Karuma Wildlife Reserve Uganda; Karuma Wildlife Reserve is one of the smallest Wildlife Reserve in Uganda that lies in western region of Uganda in the Kiryandongo district, with total area of about 317 square miles however, it was named after the Karuma Falls that locates next to the reserve and gives you some of the most gainful view of the Karuma waterfalls.

More so, Karuma falls are located in the eastern side of Murchison Falls National Park thus forming the Karuma Wildlife Reserve which is located in the Eastern part of the Murchison Falls National Park, located within the Murchison Conservation Area. Furthermore, Murchison Conservation Area is comprised of the Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and the Kaniyo –Pabidi Forest.

Despite, Karuma Wildlife Reserve was created in the 1960’s to act as barrier between the Murchison Falls National Park and the Villages around were in the un conserved area of the region so that there is less conflict and poaching of animal land which was part of Murchison Falls National Park which is Uganda’s largest and home rich with wildlife species and more attractions to tourists among others.

This reserve is a home to wide large of animal’s species and some of the big fives  found here including; buffaloes, leopards, elephants and other animals to see include antelopes, hippos, zebras many more.

The reserve inhabits over 50 mammal species and delights to visit for game drives and other outstanding activities;

The word Karuma is in local name which derives it from a great spirit that the locals around Karuma believes that forms the rock on which astonishing Karuma waterfalls flow. To the Eastern route, Karuma falls stands out as a unique landmark where you travel and fail not to discover amazing sounds of the waterfalls and spectacular appearance.

Accessibility; The Karuma Wildlife Reserve can be accessed through Gulu highway from Kampala Uganda Capital takes 4 to 5 hours’ drive. Then from Gulu town to make it to the reserve it can take an hour.

Karuma Wildlife Reserve is a home to diversity of animal species such as Uganda Kobs, elephants, hippos, Kobs, zebras, giraffes, Cape buffaloes, vervet monkeys, Colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Olive baboons, Oribis, Impalas, topis, leopards among others.

Activities to do at Karuma Wildlife Reserve

Wildlife Viewing

However, Karuma Wildlife Reserve hosts arrange of animals and the best way to explore them is to take a chance in a game viewing where you will be able to explore list of animals. Game viewing here is done in two sessions morning and afternoon.

Bird watching

On visit here, you will marvel through interesting birding trails since the reserve inhabits various beautiful bird species which can be done on walk and more attractive in the morning hours; Some of birds to see include; Yellow-throated leaf love, Grey crowned cranes, Sunbirds, Kingfishers, Shoe bill, Giant Heron, Sunbirds, Cormorants many more.

Karuma Wildlife Reserve Uganda
Bird watching tours

Karuma Falls Viewing

Karuma falls offer a great opportunity to view the magnificent Karuma Falls as they flow over to form unique rocks. You will have gainful sights of thunderous bubbling water falls as it flow over the rocks, listen to amazing sound of the gnashing water as well as having rewardable view of the surrounding flora and other amazing feature.

Community Visit

You can go visit Kiryandongo Community mainly the refugee camp and be able to interact with the local people and visiting their farms.

Other activities can be carried out in Murchison Falls National Park which is located few drive from Karuma reserve to the park. A visit to Murchison Falls national park, you can do boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, visit the top of the falls and be able to view the world’s most powerful waterfalls ‘’Murchison Falls’’, Game drive, Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest.

During your stay on safari here; Karuma Wildlife Reserve has got no accommodation but you can book lodges in Kiryandongo town or have comfortable stay in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s most visited national park because of rich in wildlife species and the unique waterfalls ‘’the Murchison Falls’’.

book a safari