Why you should visit Kalinzu Forest in Uganda
Why you should visit Kalinzu Forest in Uganda: Located in Bushenyi district in the southwestern part of Uganda, Kalinzu forest is a must visit destination during your safari in Uganda. The forest lies about 1400 meters above sea level and is situated close to the Maramagambo forest and Queen Elizabeth national park. The forest is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda is well known for its biological diversity, with over 262 butterflies species, 97 moths, 378 bird species, 414 tree species and shrubs, and other reptiles and flower species. The forest is also home to about 6 different primate species including chimpanzees, Baboons, Vervet monkeys, L’Hoest and Blue monkeys, as well as the Black and White colobus monkeys.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda also shelters other wildlife species such as buffaloes, warthogs, giant forest hogs, duikers, forest elephants, and waterbucks to mention but a few. Given its close proximity to Queen Elizabeth national park, the forest is the perfect pit-stop for those visiting the national park.
Activities Carried Out in Kalinzu Forest.
There are plenty of activities that you can do during your visit to Kalinzu forest, some of which include;
Chimpanzee Trekking:
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is a lot cheaper than in Kibale Forest national park, which makes it an ideal destination for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kalinzu forest costs USD 50 dollars per person, as compared to USD 150 dollars in Kibale national park.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda shelters over 300 chimpanzees of which 50 of them are habituated and can be tracked by visitors. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest starts at 8am every morning and at 3pm in the afternoons.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is restricted to individuals aged 12 years and above. The activity lasts about three to four hours or even more depending on how fast you can locate the chimps. Once you have located a group of chimpanzees, you are given only an hour to spend with the chimps.
Guided Nature Walks.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda is one of the best places to take a guided nature walk within the forest. There are plenty of interesting attractions that you can sight during your nature walk in the forest like birds, monkeys, plants, butterflies, waterfalls and so many more. A guided nature walk in Kalinzu forest will also give you a chance to hike the Kishunja hill, which will give you a clear panoramic view of Queen Elizabeth national park.
Bird Watching:
Kalinzu forest in Uganda is also a great place for bird lovers. Bird watching safaris in Kalinzu forest are very interesting and also gives you the chance to spot different bird species in the forest such as Cuckoo birds, the Black and White Casket, and the Blue Turaco to mention but a few.
Wildlife Viewing:
Kalinzu forest in Uganda also harbors some wildlife species which you can view during your visit to the forest. Some of the wildlife animals that call the forest home include: chimpanzees, forest elephants, wild pigs, buffaloes, duikers and many more.
Best Time to visit Kalinzu Forest.
The best time to pay a visit to Kalinzu forest is between June to August and December to February. However, the forest is open to visitors throughout the year. The months of October, September and November are the best for bird watching expeditions in the forest.
Accommodation in Kalinzu Forest.
Although there are no lodges within the forest itself, visitors can find accommodation in Queen Elizabeth national park and then transfer to Kalinzu forest. Some awesome lodges to stay in include; Mweya Safari Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, Enganzi lodge, and Kingfisher lodge among others.
How to Get to Kalinzu Forest.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda can be accessed by road from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, and Bushenyi, which is about a 6 hour’s drive. The forest is just an hours’ drive from Queen Elizabeth national park.
How to Book your Safari to Kalinzu Forest.
You can now book your safari to Kalinzu Forest in Uganda through a trusted tour operator company like Explore Rwanda Tours. Do get in touch with our team of travel experts for the best offers on tour packages to Kalinzu Forest and Queen Elizabeth national park.
