Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is a fascinating natural forest situated in the western part of Uganda in the district of Bushenyi around the confines of Queen Elizabeth Natural Park. Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve has a biodiverse ecosystem consisting of the dense vegetation of the tropic rain forest and the wildlife found in the reserve. Famously known for its chimpanzee trekking, The forest Reserve is the second-best spot for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda after Kibale Forest National Park.
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is also famous for its 400 and more species of forest trees covering an area about 147 square kilometers and adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Maramagambo Forest. The elevation of Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is about 1400 meters above sea level. Those visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park can easily branch off and visit Kalinzu to increase on the activities of their safari in Uganda.
Tourist activities in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is the topmost activity done in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve that draws visitors to this spectacular forest. Kalinzu Forest Reserve is home to about 320 endangered chimpanzees and 50 of these chimpanzees are habituated with in the forest reserve. Chimpanzee trekking takes about 3 to 4 hours and can be pretty tiresome but if you are strong and exercise a lot then this the best spot for you.
Chimpanzee trekking exercises usually start in the morning at 8:00 am and led by a guide and an armed ranger while the afternoon session starts at 3:00 pm. All these sessions feature unique experiences for example; in the morning the chimpanzees are very active and the go out to look for food and secure their territories. This means that the visitors that trek in the morning, you get to see how these primates feed and what they usually eat. In the afternoon, the chimpanzees are full and you will find them relaxing and resting in the sheds of the trees in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve. The success rate of spotting chimpanzees in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is about 95% and the cost of chimpanzee permits in Kalinzu is $50 USD compared to the $150 USD charged in Kibale National Park.
Natural walks
The other activity done in Kalinzu Reserve is guided natural walks which will give you an extensive understanding of the dense forest filled with memorable scenery of the waterfalls, the bird species, and the primate calls. Hiking to Kishunja Hill Viewpoint gets you to have a panoramic view of the forest at the top and Queen Elizabeth National Park not forgetting the Rwenzori ranges of Mountains. As you make the natural walks the guide will be giving you information about the area and the ancient myths of the forest.
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve has four main trails for nature walks which include the waterfall trail, the river trail, the valley trail, and the palm trail. The water trail takes about 4 to 6 hours and the main attraction is the Kilyantama waterfall. The trail displays a beautiful landscape of the Forest Reserve because it passes via areas of high elevation which feature fascinating views of the forest.
For those who are more interested in chimpanzee trekking, River trail is the best spot for you and takes about 1 hour walking through this trail. The River trail features the River Kajonjo where elephants used to shower from on its banks. Additionally, the valley trail takes you to view the spectacular valleys and the forest canopies. To walk through this valley trail takes you about 4 hours and by that time you will have encountered creatures and primates living in the Reserve. On the other hand, the palm trail takes about 2 hours and you get to view different tree species such as the flame tree and the dragon tree.
Bird watching
One of the best places for birders is Kalinzu because this reserve is filled with a great number of bird species about 378 bird species have been recorded in Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve such as the Cuckoos, Great Blue Turaco and Sunbirds and the black and white Casket among others. The best time to see the birds is in the morning hours where you will get to easily spot them in the trees of Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Viewing other wildlife
Since Kalinzu Forest Reserve is near Queen Elizabeth National Park some of the wildlife such as the leopards, warthogs, and antelopes can be viewed when you visit Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve. Visitors can have the opportunity to visit the area joining Queen Elizabeth National Park to have more experience with the large mammals and even big cats. Additionally, Visitors can get the opportunity to view other primates like baboons, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys among others.
How to access Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is situated along Mbarara-Kasese Highway and it takes one about 5 hours from Kampala to reach Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The distance is about 375 kilometers away from Kampala city. Visitors can board a bus to Butare and get a special hire to the Kalinzu Forest Reserve offices. The offices are found in the area connecting Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve.
Accommodation
Most of the accommodation facilities are located near Queen Elizabeth National Park because in Kalinzu Forest Reserve there are no formal accommodation facilities as per now. However, visitors that want to camp, it is allowed and the main campsite is close to Nkombe forest station and features basic facilities such as solar-powered showers and pit latrines. Some of the facilities you will find include the following;
Tembo Safari Lodge: Tembo safari lodge is located at the showers of Kazinga Channel making it a favorite spot for the visitors since it is very affordable and lies next to the channel giving you that panoramic view of the natural attractions around the lodge.
Mweya Hostel and cottages: Formerly known as the Mweya Institute of Ecology, the hotel features non-self contained rooms, kitchen, restaurant, and canteen. The facility offers a swimming pool overlooking Kazinga channels that will give you a relaxing and magical experience when you are to stay at the hotel.
Other accommodation facilities include; Kyalimanya Guest House, Parkhouse Hotel, Valley Inn Hotel, Hot Springs Hotel Ltd, Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Pvt Lodge, Katara Lodge, Engiri game Lodge, and Jacana Lodge among others. Most of these accommodation facilities offer luxury, mid-range, and budget or basic facilities. Visitors can choose from the variety for their best safari experience when they visit Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve.
Conclusion
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is an area filled up with many great insights that will give you a magical and thrilling experience when you visit the area. For your great encounter with chimpanzees, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is the right spot for you because it is cheap and easily accessible in Uganda.
