Katonga wildlife Reserve : Wildlife is one of the most treasured in Uganda and these endangered species are highly protected and fought for by the Uganda wildlife authority and these lovely creatures have been safely put into protected areas in Uganda with different parks and national reserves have been set up for their best.
On a Uganda safari one would love to have a visit in the different reserves and parks in the area and this is what makes Uganda’s tourism an exclusive venture to attend.
When reserves are mentioned one cannot miss to talk about one of the most loved and smallest reserve but with extra attractions in Uganda, katonga wildlife reserve. katonga wildlife reserve is one of the smallest reserves in Uganda but can honestly give you and everlasting moment in action.
The wildlife reserve was established in 1998 and is a recent addition to Uganda’s list of protected wildlife areas. The reserve can best explored by canoe or by foot, it is a home to over 40 species of mammals and over 150 species of birds are recorded in the area. Many of these species of animals, birds and plants in the reserve are rare to the reserve’s wetland environment.
This nature reserve is found in western Uganda to Tanzania and Sudan. It is remarkably one of the most significant tourist sites that are worth exploring while you are on a Uganda safari in Uganda. Its status changed to wildlife reserve in 1996 after the former Game Department and Uganda National Parks merged to make up Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Presently, this nature reserve features among the many protected areas that are run by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and falls under the management of Kibale Conservation Area. It covers an area of about 207 square kilometers making it one of the smallest nature reserves in the pearl of Africa.
Attractions in katonga wildlife reserve
A large proportion of Katonga Wildlife Reserve is wetlands-either permanent or seasonal. Katonga is one of the few places in Africa to have a large population of the extremely shy and reclusive Sitatunga antelope, whose favored habitat is payrus swamps. Other mammals in life elephant, hippo, black and white Colobus monkeys, olive baboon, Uganda Kob, waterbuck, duiker and reedbuck. The wetlands support a population of river otter, along with various reptiles and amphibians. In addition there are over 150 species of birds recorded. Katonga Wildlife Reserve has three trails developed to allow visitors the opportunity to see various ecosystems within Katonga.
Activities at katonga wildlife
There can be several activities to be carried out within the game reserve and all these activities give one the true definition of a Uganda safari. And these activities include.
Game viewing: The reserve provides an opportunity to visitors to come across several mammal species. It is a home to over 40 species of mammal and the common seen species include elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, Uganda kobs, olive baboons to mention among others.
Guided walk: Guided walks can also be arranged within the park and there 3 guided half day trails. The first one is the Kyeibale trail which takes you through an area with tall rock formations as well as forested caves and valley, the Sitatunga trail takes you through the grassland and wetland and this trail offers you an opportunity to come across the rare sitatunga Antelopes and it’s from which the name suggests. The third trail is the Kisharara trails which takes you through main habitats within the park comprising of grassland, savanna and swamp fringes and is a good trail for seeing Sitanunga antelopes and other species of mammals such as a troop of black and white colobus monkeys and birds. This activity is so rewarding.
Canoe trips: Canoe trips offer visitors a chance to view various species of mammals and birds such as water and papyrus associated birds, the river otters and the sitatunga antelopes, it also provide a good opportunity to see Kingfishers and storks like shoebill stork. The canoe trial is a two kilometers ride through the reed and papyrus swamp guided by a local boat operator
Visits to the local people: Arrangements can also be made for those who are interested in learning more about Ugandan people and there way of life. The surrounding people known as the Banyakole people who keep large herds of impressively long horned cattle known as Ankole. So a visit to the Banyakole homestead is regarded as a breathtaking activity, entertainments can also be arranged to the visitors to enjoy. all these activities can be done and lots other more
What to pack when going to katonga wildlife reserve
Having aright packing list is one of the best things you should have while on your tour to katonga wildlife reserve and this will help you not to have destruction during your tour and these include.
Pairs of lightweight slacks/trousers that can dry quickly (if worn tracking)
Pair of shorts
Long-sleeved shirts
Short-sleeved t-shirts
A breathable waterproof and windproof jacket/coat like a Gortex
Sweater, sweatshirt or fleece
Skirt (for women)
Swimsuit
Strong, waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy-soled rain boots also work well)
Pair of sports sandals
Telescopic Trekking Staff
Hat: Wide-brim or with a visor for sun protection
Sleepwear
Underwear (moisture winking for gorilla tracking)
Lightweight wool socks
Gloves: gardening or similar (for tracking)
Alarm clock
Ear plugs to prevent noise from the jungle
Wash clot.
Accommodation within katonga wildlife reserve
In the reserve you can only camp. And other basic accommodation is available at Katonga View Hotel and lodges which can be accessed at Kabagore just about 2km from the reserve Headquarters.
How to get to katonga wildlife reserve
Katongo wildlife reserve is located in the districts of Ibanda and Kamwenge in the western Uganda along the banks of River Katonga. It covers an area of about 211sq km. It is about 200kms which is just about 4-41/2 hour’s drive from Kampala up to the reserve. The distance between Kampala to Katonga river is 225 Km by road. You can also find the distance from Kampala to Katonga using other travel options like bus, subway, tram, train and rail. Apart from the trip distance, refer Directions from Kampala to Katonga River for road driving directions or even best you can go through a well trusted Uganda safari.
