Discovering Matheniko Game Reserve

Discovering Matheniko Game Reserve : Matheniko game Reserve is situated in the Moroto district, in the northeastern part of Uganda, in the Karamoja sub-region. Its reserve covers ana area of about 1,620 square kilometers. This game reserve is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife and plants life, creating a vibrant ecosystem. The reserve is named after the Matheniko Mountain Range, which dominates almost the landscape of the area. The reserve is part of the wider Karamoja wildlife protection zone which includes Pian Upe, Bokora and the vast Kidepo Valley National Park. more so, this stunning reserve is situated closed to mount Elgon. Matheniko game Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species large cats and antelopes. Other mammals’ species that can be sighted here includes cape buffalos, wild cats, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, civets, Leopards, dik-dik, eland, mountain reedbuck, roan antelope, Uganda Kob, Oribi, Bright’s gazelle, Topi, duikers, waterbuck and jackals. The primate population include patas monkeys, baboons and vervet monkeys. Adaptationally, the reserve is also a birders paradise hosting impressive number of bird species such as ostrich, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African hill barbler, Black throated wattle eye, Black-headed plover, Bronze napped pigeon, Cattle egret, Clapperton’s Francolin, Dusky turtle dove, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon,

Tourist activities to do in Matheniko Game Reserve

Game drives and sport hunting

The Matheniko wildlife reserve is known for its diverse range of animals, including majestic big cats and various types of antelope. While sport hunting sparks debate among conservationists, it has gained popularity here. Many hunters appreciate the landscape, which is ideal for pursuing antelope not only for sport but also to help manage their populations.  Game drives in Matheniko Game Reserve are great during the dry season but can get nasty during the rainy season as already noted earlier.

You need a good 4 Wheel drive vehicle to maneuver through the muddy roads during the rainy season or one with good air-conditioning during the dusty/dry season. Roads within the reserve are not well maintained and you often have to create your own if you want to reach certain areas of the reserve. During your game drives safari, you will have the chance opportunity to encounter different wildlife such as serval cats, wild cats, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, civets, Leopards, jackals, dik-dik, eland, mountain reedbuck, roan antelope, Uganda Kob, Oribi, Bright’s gazelle, Topi, duikers and waterbuck among others.

Birdwatching

Matheniko Game Reserve is a must visit bird watchers paradise, the reserve is home to an incredible number of bird species, hence making it one of the bird-watching destinations in Uganda. The reserve is encompassing of beautiful landscape, unique vegetation, mountains and rocky outcrops, acting as habitats for this birdlife. During your bird watching tours, you’ll have a chance to spot bird such as Egyptian Vulture, Ethiopian swallow, Grey cuckoo shrike, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Lemon dove, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Pygmy Falcon, Red-billed Oxpecker, Thick-billed Honey guide and Verreaux’s Eagle, ostrich, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African hill barbler, Black throated wattle eye, Black-headed plover, Bronze napped pigeon, Cattle egret, Clapperton’s Francolin, Dusky turtle dove, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon among others.

Camping

For those interested in experiencing the beautiful African sky/galaxy, majestic sunrise and romantic sunset will find no other better place than the Matheniko Wildlife Reserve. Camping during the dry season offers a clear view of the galaxies and Milky Way and a memorable adventure experience of the Karamoja region

Cultural Visits

Matheniko game Reserve is one of the special places in Uganda that holds onto the rich cultural traditions Karamojong people.  These traditions and values are truly one-of-a-kind, largely because the Karamojong have lived in isolated areas particularly resistant to modern influences, preferring to maintain their traditional ways of life. As pastoralists, they rely heavily on their livestock and believe that God blessed them with all the animals on Earth at the dawn of creation.

The Karamojong women adorn themselves with vibrant beads, enhancing their beauty and showcasing their rich cultural heritage. Visitors to the reserve can find a variety of handmade crafts for sale, including beads, caps, bangles, and coins, all at reasonable prices. Decides, they offer their traditional dances as a sign of giving a warm welcome to any visitor who visits.

Rock paintings

Matheniko game Reserve is filled with stunning rock formations. Some of the ancient paintings found here are believed t be around 3,500 years ago. While visiting the reserve, you cab set up a tour to see these remarkable artworks in person. The Nilotic and Kushites people created these masterpieces, offers you an idea of what life was then and what kind of animals roamed the plains then.

Best time to visit Matheniko game reserve

Matheniko Game Reserve welcomes tourists all year around.  However, the best time to visit the park is during the dry season, especially from December to January and June to September. Visitors are also avoided to visit the reserve during the rainy seasons, because the roads tend to be muddy and slippery, making its difficult to navigate on its terrains.

Accommodation facilities at Matheniko Game Reserve

There are few good accommodation facilities situated near the Reserve. Visitors to these remarkable reserves should expect to sleep in public campsites and cook their own meals while within the reserve. For those interested in to stay in luxury accommodations should consider staying in the larger hotels in Kotido or Moroto town. From the hotels, one can go for activities in the reserve early each morning.  Camping within the game reserve offer a level of privacy and access to wildlife that may not be possible in the larger national parks.

Other places to visit while in a Uganda safari in Matheniko Game Reserve include the famous Kidepo Valleys National Park known for its incredible wildlife species, Mount Elgon National Park a home the world’s largest caldera, you can also visit Pian Upe Game Reserve or explore the hidden gems of Moroto town, the biggest town in the regions. For more adventure, you can embark on a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for its mountain gorilla trekking experience.