Activities in Kalinzu Forest
Activities in Kalinzu Forest: Kalinzu Forest in Uganda is one of the natural forest reserves located in the Southwestern part of Uganda. The forest is situated in Bushenyi district near Maramagambo forest and Queen Elizabeth national park. It lies at an altitude of about 1400metres above the sea level and harbors abundant wildlife species including 6 primate species such as the chimpanzees, baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, l’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, bush babies, potto, galagos, over 379 bird species such as the great blue Turaco, sun birds, 261 butterfly species, 98 moths, 414 tree species, flowers, reptiles. The forest also hosts some animals which come from the national park like the elephants, giant forest hogs, warthogs, leopards, wild pigs, buffaloes, waterbucks among others.
Activities in Kalinzu forest in Uganda.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest in Uganda is the top most activity done by tourists visiting the forest. Chimpanzee trekking is Kalinzu forest is quite an adventurous and exciting activity to do during your visit to Uganda, and can be combined with your safari to Queen Elizabeth national park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest involves trekkers moving in the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzee families. The forest is a home of over 300 chimpanzees and the second best chimpanzee trekking destination after Kibale forest national park. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is done in two phrases that is in the morning at around 8:00am and in the afternoon at around 3:00pm and trekking starts with a briefing about your expectations, rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will be grouped into 8 people to trek each habituated chimpanzee family and grouping is done depending on physical fitness and age. After grouping, each group will be allocated with a park guide who will be leading the group and also sharing information about chimpanzees during trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest in Uganda takes about 3 to 4 hours or even more depending on where the chimpanzees are situated because they like to move deep into the forest in search of food especially during the dry season. During trekking you will also view other primates like the red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bird species and once the chimpanzees have been found, you will spend one hour with them in their natural habitat as you learn more about their lifestyle, behaviors, habitats, taking plenty of photos and recording the moments which gives you breathtaking and incredible experiences.
Bird watching
Kalinzu forest in Uganda hosts over 378 species of birds which makes it an ideal spot for birding safaris in Uganda. Bird watching in Kalinzu forest is best done in the morning and evening hours. Birders can follow birding trails in the forest and a bird guide who will help you to spot various bird species. During birding you will view some animals like the warthogs, baboons, monkeys, giant forest hog, elephants among others and you can look out for bird species like the great blue Turaco, sun birds, black and white casket and many others.
Wildlife viewing
Kalinzu forest in Uganda hosts quite a number of wildlife species due to the fact that it’s close to Maramagambo forest and Queen Elizabeth national park. During wildlife viewing you will go to a viewing area in the forest where you will be able to view wild animals like leopards, wild pigs, giant forest hogs, warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks among others which come from the national park in search of shelter and food. You will also view some primates like the chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons among others.
Guided nature walk.
Guided nature walks in Kalinzu forest in Uganda are perfect for visitors looking to blend with nature. The guided nature walks in Kalinzu forest will give you an opportunity to explore beautiful scenery, waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, breath fresh air among others. The forest has various nature walk trails to follow such as waterfall trail which takes you about 4 to 6 hours and you will pass through high altitude areas and Kilyantama waterfall, valley trail which passes through forest canopies, valleys takes about 4 hours to complete it and rewards you with great views of the animals, primates, birds, river trail, palm trail among others. The trails offer beautiful views of the animals, birds, primates, scenery among others.
During the nature walk you can also hike up to Kishunja hill viewpoint where you will be able to view the forest canopy, Rwenzori mountain peaks and some wild animals such as elephants, leopards, warthogs, wild pigs among others. You will also get an excellent view of Queen Elizabeth national park.
Camping
Kalinzu forest in western Uganda has a great spot for visitors to camp, right in the middle of the forest. Visitors can enjoy camping in the forest as they marvel at the marvelous gifts of nature, with stunning views of wildlife animals at a close range, listen to sweat sounds of nocturnal primates, birds among others which gives you unforgettable memories.
When to visit Kalinzu forest in Uganda.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda can be visited anytime of the year. However, the best time to visit the forest is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the forest therefore there will be short shrubs for clear viewing of the animals and primates, chimpanzee trekking trails in the forest will be passable.
Though there is heavy rainfall in the forest during the wet season, visitors who visit will enjoy bird watching in that there will be various, colorful and migratory bird species in the forest due to plenty of food for bird species.
How to get to Kalinzu forest in Uganda.
Kalinzu forest is found in the western part of Uganda in Bushenyi district. It is about 375kilometres from Kampala city. When going to Kalinzu forest you will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, and Bushenyi then to the forest headquarters which takes about 5 hours’ drive.
The forest can also be accessed from Queen Elizabeth national park since it is near the park. It takes about one and a half hours drive to reach Kalinzu headquarters.
Conclusion: Kalinzu forest in western Uganda is a must visit destination for visitors looking to engage in chimpanzee trekking activities during your visit to Queen Elizabeth national park. The forest is also a great place for birding safaris in Uganda and is a highly recommended destination by bird lovers.
