As we continue to uncover the beauty in Uganda’s biggest wilderness of Kidepo valley, here is all you need to know about Matheniko wildlife reserve (the stunning natural wilderness).
Location of Matheniko Game Reserve Uganda
In the northern side of the equator, Matheniko game reserve is situated on the savannah plains within Karamoja sub-region in north eastern Uganda North of Mount Elgon National Park. The game reserve is in Moroto district and is part of the corridor of the Karamoja protected areas sprawling from Kidepo valley national park through Bokora wildlife reserve to Pian-Upe wildlife reserve. Matheniko game reserve stands on an altitude between 1,070m to 1,830m (3,510ft to 6000ft) on an area of 1,520sqkm (590mi) with average annual rainfall of 670millimeters (26in).Matheniko game reserve derives its name from the tribe that settles here known as the Matheniko.
What to see /safari attractions in Matheniko Game Reserve Uganda
Safari Uganda for amazing wildlife in the “original” wild reserve. Though the area occupied by the reserve is warmer compared to most of the other regions in Uganda wildlife still finds ways of survival here. Wildlife here includes the rare roan antelope, Bright’s gazelle, Lesser Kudu, Waterbucks, Mountain reedbucks, Ugandan kobs, Blue duikers, Bohor reedbucks, Topi, elands, Klipspringer. Primates enjoy the warm wild environment too including the Patas monkeys, Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys. The Jackals, Cheetah, Servals, Civets, Striped hyenas, Leopards Wild cats and Spotted hyenas with much more calmly resting in the wilderness ready to paint beautiful memories for one on Uganda wildlife safaris.
Falling under the Somalia-Masai eco-region of the semi-arid savannah and shrubland the landscape is unique. The landscape is dominated by Red acacia and the desert date, red spike-thorns, bushwillows and Harrisonia abyssinica. Shrubs include the woolly caper bush and butterfly pea. Walking through the wilderness gets one to an encounter of this vegetation.
Large bird specie is encountered during Uganda tours to the Karamoja plains especially the Ostrich. Other species include the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Eastern Bronze-napped pigeon, the mountain yellow Warbler, the Egyptian vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, the Hartlaub’s Turaco, Red billed ox pecker, the cattle egret, the Clapperton’s Francolin and much many more beautiful birds.
Uganda safari activities/what to do in Matheniko Game Reserve Uganda
Game drives and viewing is the perfect way to enjoy wildlife safaris in Uganda’s Matheniko game reserve. Through the plains with dry vegetation sighting rare wildlife like the roan antelope, Ugandan kobs, Blue duikers, Bohor reedbucks, Topi is amazing, while the birds like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Eastern Bronze-napped pigeon, the mountain yellow Warbler, the Egyptian vulture whirl in the clear skies with beautiful melodies backing their dotted features.
Uganda birding tours with must tick birds on a passionate birders list like the Ostrich, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Eastern Bronze-napped pigeon, the mountain yellow Warbler, the Egyptian vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, the Hartlaub’s Turaco, Red billed ox pecker, the cattle egret, the Clapperton’s Francolin and a lot more are even better since the reserve is away from the crowds therefore one can keenly watch the birds and enjoy the beautiful rhymes all to themselves.
Cultural encounters with the extraordinary Karamojong especially the Matheniko who stay here is one cultural tour in Uganda that will define unique. Everything here is remarkable, rare, captivating and one time in life experience. The cultures have been preserved even in the changing society of the 21st century ranging from dress code, food, home settings and daily activities.
How to get to/Getting to Matheniko Game Reserve Uganda
Road distances: Tour Uganda by road for memorable expeditions from various directions with some distances below;
From Kampala, the fastest route is via Jinja-Soroti road 517km about 10h 13min.
From Entebbe International airport, via Jinja -Soroti road is 556km taking about 11h 32min.
From Kidepo Valley national park, Matheniko game reserve is 126km on a murram road.
From Moroto Town, the game reserve is 48.0km.
By air: Flights to Matheniko game reserve can be organized from Entebbe international airport by Aerolink Uganda to Kidepo airport taking 2h 15min on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. From Kidepo airport to Matheniko game reserve is 119km on a murram road.
Best Uganda safari trip time to Matheniko Game Reserve Uganda
The best time for Uganda safaris to Matheniko game reserve for wildlife encounters is during the months of June to September and December to February when the rains are low and the murram roads are in good shape. During the rainy season in the months of April, May and November, the reserve is open and can be accessed with few tourist numbers leaving the whole reserve to the few tourists.
Where to stay/ Uganda Safari hotels/Lodges in Matheniko Game Reserve/Uganda safari accommodation in Matheniko Game Reserve
Budget safari accommodation is availed in the nearby town of Moroto(48km) in hotels like Shalosa Hotel, Lavender Inn, Kara Tunga Guest house, Hotel D’Andrias, Mount Moroto Hotel, Hotel Leslona Ltd. However, opting for accommodation here isn’t a bad idea but still not the best. Camping at the game reserve is more interactive and memorable. Carrying a tent to hitch at the reserve when planning to camp is advisable.
Wildlife encounters in a spectacular landscape off the crowds and interruptions is what defines safaris to Uganda’s Matheniko game reserve.
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