Top Attraction of Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Top Attractions Of Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Kalinzu forest reserve is a fascinating destination in a purely distinctive way. The scenic guided walks through the ridges will surely make you relaxed. Nature walks throughout the valleys will expose your mind to a new world of forest life. During the forest walk, you’ll see the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake George and Kazinga channels’ beauty.

Kalinzu forest reserve has several sensational wildlife species; for example, the forest has over 414 tree species with advantages that’ll contribute more to the African cultural knowledge you know. The Kalinzu forest also has 380 bird species that’ll upraise your birding adventure to a new level, 6 different species of primates, and 97 species of moths, reptiles, and the flowers in the forest will give a huge smile. 270 butterfly species flying under the thick tree canopies in all colours.

Kalinzu forest reserve is known for the chimpanzee trekking activity that most visitors enjoyed by so many that visit the forest reserve. Kalinzu forest has a total of about 350 chimpanzees and about 40 are habituated by the Japanese researchers’ group that started their research two years back. This means that there are higher chances of sighting chimpanzees when you go to Kalinzu Forest Reserve.

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  • Chimpanzee Tracking: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is the prime activity that draws tourists to the forest reserve. Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve hosts one of the largest communities of chimpanzees in Uganda, and arguably the second-best place for chimpanzee tracking after Kibale Forest. The forest reserve has about 320 chimpanzees in the forest reserve, and close to 50 are habituated and open to tourism. Most tourists that are visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park and also have chimpanzee tracking, prefer tracking in Kalinzu forest although Q.E national park also has its chimpanzee community at Kyambura Gorge. Kalinzu Forest reserve is easily reached through the Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving for only 40 minutes.
  • Nature Walks: Guided Nature walks in Kalinzu forest are truly distinctive. You’ll get to see a completely new world of dense forests, beautiful sceneries, waterfalls, singing birds and primate calls.  You can walk up to Kishunja Hill viewpoint to see the forest from the top as well as the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can also be led outside the forest to sight the beautiful plantations from above. The guide will share the history of the forest, its ancient myths and its creatures.
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  • Viewing of large mammals and other wildlife: Kalinzu forest reserve is near Queen Elizabeth National Park and the great Maramagambo forest. Park animals like leopards, elephants, wild pigs and antelopes cross into the forest reserve to feed. You can arrange to go to the crossing point of the forest reserve and Queen Elizabeth National Park to sight some of the large mammals, including big cats.
  • Birdwatching: Kalinzu Forest is a paradise for birders. The forest reserve is one of the best places for bird watching in Uganda. The bird species found in the forest include the Black and White Casket, Cuckoos, Great Blue Turaco, Sunbirds and many more. As you’re in Kalinzu Forest searching for the birds, expect to encounter other forest creatures like primates, and insects and sight amazing scenery. Birdwatching in Kalinzu forest is best done in the morning hours.
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  • Identifying Butterflies: With the guide, you’ll go to the forest in the morning or evening. It is possible to identify over 200 species of butterflies.

 

  • Camping: Kalinzu Forest camping site is set up in the middle of the forest, where visitors can sleep next to nature while enjoying the beautiful African night in the wild while listening to the amazing sounds of nocturnal wildlife.