The Ajai Wildlife Reserve is a small conservation protected area in northeastern Uganda dominated by a large island surrounded by seasonally flooded swamps and wooded savanna.

Location

Ajai lies on the western bank of the White Nile, approximately 40 km (25 mi) east of Arua.

Before Ajai was gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1965, the Ajai Rhino Sanctuary was home to 60 of Uganda's 80 remaining white rhino. The WWF funded an anti-poaching project there in 1962.

In 2002 12 km2 (4.6 sq. mi) were carved out of the reserve to make space for human settlements.

In 2008 the Uganda Wildlife Authority privatized the operation of Ajai. The concession went to Uganda Wildlife Safaris Ltd, a hunting and photographic tour operator.

Flora and fauna

Today the major animals are Uganda Kob, Common Duiker, Olive baboon, Black & White Colobus, Vervet Monkey, Warthog, Leopard, Sitatunga, Oribi, Hippo, Crocodile and python snake is commonly seen. Plans are underway to reintroduce Nile Buffalo, Lowell Hartebeest, Plains Zebra and White Rhinos. Considerable bird life.