Ajai wildlife reserve is one of the best reserves where birding trips take place in Uganda. It is among a few wildlife reserves with both swampy and savannah woodland vegetation which are the best habitats for most Ugandan birds. While here birders can never be disappointed.
Ajai wildlife reserve covers an area of 58 square miles, perched in Arua in the West Nile region of Uganda. It was gazetted in 1962 as a white rhino sanctuary and in 1965 upgraded to a wildlife reserve to protect the white rhinos that were only 60 in number. In 2002, about 4sq.km land was removed and given to the community for human settlement. This wildlife reserve is surrounded by a swampy island, with numerous rivers including Ala and Acha.
The vegetation and environment all favor a huge population of wildlife which have found permanent shelter in this reserve including bushbucks, Black and white colobus monkeys, crocodiles, red monkeys, civets among others, and birds like the African fish eagle, grey crowned crane, weaver birds, marabou Storks and so much more.
Birding in Ajai wildlife reserve is therefore possible due to this massive number of bird species that occupy savannah woodlands, swampy areas and river banks. This is where birding normally takes place. The local guides are well conversant with the best birding points in Ajai wildlife reserve. Visitors are exposed to such birds like helmeted Guinea fowls, white browed Coucal, white-backed vultures, little bee-eater among others.
During a trip to Ajai reserve, birders are as well rewarded with views of other wildlife species like snakes, primates and sometimes big mammals.
Birding in Ajai wildlife reserve is often done on foot with the help of an armed ranger guide. This ranger guide is mainly there to offer security in case of an animal attack and to take you to the best birding spots. The trails are well established offering wonderful sightings of rare species like little bee-eaters, helmeted Guinea fowls among others.
What to have on a birding tour to Ajai wildlife reserve?
For anyone on a birding safari to Uganda and would like to visit Ajai wildlife reserve, the following requirements are crucial;
A pair of binoculars to magnify and bring birds closer to your sight.
A camera that will be used to take memorable photos and videos. Carry a camera with enough batteries and perfect zooming lens.
An East African bird book for reference while birding is a must. The driver guide will take you where to purchase it in case you don’t have any.
The raincoat or gear due to the unpredictable rains of Uganda.
Small cash for personal use while on the safari maybe to buy souvenirs, tips and gratuities, laundry services among others.
When to take a birding tour in Ajai wildlife reserve?
The wildlife reserve of Ajai is open any day of the year and you can do a birding tour here as per your choice. But the best time remains during dry seasons where there is no or little rainfall. This happens in December to February and June to September.
The reserve is not flooded during this period and you can even take a visit to the nearby islands and marshlands. During March, April, May and October to November, heavy rains cause flooding in many of the reserve and most trails become muddy and almost impassable, making it difficult to access the reserve.
