Tourist activities in Kalinzu forest reserve : Kalinzu forest reserve is one of the most interesting forests to visit in Uganda repricing travelers with a variety of primates and animals. Below are some of the tourist attractions in Uganda to thrill while on Uganda Safaris Tours.
Chimpanzee tracking
Kalinzu forest reserve hosts one of the largest communities of chimpanzees in Uganda and it is arguably the second best place to track chimpanzee after Kibale forest national park in Uganda while on Uganda Safaris. Of the about 320 chimpanzees in the forest reserve, close to 50 are habituated (open to tourism). Most tourists from Queen Elizabeth national park prefer tracking chimpanzees in Kalinzu forest despite the fact that the park has its own chimp community at Kyambura gorge. It is easy to reach Kalinzu forest through the Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive only takes about 40 minutes. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is not very demanding as gorilla trekking but one need to be fit enough to walk for 3 to 4 hours through sometimes difficult terrain. The trek may include passing through steep slopes and muddy parts of the forest. Though chimps generally live in flatter terrain compared to mountain gorillas, they are very mobile and one needs to be prepared to follow them at high speed which can be tiresome.
Nature Walks
Guided Nature walks in Kalinzu forest are truly memorable and is one of the Tourist activities in Kalinzu forest reserve. You get lost in a completely new world of dense forests, beautiful scenery, waterfalls, singing birds and primate calls. One can walk up to Kishunja Hill Viewpoint and see the forest from the top as well as the Rwenzori ranges of Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can be led outside the forest to spot beautiful plantations. Your Guide will share information about the forest, its ancient myths and its creatures. The forest has four main trails for nature walks – The valley trail, the waterfall trails, the river trail and the Palm trail
The valley trail takes you to see spectacular valleys and forest canopies. It takes 4 hours to complete this trail and by this time, you would have encountered many of the creatures and primates living in the forest. The waterfall trail takes between 4 to 6 hours. The key attraction here is the Kilyantama waterfall. The trail passes though areas with high elevation which offer great views of the forest. The River trail is the best for those who are interested in chimpanzees. Moreover, visitors will also encounter the River Kajojo were elephants used to take their shower from. Completing the river trail takes about an hour. The palm trial on the other hands takes you for two hours of hiking through flat terrain with opportunities to see interesting tree species – including the flame tree whose leaves are believed to raise female sex drive, the Dragon tree and the Raphia Palms for making traditional mats.
Viewing large mammals and other wildlife
Kalinzu Central forest reserve is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the great Maramagambo forest. Some of the park animals like wild pigs and antelopes cross to feed in the forest. An arrangement can be made to go to the area of the forest joining Queen Elizabeth National Park for a chance to see some of the large mammals and even big cats.
Birdwatching
Kalinzu Forest is a birders paradise. It is one of the best places for birding in Uganda. The species include the Black and White Casket, Cuckoos, Great Blue Turaco and Sunbirds. As you search for the birds, expect to also encounter other forest creatures, primates, plants and amazing scenery. Birdwatching is best done in the morning hours.
Identifying Butterflies
With the help of a Guide, you can go out to the forest in the morning or evening and identify the over 200 species of butterflies.
Camping
A camping site has been set up in the middle of the forest where visitors can live close to nature and enjoy the beautiful African night while listening to amazing sounds of night animals.
How to reach Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu forest is about 375 km away from Kampala city. It is located strategically along the Mbarara- Kasese Highway and very close to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In fact, its offices were built in an area that would allow visitors connect to and from Queen Elizabeth National Park. To reach Kalinzu forest from Kampala, one needs to get a bus from the main bus park to Butare. The journey from Kampala up to the forest reserve offices takes 5 hours and costs about $4. You first stop in Butare then hire a taxi or boda boda (Motorcycle Taxi) to the reception Centre for visitors.
