Ugandas Smallest Gazetted Game Areas : Uganda the pearl of Africa is one of the best tourist destinations to visit while on an Explore Africa safari. Found in the Eastern part of Africa and is bordered by Kanya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Uganda has a warm Equatorial climate as it is crossed by the Equator at zero degrees Latitude. Uganda mainly experiences two seasons such as; the dry season and the wet / rainy season. This makes it easy to visit the country throughout the year although the best time to visit Uganda would be during the dry months / dry season of months of June, July, August and from mid- December, January and February. and this is the best time because it is when there are less rainfalls throughout the country and therefore one is able to have a great Uganda wildlife / Uganda birding / Uganda cultural safari. Uganda has 10 national parks from tourist can satisfy their Safari needs and these game parks include; Murchison falls national park which is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth national that has tree climbing lions, Kidepo valley national park, Bwindi impenetrable national park, Lake Mburo national Park, Mt Rwenzori national park, Mgahinga national park and Semuliki national park.
The following are the five smallest game areas in Uganda
Mgahinga National Park.
Mgahinga national park is the smallest national park in Uganda and it covers a total surface area of approximately 33.9 square kilometers and it was officially gazetted as a national park in 1991 by the government of Uganda and is managed by Uganda Wild authority. Mgahinga national park is situated in the Southwestern part of Uganda and is a popularly known destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. It takes about 2 to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are and a permit for Gorilla trekking has to be acquired before the activity and it costs 800 USD per foreigner, 700 USD per foreign resident and 300,000 UGX per East African residents. Mgahinga national park is also filled with other wildlife species and numerous bird species however it is Uganda’s best Uganda Gorilla trekking destination.
Semuliki National Park.
Semuliki national park covers a total surface area of approximately 219 square kilometers and it is located in the western region of Uganda in Bundibugyo district lying on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This national park is known to be one of Africa’s most diverse forests which has stunning physical features such as; the unique hot springs and it is a home to over 60 mammal species such as; African buffalo, leopards, African elephants, African civet, bush babies, mona monkeys, African civet, water chevrotain among others. more so, it is also seen birders haven due to the fact that it harbors around 435 bird species such as; spot breasted ibis, Congo serpent eagle, haartlaub’s duck, red thighed sparrow hawk and many others.
Bokora Corridor wildlife reserve.
Bokora corridor wildlife reserve is also one of the smallest game reserves in Uganda covering a total ground area of approximately 80 square kilometers, it is located in North eastern region of Uganda. Despite the size of Bokora game park, tourists around this area will get to capture breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, open plains around Bokoro game park. This game reserve is a perfect destination to travel to visit as it is a home to various wildlife species like; zebras, antelopes, giraffes, Kobs, bush bucks among others. In addition, tourists while on a Uganda wildlife / birding safari, one can opt to embark on several activities such as; guided nature walks, community encounters, game drive among others. However, all these activities should be carried out in the presence of a guide.
Katonga wildlife reserve.
Katonga wildlife reserve is found in the Southwestern region of Uganda and it is among the smallest game reserves in Uganda, covering a total ground surface area of approximately 211 square kilometers and is famously known for its wetland eco-system. Katonga River, is one of the major tourist attractions within the park which is a suitable home to wildlife species like; hippos, crocodiles, fish and many others. While on a Uganda wildlife safari one visiting within the reserve gives tourists great opportunities to engage in several interesting activities like; guided nature walks, canoe riding, community visits, cultural encounters, bird watching, wildlife viewing among others.
Matheniko wildlife reserve.
Matheniko wildlife reserve is located in North eastern part of Uganda known as Karamoja region, which covers a total surface area of about 240 square kilometers. Matheniko national reserve and is characterized by its beautiful physical features like; rugged mountains, vast grass lands, which harbor many wildlife species such as; buffalos, antelopes, elephants, duikers, monkeys, zebras, Uganda Kob among others. While at a Uganda cultural tour at Matheniko wildlife reserve one can visit the neighboring communities around the reserve giving them a chance to interact with the Karamojong people and get to learn about their culture, customs and traditions, traditional dances and songs not to mention but a few.
The best time to visit these game reserves is during the dry months of January, February, June, July, August and December.
