Bokora Wildlife Reserve: Attractions and Things to See

The northeastern region of Uganda is home to the Bokora Wildlife Reserve. Covering 794 square miles, the reserve was designated as a wildlife reserve in 1964. The second-largest game reserve in Uganda is Bokora Corridor, which is a part of the larger semi-arid Karamoja wildlife conservation area, which also includes Matheniko and Pian Upe game reserves.

The four ethnic groups of the Karamojong tribe—the Upe, Pian, Matheniko, and Bokora—are represented by the names of the three game reserves. Every ethnic group resides near the nature reserve that bears their name.

The Matheniko occupy lands close to Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, the Upe and Pian are near Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and the Bokora are discovered to be residing near the Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve. Mount Kadam and Mount Napaka are the most notable features of the primarily arid plains that make up Bokora Wildlife Reserve. Savanna grasses, shrubs, small trees, and bush make up the majority of the plains.

Although Bokora Wildlife Reserve boasts amazing landscape and wildlife, accessing the reserve during the rainy season is challenging due to its poor road conditions. Uganda might have a national park that is on par with the greatest in Kenya and Tanzania if the road problem is resolved, hotels are constructed, and the government decides to combine three reserves in Karamoja with Kidepo Valley National Park.

Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve management challenges

The Uganda animals Authority faces a number of difficulties in controlling animals. Ugandan reserves are being encroached upon and completely occupied by nearby settlements. This issue is present in Bokora Game Reserve as well. Communities near the reserve claim that buffaloes and other animals damage or eat their crops as they move across the reserve.

Additionally, they lament that the government hardly ever pays them for this. Tribal conflicts and cattle rustling had long caused instability in the Karamoja region. Many had to turn to alternative ways of life after losing their animals. Even though the majority of the Karamojong warriors have been disarmed and peace has restored, many families still live in extreme poverty.

The communities discovered the resources because they had few alternatives for surviving extremely appealing within the reserve. During periods of severe drought, some have been tempted to grow crops or graze on the reserve. Even though the Uganda Wildlife Authority occasionally expels them, encroachment is still an issue. It appears that local officials, who frequently support the community out of self-interest, have made matters worse. By building water holes, the government and other humanitarian organizations have devised ways to combat drought and hunger during the dry season, which drives many pastoralists from their homes.

The Karamoja region is home to the United Nations World Food Programme, which assists in enhancing the diets of starving communities. Amidst all of the aforementioned difficulties, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has started a number of community awareness campaigns to inform the locals about the importance of protecting wildlife and how they, like their Kenyan pastoralist counterparts, may profit from the expanding tourism sector. For people looking for lodging while visiting the park, several Karamojong have gone ahead and established tiny hotel facilities.

Bokora Wildlife Reserve’s fauna

The semi-arid environment of Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve has toughened the creatures and flora that live there. Wildlife in this region of Uganda needs to be able to withstand protracted dry spells in order to survive. Cheetahs, Bright’s gazelles, buffaloes, elands, hartebeests, leopards, lesser kudu, lions, oribis, oryx, reedbucks, Roan antelopes, Rothschild’s giraffes, and more are all likely to be spotted while on the reserve. Zebras, Topis, Uganda Kobs, striped hyenas, and hyenas. Elephants and buffaloes traveling from Sudan to Kidepo and other surrounding wildlife areas have been using the Bokora Corridor game reserve for thousands of years.

The Black-throated Wattle-eye, Dusky Turtle Doves, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeons, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Jackson’s Hornbills, the Lemon Dove, the Thick-billed Honey guide, the Alpine Chat, the African Hill Babbler, the Ostriches, and the White-headed Buffalo-weaver are among the birds that birdwatchers should encounter. The majority of these species are hard to find in other parts of Uganda and only inhabit semi-arid regions. The Loporokocho marsh is the ideal location for bird watching.

Bokora Game Reserve lodging options include hotels and lodges.

As previously mentioned, the road there are no conventional lodging options in the Bokora Game Reserve, and the network there is inadequate. For those who enjoy adventure and living in the wild, camping is the greatest alternative in the reserve and offers great rewards. With a breathtaking Milky Way and a gorgeous night sky, you get to spend time in a real African wilderness.

 Additionally, you get the impression that you are among the animal herds because the tents are positioned so close to the wildlife. The Uganda Wildlife Authority intends to construct some lodges within the reserve shortly, so those who need greater comfort need not worry. As an alternative, one can stay overnight at a hotel in Kotido or Moroto and then travel to for early-morning activities in the reserve.

When would be a good time to come?

Although the reserve welcomes visitors all year round, the dry season is the best time to go. June through September and December through February are the dry season months. Even the toughest four-wheel drive vehicles find some parts of the roads nearly impassable during the wet months of November, May, and April. The wet (rainy) season is the best time to visit the reserve if you want to take advantage of all it has to offer without having to deal with people. After the rains, the Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve comes to life with lush flora and breathtaking views. Dust is removed, and temperatures are not extremely high. It can be challenging to deal with the heat during the driest season. 

Principal Pursuits in the Bokora Game Reserve

Bokora Game Reserve’s Corridor Getting to know the Karamojong:

 The Karamojong people live in Bokora Wildlife Reserve. The majority of the subgroup residing around the reserve is the Bokora. Discover authentic African indigenous by taking a cultural tour of this distinctive tribe while on a reserve trip. As pastoralists who live on the move, the Karamojong depend on their livestock for nearly everything.

The animals produce milk, hides, meat, and dung. The warmest months of the year are when the Karamojong drink cow blood. They are among the greatest tribes to visit if one wants to see a truly indigenous African tribe because they still refuse to change to contemporary ways of life. During the Karamojong, guests can join them to pasture cattle, learn how to manually milk cows, or participate in traditional dances in the evening.

Drives for games:

Despite its semi-arid location, Bokoro Game Reserve is home to amazing species. Many antelopes, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, and even elephants can be seen during particular times if you spend at least three days in the reserve.

Observing birds:

 Despite prolonged drought seasons, the Bokora Corridor game reserve boasts an impressive array of birds. It is one among Uganda’s birdwatching destinations. The ostrich, the largest bird in the world, lives on the arid plains. Because they can detect impending predators or smaller animals that may be of interest, wild ostriches flourish in arid environments and on plains. Within their eggs. If necessary, they can operate thanks to the extensive plans.

Note:

A trip to Bokora Game Reserve can be combined with a safari in Matheniko Game Reserve, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and the magnificent Kidepo Valley National Park for an even more comprehensive and unforgettable safari experience.