Kalinzu forest reserve is located in the western part of Uganda and known to be a natural forest with remarkable Bio diversity including 414 species of trees and shrubs like Ficus, Prunus, Stroboia, Africana.
There are 378 bird species i.e the sun birds, great Blue Turaco, black and white caskets as well as 6 different primate species which include; the black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys and many more.
In the forest are reptiles, flowers, 262 species of butterflies as well as 97 moths. This forest reserve offers refuge to savannah grasslands due to it being close to the park hence inhabiting species like the Duikers, leopards and wild pigs. While on safari in the forest, you shall stand at the Kishunja Hill view point where you leave from to embark on forest walks, research trails, as well as the tourist trails.
The Forest is situated at the top of an escarpment along the Eastern edge of the great Albertine Rift valley. The Park is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park about 147kms as well as the Maramagambo forest at an average altitude of 1400m above sea level. The Forest is found in Bushenyi western Uganda along the main Kasese highway. The main attractions in the reserve include; primates like the chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus and the vervet monkeys and baboons. Around the forest are crater lakes i.e the twin lakes of Kamweru, Kyema, Lake Kamuzuku. Other than the primates, travelers can watch wildlife animals like duikers, antelopes, bush pigs and the Ugandan Kob.
Like most natural forests, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is in the list of central forest reserves under the management of Uganda National Forestry (NFA). The Forest is strategically located consisting of more than 400 tree species, 380 bird species, 6 primate species making it a remarkable ecological forest reserve in Uganda, East Africa covering an area of over 147sq.kms at an altitude of about 1400m.
Flora and fauna species of Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is such a lovely destination that is worthy visiting to explore and experience nature, with a total of about 414 tree species. This beautiful forest reserve hosts diversity of floral and faunal species which include chimpanzees, blue monkeys, baboons, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, galagos, pottos, bush babies, etc. Due to its close proximity to conservation areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park, you might watch large mammal species like buffaloes, wild pigs, antelopes, etc.
Birds of Kalinzu Forest
Kalinzu Forest is a birder’s paradise with over 380 bird species which can be watched by all travelers. Birding Safaris are exceptionally done here watching bird species like black and white casqued hornbill, black-billed turacos, the great blue turacos, cuckoos, many more.
Activities to do in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee Tracking is the most famous safari activity carried out in the Forest as the forest inhabits more than 320 chimpanzees. While on safari in the forest, you get close to the chimpanzees as they share 98% DNA with humans hence fond of doing activities like humans. 50 of the chimpanzees are already going through habituation so as to be trekked and approached by humans.
On your chimpanzee Tracking adventure, you shall transfer to the park headquarters where you are briefed precisely about the conduct around the chimpanzees then later you shall transfer with lead park guides who transfer you to track the Chimpanzees for a period of 2 to 4 hours and when you meet them, an hour is allowed in their presence taking many photos.
Other chimpanzee tracking destinations include; Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, etc. On your tracking adventure, you shall watch other primates i.e baboons, colobus monkeys and birds. You Must transfer with a tracking permit which costs US $50 per person.
After tracking the chimpanzees, you shall proceed to the park headquarters to obtain your tracking certificate to take back to you.
Guided nature walks/forest walks
A guided nature walk in Kalinzu gives you a hance to explore the dense forest where you encounter many wildlife species especially primates, birds and many floral species of medicinal importance. On your guided nature walk, you shall follow trails like the Valley trail, River trail Palm and waterfall trail.
The Valley trail: this takes you a period of 2-hours’ walking leading visitors to the scenic deep valley where it derives its name. A hike/walk along this trail gives you a chance to explore many tree species like mutragyne rubrostipuleta also known a s the Viagra tree whose roots are believed to be boosters to men’s sexual performance.
Waterfall trail: this 11kms trail gets you on hike for a period of 5 hours as you have remarkable views of the beautiful Kilyantama waterfalls. The River trail is ideal for nature lovers as they get a chance to watch the chimpanzees as well as other primates. You shall visit River Kajojo also popularly known as the elephant waterway.
Bird watching
Bird watching in Kalinzu Forest should be a must-do as the forest is good for bird watchers from all over the world. On your bird watching safari, you shall watch various birds like the sunbirds, Great blue turacos, black and white casket hornbills.
You shall watch Butterflies too as there are over 200 species that are colorful.
Camping is the best adventure you can do in Kalinzu Forest as you get close to nature listening to the sweet melodies of birds.
The Forest Trails
There are four stunning forest trails that have been developed at Kalinzu offering visitors many remarkable adventures as you transfer along hilly terrain as you watch many species enjoy their natural habitats.
The River Trail
This short 2 ½ km circular trail takes about 1 hour to be accomplished as you watch elephants bathe in the river. The trail follows past some fine specimens of ‘Parinari excelsa’ the climax tree in the forest and a huge strangler figure. Visitors get to watch nine forest primate species including chimpanzees.
The Palm Trail
This is a 5 kms circular trail taking between 1 ½ – 2 hours to be accomplished along relatively flat terrain. On your walk, travelers will discover some fascinating forest trees like the ‘Flame tree’ with its large, red, tulip-like flames which supposedly activates sexual desire in women, ‘Raphia Palms’ used for making local mats, a spectacular ‘Dragon tree’.
The Valley Trail
This 3 ½ kms circular trail takes about 2 hours as you watch the valley. You shall view various interesting forest features like the ‘Mutragyne rubrostipuleta’ or ‘viagra’ tree.
The Waterfall Trail
This takes 11 kms taking between 4 and 5 hours via hilly and ,in parts, wet terrain. You shall lead to a magnificent waterfall ‘kilyantama’ locally referred to as ‘the sheep eater’. Visitors will discover the tree that “baboons cannot climb” and barkcloth figs which are used in the craft industry to make beautifully decorated table cloths, curtains, handbags and ceremonial clothes.