KABWOYA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Kabwoya wildlife reserve was gazetted in 2002, covering an area 87 square kilo meters. It is a relatively an ecologically intact area of savanna along the stretch of lake Albert shoreline between toro-semuliki wildlife reserve in the south, and Murchison falls national park in the north. The main area of the reserve is a gently sloping shelf of land between the escarpment base and the lakeshore. Its vegetation comprises of hyparrhenia and Themeda grassland interspersed with patches of the undifferentiated dry thicket. The area is endowed chimpanzees, primates, warthogs, hippos, buffaloes, bushbucks, bush duiker, Uganda kobs, oribi and so many others.
Kabwoya wildlife reserve is a well wonderful place for game drives, nature walks, fossil hunting bird watching among others.
Activities in Kabwoya wildlife reserve.
Game drives.
The reserve offers both day and night game drives. Its unfortunate that many tour operators skip the reserve yet it is endowed with lots of tourist attractions. While on your game drive, you will get a chance to see primates, warthogs, hippos, buffaloes, bushbucks, bush duiker, Uganda kobs, oribi, impalas sitatunga, mongoose and so many others. You will also get a chance to see nocturnal animals while on night game drives.
Bird watching
The reserve is a birder’s haven with over 460 species of birds, some of which are Albertine rift endemics. While in Kabwoya you will spot birds like little grey parrot, red chested owlet, grey headed sunbird, little green sunbird, crowned eagle, hawk eagle, western nicator, black bee eater, African pitta, grey parrot, pied kingfisher, black headed weavers, grey crowned cranes, grey heron, yellow billed oxpeckers, northern carmine bee eater, bare faced go away and so many other birds.
Fossil hunting
Kabwoya wildlife reserve is the only protected area in Uganda where you can go for fossil hunting. This activity is good for families and groups. You will get an opportunity to collect old age remains which include; spearheads, pottery pieces, arrows and so much more.
This an interesting adventurous activity done using quad bikes, you will see different animals and bird.
Mountain biking
This activity is done through the savanna plains that are found in the reserve. Mountain biking will help you keep your body physically fit. You will also get an opportunity to see animals like antelopes, waterbucks, oribis, warthogs, Uganda kobs, different bird species among others while biking.
Guided hiking and nature walks
The reserve is endowed with scenic views of lake Albert and the blue mountains of Democratic Republic of Congo, this offers a great experience for hiking and nature walks. The walks are conducted on the Albertine rift escarpment, you will spot different animals and birds, flora and fauna
Fishing on lake Albert
Kabwoya wildlife reserve is near lake Albert which provides a great opportunity for fishing, the lake is a good spot for fishing with different fish species which include cat fish, mud fish, nile perch and so much more. You will be guided by a safari guide for a safe fishing experience.
Accommodations in Kabwoya wildlife reserve.
The reserve has various accommodations where you will stay, these include;
Kironko lodge. The lodge is located on the top of the Albertine rift overlooking lake Albert, the lodge has beautiful views of the blue mountains in Democratic Republic of Congo
Lake Albert safari lodge. This is a luxurious lodge with 11 thatched cottages and a camping site. The lodge offers facilities like airport pickups and drop offs, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.
How to reach Kabwoya wildlife reserve.
The reserve can be accessed using Busunju Kiboga road, this route is approximately 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala city, Uganda’s capital.
You can opt to use Kagadi Hoima road which is approximately 5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala city.
Kabwoya wildlife reserve is approximately 240 kilometers from Kampala city.
What to wear and pack
A tour to Kabwoya wildlife reserve will reward you with great memories that will stay with you forever, to capture these moments, don’t forget to come with a camera, enough storage and good lenses, comfortable safari clothes not brightly colored, bright colors scare away animals, pack long sleeved shirts to protect your skin from being scratched by tree branches or thorns, don’t forget your scarfs and trousers. Protecting your skin from sun the is more important, don’t forget your sunscreen, a cap or a hat and sun glasses. Come along with durable water proof boots that are sturdy enough to support you on slippery trails. If you are coming for bird watching, don’t forget to come with a pair of binoculars and a birder’s guide book and a chimpanzee trekking permit if you are coming for chimpanzee trekking. The permit can be got straight from Uganda wildlife Authority offices or through ENGAGI SAFARIS
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