Kalinzu Forest Reserve | Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

The Kalinzu Forest Reserve, which can be found in western Uganda, is one of the most stunning forest reserves and should be explored by anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. If you want to spend your next vacation in Queen Elizabeth National Park, it should be at the top of your list of things to do.

One of the few natural forests that still exist in Uganda is the Kalinzu forest, which is in the Bushenyi district, close to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramagambo forest. It straddles at an elevation of 1400 meters and is about 382 kilometers from Kampala. Its primary purpose was to provide wildlife of all kinds with a haven, and it covers up to 147 square kilometers.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

What to See in the Kalinzu Forest Reserve?

The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is well-known for its more than 414 tree species, which include shrubs; More than 380 bird species, including the Black and White Casket, Great Blue Turaco, and 220 chimpanzees; primates like baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys; over 270 butterflies, reptiles, and moths. Elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, leopards, wild pigs, lions, and a plethora of other animals can be observed along the nature reserve’s savanna grassland side, making it an ideal location for a Uganda safari.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

However, the majority of visitors to Kalinzu Forest Reserve take part in the Chimpanzee Tracking Experience, which allows trackers to spend at least one hour with primates that are 98% related to humans. One of Uganda’s best places for primate safaris is Kalinzu.

70 of the 220 chimpanzees in this forest reserve were habituated by Japanese researchers to become accustomed to humans, so they can be followed. Tourists are required to wear long pants, sturdy hiking boots, a light rain jacket, and a hat to track chimpanzees, just like they are required to bring a packed lunch, sufficient drinking water (at least 2 liters), and long-sleeved shirts.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

Camping in Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Visitors to Kalinzu Forest Reserve need to be aware that there are no lodging facilities within the reserve; the most interesting wilderness lodging is camping. However, visitors who aren’t used to camping can drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which takes about three to four hours.

When you go to this forest, you can explore its various trails, each of which offers its own set of experiences. They consist of:

Kalinzu Forest Tracking Trails

River trail

The River trail is a short trail that can be hiked through in about an hour. It takes you through the elephant waterway or River Kajojo. There are a few different species of primate to be found here. This is the shortest of the Kalinzu Forest Reserve’s trails, and although it only requires an hour to complete, it is extremely rewarding. The River Kajojo, which is locally referred to as the Elephant River because elephants used to bathe in the river, is the main attraction along this short trail.

In addition, this fascinating trail introduces visitors to various species of “Parinari excelsa,” which is the Kalinzu Forest reserve’s Climax tree and a gigantic strangler figure. Along this trail, you will also come across several primate species, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, l’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, and others.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Palm trail

The Palm trail is a 5 km trail that takes about 2 hours, depending on your speed of hiking. You can see rare tree species in this reserve as you wind through its woodland trees. It takes anywhere from one and a half to two hours to complete this 5-kilometer round trip through relatively flat terrain. The visitors to this trail will be rewarded with beautiful tree species that can be found along the path.

Among the most well-known and interesting species are the Flame tree, which is known for its enormous, red, tulip-like flames that are believed to increase libido in women. Other interesting tree species include the magnificent Dragon tree and the Raphia Palm tree, which is commonly used to make mats. The waterfall trail is 11 kilometers long and will take you approximately 5 hours. While you are

The round trip of this 11-kilometer trail takes between 4 and 5 hours and takes visitors through some hilly and wet terrain. The breathtaking Kilyantama waterfall, with its roaring sounds and tranquil setting, can be viewed by tourists on this hiking trail.

Valley Trail

The Valley Trail Hiking this trail will take you approximately two hours. Visitors will be rewarded with captivating views of the steep, deep valley on this spectacular trail, which has been given the name “Valley trail.” It has a circumference of three and a half miles. This trail takes you across several interesting tree species, including the well-known “Mutragyne rubrostipuleta,” also known as the Viagra tree because it improves men’s sexual performance.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

Safari Activities in Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Activities to do in the Kalizu forest reserve while on a Uganda safari include chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, forest walks, and butterfly identification, among other activities.

Where to stay in the Kalinzu forest reserve?

The Kalinzu forest reserve’s lodging options involve camping at the Nkombe forest station. As a result, you will need your tents. Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Kichuwamba/Katara Lodge, and Kyambura Game Lodge are just a few of the nearby lodging options.

How to Get to the Kalinzu Forest

The Kalinzu Forest is a forest reserve in western Uganda, about 5 hours from Kampala. From Kampala, you can drive through Masaka-Mbarara to Bushenyi.

You can combine a trip to the Kalinzu Forest with a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park to get the most out of your exciting African experience.

In conclusion, the exceptional Kalinzu Forest reserve allows tourists to explore primates, forest birds, butterflies, trees, and natural features like waterfalls in addition to other well-known locations that offer nature walks and hiking safaris.