Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is a protected forest reserve in western Uganda, near Bushenyi. It covers an area of about 147 square kilometres and is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery.
The forest is home to over 400 species of plants, including several rare and endemic species.
It also harbours a diverse array of wildlife, including 220 species of butterflies, 262 species of birds, and 97 species of moths. Other notable forest inhabitants include chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbucks, and duikers.
Kalinzu Forest allows visitors to go on guided nature walks and birdwatching. Primate tracking and canopy walks offer spectacular views of the forest and surrounding landscapes. This forest is also an important watershed area, supplying water to the nearby towns and villages.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority is in charge of the forest, and visitors should have permits and be accompanied by a guide. You will access Kibale forest by road from the nearby towns of Bushenyi and Kasese.
Kalinzu Forest is a protected area of approximately 147 square kilometres located in southwestern Uganda. The forest is home to various wildlife, including over 400 species of plants and 300 species of birds. And 90 species of butterflies, as well as several primate species, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
The forest is known for its impressive tree species, including the towering mahogany and ironwood trees. It is also a popular destination for ecotourism and offers visitors the opportunity to hike through. The forest tracks chimpanzees and observes the diverse plant and animal life.
The Kalinzu Forest Conservation Area was established in 1996 to protect the forest and its inhabitants. The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the area. And local communities take part in conservation efforts and benefit from ecotourism activities. The conservation area also supports research on the forest’s ecology and biodiversity.
HUMAN ACTIVITY
There is no factual archaeological evidence that shows any human inhabitation in the Kalinzu rainforest. However, local people live in the communities around and close to the forest. Usually, they have claimed they used to hunt wild plants, gathering as patterns of excursions. Subsequent induced alterations by the Uganda wildlife authority through the Ministry of Tourism.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Kalinzu forest is a tropical rainforest in southwestern Uganda, known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. The forest covers an area of approximately 137 square kilometres and is home to over 400 plant species, 378 bird species, 97 moth species, and 43 mammal species. Including primates such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Kalinzu forest is a popular destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists who come to explore its lush vegetation, hiking trails, and wildlife. The forest is also a critical watershed area, providing water to communities downstream.
Animals such as the pygmy antelope and 28 amphibians. Also, 34 reptiles have been scientifically classified in the forest. Other animals that occur include leopards, forest buffaloes, and elephants. Primates include Blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, the rare L’Hoest Monkeys, olive baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys. Nocturnal primates like the pottos, bush babies, and two species of galagos.
The Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve to go Chimpanzee Trekking.
We met up at 8 am at the office of the Forest Reserve, and I can’t comment on the public toilets here as I did not need to go.
Our guide was excellent; she did all she could to educate us on the chimps and explained clearly to us as we went along the various fauna, etc. The route through the jungle was manageable, though the ground is always wet from rain in the wee hours of that morning.
I had on a pair of knee guards, and I would recommend these guards for those with weak knees. Do not bring a walking pole; the staff will have wooden poles, which they will offer to those who need them.
As it is a canopied forest, it is shady throughout, which is nice. Our trek into the chimps took no more than an hour, and there they were, a family of chimps up in the tree tops. Honestly, gorilla trekking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was more satisfying than chimp trekking, albeit more costly.
Here’s why. Gorillas are easier to spot in terms of size and less fidgety for one. The chimps we saw were high up in the trees, and none happened to be on the ground, which can be quite the norm.
Thou I would rather see chimps in their natural environment than in a zoo. It became pretty apparent that if we did get lucky to spot some chimps on the ground, they would scurry up a tree fast. Thus it was wishful thinking to see the chimpanzees with the naked eye as the thick foliage of the jungle covers much!
To enjoy this activity, bring a pair of binoculars and a long lens if you want better pictures.
At least you would get a close-up view of how adorable these chimps are, especially the young ones!
Overall we were happy with the crew and felt that they did their best to offer a good experience. We enjoyed the jungle trekking, and all else the jungle had to offer.
15 Days Uganda Tour
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
18 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari
12 Days Uganda Safari
17 Days Masai Mara and gorilla trekking tour
Also, visit the Kazinga Channel to see hippos.