Exploring the Kyambura Gorge Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge sector is in the northeastern part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. The gorge is like a big valley and is home to many interesting animals. River Kyambura flows through it, making it about 100 meters deep. This area is known for its apes, like chimpanzees. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular place to visit in Uganda. It has lots of animals, including special ones like lions that climb trees, leopards, and Uganda kobs. There are also over 600 types of birds, such as the white-headed barbet and martial eagle. Plus, you can find 10 kinds of primates here, like chimpanzees and olive baboons. The park became official in 1952 and has a warm, tropical climate.

Kyambura Gorge has amazing scenery. It’s like a big forest with a view of the rainforest. It’s close to the equator, too. Because of the chimpanzees, there are lots of other animals living here too. If you want to see the chimps, you need to book ahead at the Mweya information center in the park. Apart from chimps, you can see other primates like red-tailed monkeys and white and black colobus monkeys. And there are many different animals to spot, such as wild pigs, warthogs, and antelopes. Birdwatching is also popular here, with lots of colorful birds like African skimmers and greater flamingoes.

To explore Kyambura Gorge, it’s best to go on a guided walk with a knowledgeable guide. The gorge has a lot of different habitats, from hot plains to wetlands and cool rainforests. This diversity of habitats means there’s a wide variety of plants and animals. Some plants here are very rare and can’t be found anywhere else. The Kyambura River is really important for the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as it provides water for them. So, if you visit Kyambura Gorge, you’ll get to see lots of amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

Activities in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee Tracking

One of the main activities in Kyambura Gorge sector is tracking chimpanzees. It’s an exciting adventure where visitors have an 80% chance of spotting these fascinating creatures. The tracking usually happens in the morning and afternoon. To start, there’s a descent of 200 meters down the escarpment. Before setting out, tourists receive a briefing at the park headquarters about rules and regulations. If a chimp family is located, visitors get an hour to observe them, take photos, and learn more about them.

Bird Watching

Kyambura Gorge is a paradise for bird watchers. The early morning is the best time to spot numerous bird species as they are most active then. Some of the birds you might see include the majestic Martial eagle, graceful greater flamingo, elusive shoebill, charming lesser owl, powerful Verreaux’s eagle, lively Chapin’s flycatcher, colorful Rwenzori turaco, and many more. Bird enthusiasts will have a great time spotting these winged wonders in their natural habitat.

Guided Nature Walks

For those who prefer exploring on foot, guided nature walks are an excellent option. Accompanied by trained guides, visitors can hike through the area, discovering hidden gems of the park. These walks allow you to witness stunning landscapes and encounter various animals such as African elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees, monkeys, antelopes, and crocodiles. Birdwatchers will also have plenty to see. In addition to wildlife, nature walks offer glimpses of forests, rivers, butterfly species, and diverse plant life. It’s an exciting way to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Kyambura Gorge.

Best Time to Visit Kyambura Gorge

While Kyambura Gorge sector can be visited year-round, the dry season offers the most favorable conditions. During this time, which typically spans December to February and June to August, rainfall is minimal. The roads and trails in the park are passable, making it easier to explore. The weather is clear, ideal for photography, and vegetation is not overgrown, providing unobstructed views of attractions. June and July are particularly recommended as they are the driest months of the year.

In contrast, the wet season, from March to May and October to November, presents challenges for visitors. Heavy rainfall makes the park cold and wet, with muddy, slippery roads that are difficult to navigate. Overgrown vegetation obstructs views, and the weather is often unclear. Traveling during these months can be less enjoyable due to these conditions.

Overall, choosing to visit Kyambura Gorge during the dry season ensures a more pleasant and rewarding experience.

Where to Stay in Kyambura Gorge

When you plan a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you sleep matters. Luckily, there are several options for accommodation, each offering different services to cater to all types of travelers.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge:

This lodge sits right at the edge of the reserve, offering stunning views of the forest canopy, surrounding savannah, and the distant Rwenzori mountains. With comfortable bedrooms, a bar and restaurant, camping grounds, and friendly staff, it’s a great choice for your stay.

Mazike Valley Lodge:

Nestled on the hills near Kyambura Gorge, Mazike Valley Lodge provides a mid-range option for travelers. It features eight secluded cottages with thatched roofs, a swimming pool, campfire area, and more. It’s perfectly situated to kickstart your adventures in the Kyambura Game Reserve.

Other options include Park View Lodge, Kyambura Tented Camp, Queen Elizabeth Safari Camp, and Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, each offering their own unique amenities and hospitality.

How to Get to Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge sector is located in the northwestern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, approximately 30 kilometers from the park headquarters. You can reach it by both road and air transport.

By Road Transport

From the capital city, Kampala, there are two main routes to Kyambura Gorge. One route involves driving 420 kilometers via Masaka-Mbarara, which takes around 7 hours. The other route is shorter, spanning roughly 410 kilometers via Fort Portal, and takes about 6 hours.

By Air Transport

If you prefer flying, there are daily flights from either Kajjansi Airfield or Entebbe International Airport to Queen Elizabeth. You can choose between scheduled flights or chartered flights provided by domestic airlines like Aero Link or Fly Uganda. The flight to Mweya or Kasese Airstrip in Queen Elizabeth National Park takes about 1½ hours.