Located along the eastern escarpment ridges of the Albertine rift valley, Kalinzu Forest Reserve lies on the edges of Queen Elizabeth NP in western Uganda. Known for its affordable chimpanzee trekking expereince and rewarding birding, Kalinzu Forest is a must-visit destination in Uganda for naturalists and adventurers seeking a tranquil time in nature. The forest lies along the main tourism circuit and its proximity to Queen Elizabeth NP, makes it easy to explore on a day-trip while on a longer safari through this part of Uganda.
Kalinzu Forest Biodiversity
Covering an area of 147 km2 , Kalinzu Forest sits along the eastern ridges of the biodiversity and endemic rich Albertine rift zone. This rich biodiversity includes over 5 primates species notably the chimpanzee, over 375 species of birds, 400 species of trees, numerous butterflies among others. Other mega-fauna include elephants, forest buffalo, wild pigs and more. Although Kalinzu Forest reserve is an extension of the vast Maramagambo Forest that wholly lies within Queen Elizabeth NP, the reserve is managed by National Forest Authority (NFA).
Activities to do in Uganda’s Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest offers one of most affordable and personal chimpanzee trekking experience in comparison to other Uganda’s chimpanzee trekking locations. This and the limited low volume of visitors make the trek experience here almost exclusive and rewarding life-time experience.
The moist mid-altitude forest of Kalinzu protect sizable population of chimpanzee (over 400 individuals) where only one community is habituated for daily trekking experience. Two chimpanzee trekking programs both differing on the duration and price of permits are offered here. These programs include; Ordinary treks where visitors get to spend up to One-hour with and habituation program where visitors spend over 4 hrs observing the chimpanzee as they forage.
Daily guided trek experience at Kalinzu Forest begin early from 7:30am with a briefing from the guides at the forest visitors’ reception. Thereafter, the trek begins towards the feeding range of the chimps, where upon locating them, visitors get to spend only one-hour with the chimpanzee. Chimpanzee trekking experience duration lasts up to 4hrs.
Obtaining chimpanzee trekking permits and price at Kalinzu forest
Chimpanzee trekking permits for Kalinzu Forest are obtained and paid cash upon arrival at the forest reception. Prior booking however is essential to guarantee a slot on your preferred day of the trek.
Guided Nature Walks
Kalinzu Forest offers immersive guided nature walks to explore its rich biodiversity across various forest structures. On the walk, the informative guides will point out various tree species, various bird species extending to scenic waterfalls and crystal-clear carter lake hidden deep in the tropical forest.
Night walks to encounter nocturnal primates can be arranged upon request.
Kalinzu Forests maintains up to 4 exciting walking trails differing in difficult levels and duration to cater for visitors’ fitness levels and available. The following trails can be combined and extended into a half-day to full-day treks. Kalinzu trails duration include;
- The river Trail – 2.5 km round trail requires up to 1hr
- The Valley trail – 3.5km circular trail requires up to 2hrs
- The Palm trail – 5km long requiring up to 2 – 3hrs
- The waterfalls trail – 11km loop requires up to 5 hrs
Birding Experience at Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest protects over a 375 species making this reserve a top-ranking birding hotspot offering a rewarding birding experience notably tropical forest-proper specialist. This diverse checklist reflects the forests’ location along the transition zone between rainforests of Bwindi in the south and the savanna woodlands of Queen Elizabeth NP. Bird highlights include includes several Albertine Rift Endemic, tropical forest proper species, various low-altitude species at their range limit and generalists.
Camping Experience
Camping experience is offered at Kalinzu Forest that gives you an up-close experience to the forest and its unique inhabitants. A basic camp ground lies at forests’ reception grounds and tap water, pit latrine and access to a basic kitchen. One will need to come with own camping gears and food supplies.
How to get to Kalinzu forest
Kalinzu Forest lies some 350km (6.5hrs drive) along the main Kampala via Mbarara Kasese road and only 25 km from Queen Elizabeth NP. The forest lies on the main tourist circuit connecting Queen Elizabeth NP and Lake Mburo NP to the southern sectors Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.