Matheniko Game Reserve

The Matheniko Game Reserve is located in the northeastern region of Uganda, specifically in the Moroto District. The reserve is one of the Karamoja region’s most important wildlife conservation areas. The conditions of the 590 square mile Matheniko Game Reserve are comparable to those in Somalia and Kenya’s Maasai region. Pian Upe, Bokora, and the expansive Kidepo Valley National Park are all included in the larger Karamoja wildlife protection zone, which covers the reserve. It features its own rocks that rise to a height of almost 6,000 feet and is near Mount Elgon.

 Although it is semi-desert, the region experiences rain in April, May, and November. Common plants include bushwillows, Harrisonia abyssinica, red spike thorns, red acacia, and shrubs like butterfly pea and hairy caper bush. The stunning scenery, distinctive plants, mountains, and rocky outcrops of Matheniko Wildlife Reserve make it stand out.

Despite these positive comments, Matheniko Wildlife Reserve receives less visitors than the neighboring Kidepo Valley National Park. Since the majority of powerful Ugandans come from other regions of the nation, the isolation and inadequate infrastructure are the primary causes of this. Under several administrations and regimes, the region has long been secluded. Movement along the Karamojong region was limited during the colonial era unless one obtained a permit.

For a long time, nearby tribes thought the Karamojong, the dominating tribe in the area, were cattle rustlers. The Karamojong seized firearms from an army camp in the 1980s that had been deserted by running away from government troops following a coup. Later, these weapons were employed to slaughter and seize cattle from the surrounding tribes as far as Kenya and Sudan. The authorities crushed the armed Karamojong livestock rustlers using a variety of tactics.

The damage to the Karamojong and Wildlife Reserves’ reputation was complete, though not totally, by the time the situation was under control and Karamojong was once again peaceful. The Karamojong were perceived by many both inside and outside of Uganda as a violent and unfriendly group that was seeking their cattle. It was widely regarded as risky to visit the area and wildlife conservation zones. Everything becomes obvious with time. The government has assisted in restoring the Karamojong’s reputation and boosting local tourism.

Following Most, if not all, embassies that have been keeping an eye on the peace process have now given their citizens permission to travel to the area. The area and its fauna have received more attention as a result of the recent discovery of gold in Matheniko County. Utilizing this recently discovered favorable PR, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has promoted the Matheniko Game Reserve and the Karamoja Region as a valuable travel destination in Uganda.

The reserve has drawn people looking for unique experiences as a result of Uganda’s expanding tourism sector. In the park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is doing more. While hotels are being built to accommodate guests, the reserve’s infrastructure, especially its roads, is being renovated the growing number of people who are keen to explore this formerly remote region of Africa.

Matheniko will probably be combined with Pian Upe and Bokora game reserves to become a section of Kidepo Valley National Park in thirty years. The region would compete with the best in Tanzania and Kenya if this were to occur.

Matheniko Wildlife Reserve’s fauna

The majority of the flora and animals in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve are able to withstand harsh environments. For the most of the year, the region has high temperatures and minimal precipitation due to its semi-arid climate. The plants and animals must be able to survive for extended periods of time without water.

The animal and wildlife population is still acceptable in spite of this, however dispersed in smaller groups and not as dense as in the bigger game parks, such as Murchison Falls or Kidepo Valley. Serpentine cats, wild cats, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, civets, leopards, and jackals are among the predators. Baboons, vervet monkeys, and patas monkeys are among the primate population. The dik-dik, eland, mountain reedbuck, roan antelope, Uganda kob, Oribi, Bright’s gazelle, Topi, duikers, and waterbuck are among the antelopes that dominate this reserve.

Cape buffalo is located in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve. Geckos, skinks, chameleons, puff adders, small and large monitor lizards, water snakes, and large rock pythons are among the outstanding reptiles in the collection. Outside of the Karamoja region, several of these creatures are uncommon, including the blue duiker, bohor reedbuck, Bright’s gazelle, elands, cheetah, lesser kudu, mountain reedbuck, roan antelope, serval cats, stripped hyena, Topi, and wildcats.

Other creatures due to the bad park roads. The roads, which are mostly murram, are scarce and poorly maintained. After a lot of rain, these get extremely slick, and some parts become inaccessible. Shortly after the rains have ended is the ideal time to go. The park is still incredibly lush and picturesque at this time of year, providing breathtaking photo ops of the enormous mountains, rocks, valleys, and bushes.

Matheniko Game Reserve’s attractions

Drives for game and sport hunting: As was previously mentioned, the reserve is home to a good variety of species, such as antelopes and huge cats. Although sport hunting has gained popularity in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve, it is controversial among wildlife conservationists. The terrain is ideal for antelope hunting for large game hunters for athletic purposes and to aid in population control.

To oversee sport hunting in the area, the Wildlife Authority has a contract with Karamoja Safari and Karamojong Overland Safaris. In order to participate in regular game drives, participants must first register with the Moroto town office. A guide is provided to accompany guests to the park after they have registered.

Climbing mountains and rocks:

Numerous enormous mountains and rocks define the Karamoja plateau. An option to ascending the more challenging mountains like Elgon or the Rwenzori ranges is to scale one of the big boulders in Matheniko Wildlife Reserve. This is especially true for hikers who are new to the sport. You can enjoy beautiful views when you ascend one of the rocks at Matheniko Wildlife Reserve of the fauna and the expansive Karamoja plains.

Cultural Visits:

One can visit the fascinating Karamojong people for a more thorough safari in Matheniko Game Reserve. They have a distinct and pristine culture, morals, and traditions. They have been isolated for a longer period of time than other tribes in Uganda, which explains this. Any attempt at modernization is met with resistance from the Karamojong.

They have been pastoralists for ages, and the majority of their food and financial requirements are met by their animals. Artificially created scars on the face and torso that represent beauty are part of the Karamojong’s interesting dress code. To improve their attractiveness, the women adorned themselves with exquisite beads.

They have painters and artwork for tourists to purchase at fair prices, just like any other human community. Maybe the highlight of a Karamojong community is going to a traditional dance performance. You might be familiar with the Karamojong dance if you have traveled to see the Maasai tribe.

Exploring Matheniko Community Conservation and Beekeeping Project:

This project is located just outside the Matheniko Game Reserve in the Mount Moroto area. The Mount Moroto forest reserve has surrounded three tribes: the Turkana, Tepeth, and Matheniko. The goal of the initiative is to prevent illicit logging for firewood and charcoal while also strengthening local capacities for self-reliance. Before harvesting, the three tribes would use destructive means to gather honey from the wild, such as chopping down cedar trees or smoke out the bees from their hives.

Communities are taught by the project, how to employ contemporary, sustainable beekeeping techniques. These contemporary beekeeping techniques are intended to both conserve the ecosystem and increase local revenue.

Observing birds in the Matheniko Game Reserve Rock paintings:

Rocks predominate in Matheniko Game Reserve. Approximately 3,500 years ago is when some of the paintings were created. It is possible to make plans to see some of these paintings while at the reserve. These magnificent pieces of art were created by the Kushites and Nilotics. What life was like and what kinds of animals roamed the plains back then are depicted in the paintings.

There is nothing better than camping for those who want to take in the breathtaking African sky and galaxy, a magnificent sunrise, and a romantic sunset. location as opposed to the Matheniko Wildlife Reserve. During the dry season, camping provides a clear view of the Milky Way and galaxies.

Important details on the Matheniko Wildlife Reserve visit

In Matheniko Game Reserve, camping Transportation only 4X4 vehicles should be used, particularly when traveling during the wet season. Since the region experiences scorching weather for the most of the year, leaving dusty roads behind, the vehicle should have air conditioning.

Accommodations:

Matheniko Wildlife Reserve is not very close to any decent lodging options. While in the reserve, one should anticipate sleeping in open-air campgrounds and preparing their own meals. The larger hotels in Kotido or Moroto town are options for those who require more comfortable accommodations. One can leave the lodgings for early-morning activities in the reserve. A degree of seclusion and wildlife access that might not be available in the larger national parks are provided by camping inside the game reserve.