Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve is a slice of beauty of its own, a natural rainforest located South of Lake George and Kazinga Channel along the Albertine Rift Region of Uganda. Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest is accessible within 35kms drive from Bushenyi town, Western Uganda. It is one of the oldest natural forests in Uganda, gazetted in 1932 stretching to cover Kasyoha and Kitomi. In 1948, it was regazetted creating Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve.
Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest occupies the land area of about 392sq.kms. It is managed by Ibanda, Bushenyi and Kamwenge districts. It is bordered by Maramagambo Forest to the Southeast, Kalinzu, Kanyambogo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwanjere and Kyambura Wildlife Reserve.
Kasyoha-Kitomi is found within the Albertine Rift Valley region, at altitude of 975 to 2136m. The largest portion of the forest lies in the valley and records an average rainfall of 1250 to 1400mm each year.
Wildlife/primates
Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest is a paradise of mammal species. The compact natural forest supports variety of primates including olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, red colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and many others.
Other spectacular features around this natural forest include the scenic Crater Lakes like the Twin Lakes of Kyema and Kamweru. There are also other transparent Lakes including Lake Kamunzuku.
Due to its close proximity to other protected areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is possible to see other mammals roaming around. The common wildlife species that come here include antelopes like bush duikers, Uganda Kobs, bush bucks, oribis, topis; plus bush pigs. Forest elephants, cape buffaloes, etc.
Birds
Over 308 species of birds all exist in Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest making it an ideal birding site in Uganda. The birds to expect to keep an eye on while on birding tour in Kasyoha-Kitomi include black bee-eaters, collared grey parrot, dusky long-tailed cuckoo, white-collared olive-back, cinnamon breasted bee-eaters, blue throated rollers, blue headed sunbird, white napped pigeon, Shelley’s greenbul, mountain illadopsis, Equatorial akalat, and many others.
Top things to do in Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest
There are several activities that tourists can engage in while at Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve. These include sightseeing, forest walks (for nature/forest walks, you can embark on the 3 hours’ forest trail that starts from Magambo camp to Lake Kamunzuku), birding, camping, conservation education, canoeing, and many others.
You can also add on the different activities done at Queen Elizabeth National Park to make your trip memorable. These include guided game drive, launch cruise on Kazinga channel, birding, hot air balloon tours, cultural visits and more.
Where to stay
Camping is the available accommodation to retire for the night at Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest and you can camp at Nyanzibiri Eco-community Camp located in Magambo Parish. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park for overnight stay on Uganda safari to Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest and these include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, etc.
In summary, Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve is one of the best natural forests you can visit to enjoy a guided forest walk or if you are interested in spotting variety of primates, plus other mammals, birds, etc.