Also called the Bokora corridor that extends connecting to Matheniko wildlife reserve. Bokora wildlife reserve is located in the northeastern Uganda in Karamoja sub-region. Bokora wildlife reserve is the second the largest game reserve after Pian Upe wildlife reserve covering a land area of 794mk2, and was named after the Bokora ethnic group one of the tribes of the Karamajong people.
The Bokora wildlife reserve was marked in 1964 to create freedom of wildlife movement during migration between the Matheniko plains and Pian-Upe reserves. Th reserve is part of the Karamoja conservation corridor that covers Kidepo valley national park, Pian Upe wildlife reserve and Matheniko game reserve. It was preserved originally for controlled hunting practices.
Bokora Wildlife is positioned in the parched zone consisting largely dry plains. The vegetation is characterized of the mainly savanna grasslands, shrubs, short trees and bush. Bokora Wildlife Reserve has incredible scenery and wildlife but the poor road conditions within the reserve make it hard to access during the rainy season.
The reserve is under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), an independent government body concerned about the conservation all national parks and game reserves.
Geography of Bokora Game Reserve
The reserve is located in northeastern Uganda between Moroto and Mount Elgon, seated between Matheniko Game Reserve and Pian-Upe Game Reserve, along the south-western boundary of the Karamoja region. The reserve stands at an altitude 1,000 – 2100m Area 205,600ha. Bokora game reserve adjoining to Pian-Upe Game Reserve (228,710ha) and Matheniko Game Reserve (158,650ha).
The Bokora game reserve plain is placed between two features of Mt. Kadam and Mt. Napaka. The vegetation of the reserve features mainly the savannah grasslands, shrubs, shorter arid woods and bushes. The game reserve has an incredible scenery view and harbors a number of wildlife species.
Wildlife in Bokora Game Reserve
The Bokora wildlife reserve is home to number of wildlife both animals and plants. There is quite a number animal species among which include variety of antelopes includes eland, Uganda kob, reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, topi, Jackson hartebeest, and oribi. Other mammals are spotted hyena, leopard, Rothschild giraffes, and zebras
It’s a spacious spot for watching a number of bird species among which include Ostriches, the African Hill Babbler, and the Alpine Chat, the Black-throated Wattle-eye, Dusky Turtle Doves, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeons, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, the Hartlaub’s Turaco, Jackson’s Hornbills, the Lemon Dove, the Thick-billed Honey guide and the White-headed Buffalo-weaver. Most of these species live in only semi-arid areas and are difficult to spot in other parts of Uganda. The best place to spot birds is at the Loporokocho swamp.
Activities done at Bokora Wildlife Reserve
Game drive
Arranged by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the Bokora savannah is perfect for sighting greater number of wildlife species. However, there is a challenge of poor roads and no clear tracks to drive through when tracking animals. On a drive expect to encounter lions, antelopes, buffalos, elephants, and cheetahs which are not guaranteed on every drive.
Bird Watching
The corridor is a collection for a number of bird species and trying, when opting to watch some of the dry land bird species, this is a perfect place to be. Birds to watch are fronted by ostrich and a countless collection should be expected.
Visiting Karamajong communities
The Karamajong people are one interesting people who have cringed much on their traditional way of life. The region presents one of the outstanding indigenous people, and visiting their communities is a chance of exploring the special lifestyle of the primitive people around. The architectural system of karamojong building is very interesting visiting the Manyatta.
