Karuma game reserve
Karuma game reserve is an amazing destination situated in Kiryandongo along Masindi-Gulu highway, Karuma game reserve was formed as a buffer zone for the Murchison falls national park and it is part of the great Murchison falls conservation area which also include Murchison falls national park, Budongo forest reserve and Kaniyo -pabidi forest. Karuma game reserve lies in the elevation of 902 meters above the sea level and covers an area of 802 square kilometers, this reserve was gazetted in 1964 purposely to conserve various species of animals such as elephants, buffaloes, hippos and may others which lived in the area. Karuma falls is the main tourist attraction in this reserve and is situated on the eastern edge of Murchison falls national park
Tourist attractions in Karuma game reserve
Karuma falls
Karuma falls is the main highlight in Karuma game reserve, the impressive Karuma falls are found on the beautiful Victoria which is part of the great River Nile the longest in the world. Karuma falls lies on the eastern boundary of Murchison falls national park , the glorious falls features a thundering roar as the very white water flow over hard rocks underneath creating a beautiful scenery. Karuma falls gets its name from a local myth, according to the local people it is believed that the rocks on which waterfalls were traditionally formed and arranged by a powerful spirit called Karuma thus the name Karuma falls. Karuma falls consists of cascading interlocking rocks which resemble a series of steps heading down to the bottom of the calm waters of Victoria Nile, the way these rocks are dotted gives an impressive sight to look at.
Animals
Karuma game reserve is a habitant to notable animal species living in the savannah grasslands dominated plains of the park, animals found in this reserve include cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffe, elephants, Uganda kobs, topis, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, Oribis, hippos, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys and many more. Occasionally lions and leopards are spotted in Karuma game reserve.
Birds
Karuma game reserve is one of the best birding sites in Uganda boosting various species of birds, among the huge population of birds the reserve has been noted to harbor aquatic bird species and it has become the best place to see them. Bird species in Karuma game reserve include shoe bill, giant heron, kingfishers, swamp flycatcher, grey crowned cranes, sunbirds, yellow-throated leaf love, cormorants and many more.
Tourist activities in Karuma game reserve
Game viewing
Karuma game reserve consists of beautiful landscape which is covered with short savannah grasslands and forest galleries are habited by various species of animals, the reserve is noted to offer excellent game viewing safari experience as it is crossed by trails used on this experience. Animals spotted in Karuma wildlife reserve include Uganda kobs, Rothschild’s giraffe, topis, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, Oribis, hippos, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys and occasionally lions and leopards can be spotted as they cross over from Murchison falls national park.
Birding
Karuma wildlife reserve is a renowned home for numerous species of birds and a remarkable site for birding experience, this reserve is a paradise for birders as it hosts some of the most sought for bird species including the shoebill and other water birds which makes your experience memorable. In Karuma Wildlife reserve you are able to spot bird species such as giant heron, kingfishers, swamp flycatcher, grey crowned cranes, sunbirds, yellow-throated leaf love, cormorants and many more.
Visiting Karuma falls
Karuma falls is a magnificent feature worth visiting while in Karuma wildlife reserve, Karuma falls is a spectacular and breathtaking feature perfect for sightseeing and taking memorable pictures. At Karuma falls you will enjoy sight of naturally cascading interlocking rock formation in resemblance of a set of stairs and white waters splashing on the hard rocks.
Nature walks
Karuma wildlife reserve consists of splendid landscape dotted with savannah grasslands with animals and birds, nature walks in this reserve are done on foot and guided by a safari guide. on this experience you get many animals such as Uganda kobs, Rothschild’s giraffe, topis, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, Oribis, hippos, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and birds such as shoebills, giant heron, kingfishers, swamp flycatcher, grey crowned cranes, sunbirds, yellow-throated leaf love and many more. The prize of the nature walks ends on Karuma falls which features thunderous roars of water as they flow on a cascade of rocks.
Accommodation in Karuma game reserve
In Karuma game reserve accommodation is got from Red chill rest camp which is a budget accommodation facility, this camp is situated on the southern riverbank of river Nile and offers accommodation in camps and Bandas. Another accommodation facility is to use while in Karuma game reserve is the Karuma campsite for camping.
How to get to Karuma wildlife reserve
Karuma game reserve is situated in northern Uganda in Kiryandongo district about a distance of 110 kilometers which is a drive of approximately 6 hours from Kampala and 70 kilometers south of Gulu Town, this reserve is accessed by both road and air means of transport. By road means of transport the reserve is accessed using Masindi – Gulu highway, by air transport domestic flights are offered from Kajjansi airstrip and Entebbe international airport to Pakuba airstrip.
Best time to visit Karuma wildlife reserve
Karuma game reserve receives closely constant weather conditions throughout the year and because of this the park can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit this reserve for a safari is in the dry season experienced the period of December to February and late June to September however keep in mind that it can rain anytime.
