Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Kalinzu Forest Reserve is located in western Uganda, near Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramagambo Forest. It covers 147 square kilometers and is known for its diverse activities, including forest walks, bird watching, chimpanzee tracking, and small mammal viewing. The reserve is 10 km west of Ishaka along the Mbarara-Kasese highway. The visitor center is easy to reach and is only 40 km from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kalinzu offers visitors beautiful guided walks along the ridges and valleys of the Rift Valley escarpment. From these trails, you can enjoy stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and even the Congo. You can also explore the rich history of the forest, which is filled with local legends. A local guide will tell you about the folklore and the uses of the forest.
You can also experience the forest at night. This gives you the chance to see nocturnal animals like pottos, galagos, and owls. You may hear the eerie calls of tree hyraxes, which only come out at night. There is a campsite deep in the forest where you can spend the night. The campsite is far from any settlements, so you can enjoy a peaceful, natural experience.
Tracking Chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity in Kalinzu Forest. The hiking level is moderate, thanks to the gentle terrain. The average altitude of the forest is 1,400 meters above sea level. Kalinzu is home to over 50 chimpanzees, and the chance of spotting them is high. There is a chimpanzee habituation program, and permits cost $60 per person. This makes it a more affordable option compared to Kibale Forest National Park.
In Kalinzu Forest, you can also see other primates. These include L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, velvet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The chance of seeing all six species depends on the season and the guide’s knowledge. If you want to see more monkeys, Bigodi Swamp, near Kibale Forest National Park, is a great spot. It is home to 8 of the 13 primate species found in Kibale.
Other Things to Do in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Bird Watching
Kalinzu Forest is home to over 378 bird species. These range from kingfishers, pigeons, and doves to hornbills, cuckoo shrikes, and bee-eaters. There are also birds of prey like vultures and hawks. Kalinzu is part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is an Important Bird Area (IBA). This area is also a Ramsar site, home to over 600 bird species, including forest, savanna, wetland, and water birds. Some birds migrate from the surrounding crater lakes or Kazinga Channel to Kalinzu for food and shelter.
Common birds that you might spot in Kalinzu include Klaas’s Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher, and European Bee-eater. You can also see the African Black-headed Oriole, Long-crested Eagle, and Great Blue Turaco. Many species of sunbirds can be found here, including the Bronze Sunbird, Collared Sunbird, and Scarlet-chested Sunbird. These species are common and add to the forest’s birdwatching experience.
Best Time to Visit Kalinzu Forest Reserve
The best time to visit Kalinzu Forest is during the dry season, from December to February and June to September. During this time, the trails are drier, making hiking easier. The weather is perfect for exploring the forest and spotting primates, including gorillas and golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
