Karuma wildlife reserve is situated in Kiryandongo district in the western part of Uganda. The roaring karuma waterfalls makes this spectacular wildlife Reserve an outstanding place for a visit. The fascinating waterfalls are situated not far from Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest National Park along the Eastern edge of the National Park and only one hour’s drive from Gulu district. This Wildlife Reserve is located within the Murchison Conservation Area that consists of the Murchison Falls National park, the Budongo Forest Reserve, the Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest and the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve.
The Wildlife Reserve is found on the Masindi-Gulu highway that crosses the Nile River North-west wards from Masindi Town. The Karuma Wildlife Reserve is one of the most interesting places you can visit for a wildlife safari with the interesting wildlife species such as the Uganda Kobs, lions, the Rothschild’s giraffes, the vervet monkeys, leopards, Buffaloes and Elephants, the olive baboons, the black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Topis, the Hippos, the oribis that call the Reserve their home.
Besides the Wildlife and bird species within the Wildlife Reserve, it is widely known for the roaring Karuma falls on the Victoria Nile and is perfect for sight seeing. This waterfalls is not very far from the powerful Murchison Falls, hence can enjoy two of the greatest waterfalls in Uganda while on a safari.
There is a local legend that the Rocks that form these Waterfalls were contrived by a powerful traditional spirit called “Karuma”. It is from it that the waterfalls received their name. Karuma Wildlife Reserve extends over an area of 820 square kilometers/317 square miles and was established into a Wildlife Reserve in 1964. Initially, it was established to act as a buffer zone between the Murchison Falls National Park and the surrounding Villages in addition to other un-conserved areas.
Unlike other Wildlife Reserves that have no accommodation facilities, tourists visiting Karuma Wildlife Reserve are sorted with the Red Chili rest Camp, the Karuma Falls Campsites and other Campsites perfect for camping safaris.
