The Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a small conservation area located in Arua District, in northeastern Uganda, within the West Nile region. It is situated southeast of Arua and along the western banks of the Albert Nile.
The reserve was originally created as a sanctuary for white rhinos. To prevent poaching and protect the white rhinos, it was designated as a wildlife reserve in 1965. At that time, there were between 60 and 80 white rhinos in this region of Uganda.
In 2002, part of the reserve was used for human settlements. Later, in 2008, the Uganda Wildlife Authority decided to privatize the land. Since then, a hunting and photography tour company has been managing it.
Vegetation in the Reserve
Most of the reserve is a large island, surrounded by wetlands that sometimes flood during the rainy season. About 35 km of the area is covered in papyrus swamp, while the rest consists of savanna woodland, open grasslands, sandy plains, and small forests. Some areas have thick tree cover.
Wildlife in Ajai Wildlife Reserve
Many wildlife species live in this vegetation, especially during the dry season. Some of the animals in the reserve include black-and-white colobus monkeys, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, bushbucks, and hippos along the Nile River.
Visitors may come across people observing primates as they walk through the reserve.
Bird-life in Ajai Wildlife Reserve
Although Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a good place for bird-watching, only a few bird species live in the area. Some of the larger birds found here include marabou storks, grey-crowned cranes, and African fish eagles.
Activities in Ajai Wildlife Reserve
Visitors can go on wildlife drives within the reserve or take part in guided nature walks.
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