Kalinzu forest reserve is comprised of a thick natural rainforest, located in the outskirts of the outstanding Queen Elizabeth National Park. A nature walk around the forest reserve will open your eyes and mind to a whole new exciting life because of the animals and the breathtaking views it offers from all angles, particularly of the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake George, and the Kazinga Channel. Numerous plant and animal species, including primates, gorgeous bird species, uncommon tree species, and grasslands, call the forest home. The more than 414 tree species, 378 bird species, six distinct primate species, and 262 butterfly species found in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve will enhance your exploration. The forest is a popular safari destination because it has strategically placed accommodation choices to make sure visitors enjoy themselves while exploring the surrounding area.
History of Kalinzu forest reserve.
The Appealing Kalinzu forest reserve was established in 1932 by the British colonial masters with the target of protecting the biodiversity within. In Bushenyi district, the reserve occupies an area of almost 137 square kilometres. Numerous tree species were lost when a portion of the forest reserve was cleared to make way for the Kyamuhunga and Igara Tea plantations. In order to preserve the remaining portion of the forest and the tree species that it contains, which serve as a habitat for a variety of wildlife species, the government subsequently enforced a stop to deforestation in the area. The region’s forest reserve is extremely important ecologically. The National Forestry Authority is currently in charge of overseeing the Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Attractions for tourists in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve.
Numerous tourism attractions and the exceptional beauty of Kalinzu Forest Reserve are two factors that contribute to the thousands of visitors that visit the forest each year. The attractions consist of;
Bird species. When visiting the reserve, visitors enjoy seeing the variety of bird species that call the forest home. Birds can be observed at specially designated bird watching centers, equipped with upgraded binoculars that allow visitors to see birds even farther away. The sunbirds, hammerkops, turacos, Abyssinian ground hornbills, black bee eaters, cinnamons, egrets, African paradise flycatchers, secretary birds, and shoebills are among the forest’s fauna.
Primates. It is noteworthy that visitors to the Kalinzu Forest Reserve can witness over six different species of primates living there. Among them are chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, baboons, Galagos, pottos, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.
Due to the stunning canopy scenery, which is ideal for sightseeing and photography, the forest itself is a major tourist safari destination. To help visitors see more of the reserve, nature walks can be done in the forest. Rare and alluring species like ficus, strobania, parinari, and prinus Africana make up the forest.
Another well-known Uganda tourist safari destination in the forest reserve is the Kilyantama Waterfalls. While exploring and photographing the waterfalls, visitors like to take pictures.
The visitors have the opportunity to witness more than 262 different species of butterflies that call the reserve home. It’s fun to watch butterflies, especially when you go on nature walks through the forest.
Activities carried out in Kalinzu forest reserve.
Forest hikes. These take place in the forest and aid in the visitors’ observation of the reserve’s numerous attractions.
Chimpanzee tracking. Scientists have spent years acclimating chimpanzees to live in the forest reserve. Visitors to the forest reserve can observe these chimpanzees, which adds to the enjoyment of the experiences.
Additionally, research is done in the magnificent Kalinzu forest. Scientists typically conduct these to learn more about medicinal trees and to compile information on the different animal species found there, particularly primates.
The Kalinzu Forest Reserve’s access.
Access to the Kalinzu Forest Reserve is possible via the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese road. It is situated west of the Ishasha sector, along the highway, just ten kilometres into the Bushenyi district. Six to seven hours are typically needed for the trip.
Best time to visit Kalinzu forest.
The dry seasons are ideal for visiting Kalinzu Forest. The best times to visit and enjoy the forest reserve are during the short dry seasons, which run from June to July, and the long dry seasons, which run from December to February. The best experiences and seamless participation in all activities are provided by the dry seasons, which are characterized by the absence of rain and slick terrain.
