Kalinzu forest reserve.

One of the attractions in the southwestern Ugandan region of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is home to more than 414 different tree species, roughly 378 different bird species, and chimpanzees. During a trip, visitors can also see other primates in the Kalinzu forest, such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, blue and vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.

Several butterfly species can be found in the 149 square kilometer Kalinzu Forest Reserve. The 1400-meter-high forest is one of the locations where chimpanzees can be seen during Ugandan safaris.

Numerous wildlife species can be found in the forest, and the location is home to a variety of bird species. Another feature in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Maramagambo Forest, which is an extension of Kalinzu Forest.

Things to do in the vicinity of Kalinzu Forest Reserve

The following are some of the several activities to partake in while at Kalinzu Forest Reserve:

Trekking chimpanzees
Chimpanzee trekking is also possible in Uganda’s Kalinzu Forest, however it is not as common there as it is in Kibale National Park, which is well-known for its abundance of primates.

In the Kalinzu forest, chimpanzee trekking entails finding the primates in their natural environment and getting a close-up look at how they behave.

The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is home to over 290 chimpanzees, of which roughly 70 have been tamed for chimpanzee trekking. Searching for and interacting with chimpanzees in Kalinzu woodland takes approximately four hours, and chimpanzee trekking can begin in the morning.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest costs roughly $50 USD, which is comparable to the price of trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. This makes it possible for one person to visit the chimpanzees once.

There are many chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest, and trekking with them is less expensive at the reserve.

Forest walks with a guide
Visitors can take guided forest walks and experience getting up close to the park’s surroundings during tours of Kalinzu Forest.

Primate encounters, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, are another aspect of guided woodland treks in Kalinzu forest. You can enjoy views of the valley and canopy while doing these walks throughout the valley area.

There are several routes that are followed around the destination, such as the waterfall trail, the valley trail, and the river trail. These forest hikes in Kalinzu forest can last roughly four hours. These guided forest walks also offer views of the Rwenzori mountains.

During guided forest walks, visitors can explore the Kilyantama forest via the waterfall trail, which takes from four to six hours. Several plant species are visible to visitors who walk the palm trail.

Observing birds
One of the greatest places to see birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kalinzu Forest, where you may do so year-round.

The African Emerald Cuckoo, Alpine Swift, Green Breasted Pitta, African Broadbill, Yellow Billed Barbet, Black Bee eater, Red-faced Cisticola, Barn Swallow, Purple Headed Starling, Red Chested Sunbird, Black-Billed Weaver, and Hammerkops are among the bird species that can be found in Kalinzu forest.

The best time to go birdwatching at Kalinzu Forest is in the morning, while it is also possible to go in the afternoon. Finding the various bird species might also take a full day, giving you the opportunity to see a lot of birds.

In addition to the Kalinzu Forest Reserve, tours are available in the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park, which offers chimpanzee trekking, game drives, boat rides, lion tracking, hiking, nature walks, bird watching, and community visits.

Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge is another option for visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park. During safaris in Kyambura forests, the activity can be done in the morning and afternoon. Visitors can also see the River Kyambura and interact with a variety of other monkeys.

Elephants, impalas, buffalos, lions, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many other wildlife species are sought after during morning and afternoon game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park’s wildlife safaris. During visits to the Ishasha sector, visitors can spot tree-climbing lions.

When visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat trips on the Kazinga Channel are also available in the morning and afternoon. These tours offer views of the surrounding area and animals, including buffalos, hippos, and elephants, among other creatures, along the water’s edge.

The ideal time of year to visit Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Although tours of the Kalinzu forest reserve can be taken at any time of year, the ideal time to go is during the dry season, which runs from June to September, and from December to February, when chimpanzees and other primates are most easily seen.

Because the roads are in better shape during the dry season, it is also simpler to explore the trails in Kalinzu Forest.

Accommodations in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve area

In the vicinity of Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as in the towns of Bushenyi and Ishaka, there are several lodging options in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve.

Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Lodge, Katara Lodge, Parkview Safari Lodge, and other hotels are among the premium, moderate, and low-cost lodging options in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Additionally, camping is available at the Nkobe Forest Station, where guests must provide their own tents.