. When going to this reserve for a safari experience its best to use a 4X4 wheel vehicle.
