Kalinzu Central forest reserve; this one is located in western Uganda and is a natural forest swarming with the terrestrial Bio diversity. It’s well known for 414 species of trees and shrubs. These include; Ficus, Prunus, Stroboia, as well as Africana. This forest has got 378 bird species including; the sun birds, great Blue Turaco, black and white caskets. There are 6 different primate species that can be seen here including; the black and white colobus monkey, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and many more.
The other many species found here include; reptiles, flowers, 262 species of butterflies as well as 97 moths. This forest reserve provides refuge to savannah grassland due to its nearness to the park species like the Duikers, leopards and the wild pigs while standing at the Kishunja Hill view point so activities in the reserve involve forest walks, research trails, as well as the tourist trails.
Just at the top of an escarpment on the eastern edge of the great Albertine Rift valley, there is Kalinzu forest reserve that is 147km. It’s just close to the famed Queen Elizabeth national park and the Maramagambo forest. It lies at an average altitude of 1400m above sea level. The accommodation here is mainly camping but the visitors can get the facilities in Bushenyi or Ishaka towns. This reserve is located in Bushenyi in western Uganda and from the capital city of Kampala, it’s about 375km and 30 km from the district head quarters of Bushenyi along the main Kasese highway. There is a four wheel drive vehicle that is recommended due to the Albertine Terrain with the old logging and winding roads. reserve The main attractions in the reserve include; primates like the chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus and the vervet monkeys and the baboons. There are crater lakes including the twin lakes of Kamweru and Kyema and Lake Kamuzuku. The animal species found here include; duikers, antelopes, bush pigs, as well as the Ugandan Kob.
Ecotourism in Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s central forest reserves, a perfect place to enjoy guided chimpanzee tracking safaris. Located in Western Uganda, Bushenyi District, Kalinzu Forest lies close to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramagambo Forest. Like most natural forests, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is in the list of central forest reserves that is managed by Uganda National Forestry (NFA).
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is strategically positioned, hosting more than 400 tree species, 380 bird species, 6 primate species making it a valuable ecological forest reserve in Uganda, East Africa. Kalinzu Forest covers the land area of over 147sq.kms, and sits at an altitude of about 1400m.
Floral and fauna species of Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is such a lovely destination that is worthy visiting to explore and experience nature, with a total of about 414 tree species. This beautiful forest reserve hosts diversity of floral and faunal species. These include chimpanzees, blue monkeys, baboons, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, galagos, pottos, bush babies, etc. Given its close proximity to extensive conservation areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is possible to sight large mammal species like buffaloes, wild pigs, antelopes, etc.
Birds of Kalinzu Central Forest
Over 380 bird species reside in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve alone. This makes it a true birder’s haven, with long list of birds to keep an eye, Kalinzu Forest is a place to consider for birding safaris. The birds to identify while at Kalinzu Forest Reserve include black and white casqued hornbill, black-billed turacos, the great blue turacos, cuckoos, many more.
Activities to do in Uganda’s Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
Chimpanzees remain as the main attraction in Kalinzu Forest. In Africa, only 21 countries have chimpanzees, with over 5000 of them residing in Uganda. A visit to Kalinzu Forest Reserve is a lifetime opportunity to get up close with our closest relatives while in the wild. These large apes share a lot in common with humans, about 98% of their DNA similar to that of man. At Kalinzu Forest alone, there are over 320 chimpanzees with more than 50 already undergone full habituation.
Tracking with Kalinzu Forest chimpanzees takes 2-4 hours with maximum of 1 hour for a face-to-face encounter and photography. Other leading chimpanzee tracking destinations in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, etc.
While tracking chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest, you will also come across a range of other wildlife/primates including baboons, colobus monkeys; birds. There are 2 sessions of chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu, in the morning and afternoon, with chimpanzee permits costs USD50 per person.
Guided nature walks/forest walks
A nature walk in Kalinzu offers the most unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself into the dense forest, encounter several wildlife especially primates, birds and also enjoy the beautiful forest itself with floral species of medicinal importance. A guided nature walk at Kalinzu is possible on any of its trails; these include the Valley trail, River trail Palm and waterfall trail.
The Valley trail- this is a 2-hours’ walking trail located in Kalinzu Forest. It leads visitors to the scenic deep valley where it derives its name. A hike/walk along this trail involves navigating through various species of trees including mutragyne rubrostipuleta also famous as Viagra tree whose roots are believed to be boosters to men’s sexual performance.
Waterfall trail, this is 11kms trail, taking nature lovers up to 5 hours. It is rewarding with remarkable views of the spectacular Kilyantama waterfalls. The River trail, this is an ideal nature walking trail for guests interested in seeing chimpanzees and in addition, visit the River Kajojo, also popular as the elephant waterway.
Birding
Bird watching in Kalinzu Forest should be a must-do. Birding tours in this forest are so rewarding, offering you a chance to sight birds such as the sunbirds, Great blue turacos, black and white casket hornbills.
Butterfly watching/identification -visitors can also engage in identifying butterflies, and a total of 200 of these colorful creatures all live here.
Camping, the best alternative to experience Kalinzu Forest is by camping. This is one way to get close to nature, listen to the sweet melodies of birds.
When to visit
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is open to tourists all-year-round, but the most preferred time is the dry season. This is experienced from June to September, December to February, a perfect time to enjoy a guided chimpanzee tracking tour through the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Where to stay
The advantage Kalinzu Forest enjoys is that it is lying close to Queen Elizabeth Game Park and guests can spend a night in most of the lodges at the park. The available option for visitor overnight stay at Kalinzu is camping, and at Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are many options including Jacana Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, etc.
Getting to Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
Access to Kalinzu Forest is possible by road, where you can drive for 375kms from Kampala city and this may translate to about 5-6 hours’ drive. It is accessible through Mbarara-Kasese highway, just near Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.