White Rhinos in Ajai wildlife Reserve
Earlier this year in January 2026, the Uganda Wildlife decided to make Ajai Wildlife Reserve a second home for the white rhinos. The Rhinos have been roaming only in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for over 20 years. The translocation of rhinos to the place they called home 45 years back was a success. Currently visitor can get to see all the big five mammals namely lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos in one place which is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.
The Uganda Wildlife is looking forward to Ajai Wildlife Reserve having over 20 southern white rhinos. However, as of now only 4 rhinos have been translocated successful. Visitors can now see rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Ajai Wildlife Reserve. To ensure the safety of these rhinos, Uganda Wildlife Authority sensitized communities in the Murchison falls conservation area about the importance of conservation. They were asked not to hunt these rhinos and to report any activities that threaten the presence of rhinos. This is a strategy to ensure that rhinos increase in numbers over years.
White Rhinos in Ajai wildlife Reserve
Ajai wildlife reserve was established in 1962. It is located on the western bank of the Nile and its between the districts of Pakwach and Nimule. Not until 1970, Ajai Wildlife Reserve was a home to the southern white rhinos. However, they were all poached since during these days there was a high demand for rhino products like the skin and horns. The reintroduction of the Rhinos aims at getting more tourists visiting Ajai wildlife reserve annually which will lead to infrastructure development in this region. The community people will get an opportunity to work with Uganda Wildlife Authority. As well as the entire community benefiting from the shared revenue.
Besides Rhinos, the reserve is home to different mammals. These include common duikers, blue duikers, oribis, hippos, sitatunga, hartebeests, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs and many more. Over 40 bird species. Including African fish eagle, grey crowned cranes, marabou stork, guineafowls, black headed weavers, African grey hornbills, openbills, kingfishers to mention but a few.
Best time to go to Ajai wildlife Reserve
Ajai wildlife reserve is open all year round for all the tourism activities. However, the best time to visit the reserve is during the dry seasons of the year which have little or no rainfall. The dry seasons in Uganda are June to September and December to February. During these months the roads are dry and passable making game drives and nature walks easier, animal viewing is easier. Since mammals gather on the available water sources to quench their thirsty. During this period the park has good views due to short grass enabling you to see mammals from a far distance.
The wet season from March to May and October to November comes with rain. This is also known as the low tourism season hence good for budget travellers. When travelling during this season, expect rain any time, muddy and slippery roads, greenery at its peak, tall grass hence unclear views. However, this season always comes with discounts from lodges, tour operators and if you are planning to go gorilla trekking the gorilla permits are discounted during this season.
How to reach Ajai Wildlife Rerserve
Ajai Wildlife Reserve is located in northern Uganda between Nimule and Pakwach districts. You can reach Ajai in just a day either using road or air transport.
By Air
Chartered flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba airstrip. Which is a few hours drive to the reserve compared to using totally road transport. You can book the flight through Aero link or Pearl sky for your flights or let your tour operator handle all the logistics.
By Road,
Road transport is the most common mean of transport in Uganda and can be used to get to Ajai. From Entebbe International Airport. Drive through Kampala-Luweero triangle, Nakasongola then you are in Pakwach and within a few hours you are at the reserve. You will pass through Murchison Falls National Park, encounter the powerful Karuma. As you drive to your lodge you are likely to encounter some of the reserves residents.
