Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve:
Located in Bushenyi district in Western Uganda, Kalinzu central Forest Reserve is a natural forest teeming with terrestrial Bio-diversity.
Getting There:
The forest reserve is located in Bushenyi District in Western Uganda. It is approximately 375km (5 hours drive) from Kampala. It is only 30km from the district headquarters of Bushenyi along the main Kasese highway. Because of the Albertine Terrain with old logging and winding roads, a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Attractions and Activities:
Forest walks:
The forest is famous for 414 Species of Trees and Shrubs including the Ficus, Prunus Africana, the Stroboia, and Parinari among others.
Bird watching:
The forest also harbours378 Species of Birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, Black and White Caskets, Cuckoos and Sunbirds. Six different Species of Primates can be identified in Kalinzu including the Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White colobus Monkeys, and Chimpanzees.
Chimp tracking:
The 2001 Primate Census put the total number of Chimpanzees in the Reserve at approximately 240. However, only two Groups of about 70 can be accessed by both Researchers and Tourists.
Butterfly viewing:
262 butterflies have been recorded in the reserve. Other varieties of species include 97 moths, Reptails and Flowers.
Scenic viewing:
Standing at the Kishunja Hill Viewpoint, one can behold the entire Forest Canopy, great parts of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and some Peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Because of its proximity to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Forest Reserve occasionally provides refuge to Savannah Grassland Species such as the Duikers, Leopards and Wild Pigs. Pitched on top of an escarpment on the eastern edge of the great Albertine Rift Valley, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is 147 sq.km.adjuscent to the famed Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Maramagambo Forest. It lies at an average altitude of 1,400 m above sea level.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the reserves is still informal with only a do-it-yourself camping site at the forest station at Nkombe. Visitors are advised to carry their own tents. Visitors can also seek modest accommodation inBushenyi/Ishaka townships.
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