Aswa lolim wildlife reserve is located in northern Uganda north of Murchison falls national park. Aswa lolim wildlife reserve is filled with numerous wildlife species many of which are migratory mainly migrating from Murchison falls national. This is possible as the eco system at Murchison falls national park is similar to that of Aswa lolim wildlife reserve. This wonderful reserve is about 769 elevations above the sea level from the banks of the Alber Nile. This game reserve derived its name Aswa from the river called Aswa and another river called lolim which meanders along river Aswa hence the name Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve. Aswa lolim wildlife reserve was first gazetted in the year 1959 but it was degazetted in 1972 under influence of the then President Idd Amin Dada. However, in 2010 Uganda wildlife Authority put some effort to reclaim it status by giving it to a private organisation known as Awsal olim wildlife association thus the reclamation of Aswa lolim wildlife reserve. This harsh process of degazetting led to loss of the wildlife reserve’s former vast land to many people as farm lands. Aswa Lolim Wildlife Reserve is cover by the dry savannah vegetation, swampy vegetation that has papyrus and small forests with scattered trees.
Regardless Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve is filled with numerous wildlife and bird species some of the wild animals one can spot while at Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve include; Lions, elephants, buffaloes that move in herds, leopards, crocodiles, chimpanzees, hippopotamus, Nubian giraffes, Jacksons hearte beast, Uganda Kob, sitatunga, warthogs, bush bucks, water bucks, hyenas, monkeys, oribis to mention but a few. It has bird species such as; Abyssinian ground hornbill these usually migrate from other country, blue-headed coucal, swamp flycatcher, African fish eagle, silver bird, Senegal thick-knee, Goliath heron, malachite kingfisher, African jacana, yellow-fronted tinkerbird, black –billed barbet, giant king fisher, Black –headed gonolek, Denhards bustard, malachite kingfisher, speckle-fronted weaver, silver bird, shoe bill, osprey, weaver birds, African jacana, African qualifinch, piapiac to mention but a few. Aswa -lolim wildlife reserve is found in Amuru district in northern Uganda and is close to Murchison falls national park. Aswa lolim wildlife reserve is approximately 305 km by road from Kampal capital city of Uganda to Aswa lolim.
The best time to visit Aswa lolim.
The best time to visit Aswa lolim is during the dry seasons of the year in the months of January, February, June, July, August, November and December. These months have relatively lower downfall in terms of rain and usually tourist activities such as game drives, wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature walks to mention but a few are not interrupted by the heavy rainfall. Besides the dry months of the year tourists visiting Aswa Lolim Wildlife Reserve on a wildlife safari are encouraged to come through out the year as the game reserve is open throughout the year.
Tourist attractions at Aswa Lolim Wildlife Reserve include the lush vegetation, the numerous wildlife species, the bird species, the primates like monkeys, the plant species not forgetting the beautiful sceneries that surround Aswa Lolim Wildlife Reserve. All these attractions can be viewed while on a Uganda safari at Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve.
Tourist activities that can be carried out at Aswa Lolim Wildlife Reserve include; bird watching, game driving, community tours, hiking tours to mention but a few. Some of these activities are paid for before entering the game reserve. For example, the entrance in the game reserve, the game drives among others.
Why is Aswa-Lolim not that famous though filled with numerous wildlife species?
Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve was degazetted in the year 1972 and since then no proper care has been taken of the game reserve. This led to loss of its identity until its was restored in 2010 after it being given to the property owners of Aswa wildlife association. This has led to revamping of its image as the land that was initially gazetted was being reclaimed and wildlife and bird species are being protected. This has made it possible for Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve to start gaining its name and reputation. Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve remains one the great and iconic natural wonders in northern Uganda and it still has the main and beautiful wildlife species in the country.
Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve is well equipped with beautiful accommodation that can be able to give tourists comfort while on a Uganda wildlife safari at Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve. These accommodation options range from luxury which is usually expensive, Mid- range and pocket friendly or budget options that are very affordable. All accommodation at Aswa Lolim wildlife reserve has running tap water and stable electricity. All these facilities make tourists comfortable. However, tourists are encouraged to book for these accommodations earlier in order not to be dis organised while on a Uganda wildlife safari at Aswa Lolim.
