Bokora Wildlife Reserve was established in 1962 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is in northeastern Uganda, located between Mount Elgon and Moroto, and lies between Matheniko and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserves in the southwest of the Karamoja region.
The reserve is named after the Bokora clan of the Karamojong people. It covers 2,056 square kilometers of semi-wooded grasslands. The landscape includes some inselbergs, which are isolated rocky hills.
The best time to visit the reserve is during the dry season, from September to March, when the roads are dry and easy to pass. Wildlife is easier to spot because the vegetation is thin. During the wet season, from April to August, the roads become muddy and hard to travel.
It is recommended to use 4-wheel drive safari vehicles because of the rough roads in the Karamoja region. Hiring a local guide is also important for safety and navigation.
Bokora Wildlife Reserve is great for game drives. Many animals roam freely in the savannah grasslands, including leopards, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, lions, and others.
The reserve is also a good place for bird watching. Many birds live near the wetlands, such as Loporokocho Swamp. Here, you may see ostriches, lemon doves, Jackson’s hornbills, Hartlaub’s turaco, Eastern bronze-napped pigeons, dusky turtle doves, and mountain yellow warblers.
You can explore Bokora Wildlife Reserve on foot with an armed ranger. On foot, you can see Mount Napak and Mount Kadam in the north of the reserve. These mountains are sacred to the local people.
Another activity is visiting the local communities. The Karamojong have a rich culture shown in their food, homes, dances, and stories. Elders share their traditions and explain how they have kept them alive over time.
Accommodation includes Bokora tented camps and camping sites inside the reserve. There are also many places to stay in Moroto and Kotido towns. Some lodges are on raised ground, making it easier to see wildlife.
Bokora Wildlife Reserve offers a real adventure with raw nature, few visitors, and unique wildlife. The cultural experiences are also real and worth exploring.
