Katonga Wildlife Reserve
Katonga wildlife reserve is another section that forms the larger Kibale protected areas. It’s situated in western Uganda, the region which boast for harboring a number vibrant protected areas. The Katonga wildlife reserve is one of the remotest wildlife destination in Uganda.
The reserve was first gazetted as game reserve in 1964 under Department of and Uganda National Park which turned to Uganda Wildlife Authority. This was a wildlife corridor that was formed for migrating animals from western Uganda to Tanzania and Sudan. The reserve later tuned into a wildlife reserve by 1996.
The Katonga is among the smallest protected areas in the country, covering only an area of 207km2, but it’s another perfect natural destination which can be extensively explore on foot due to absence of the big cats.
Katonga wildlife reserve derives its name from the famous River Katonga that flows eastwards from Lake Gorge. The reserve is situated in between Kyenjojo and Kamwenge districts in western Uganda.
Landscape of Katonga
Katonga wildlife reserve features a relatively sloping and to some areas a flat landscapes concealed with acacia woodlands, Savannah grasslands, riverine forests, tropical forests and wetlands. The reserve accommodated larger numbers of wild species in the early years, but the greater impacts of heavy poaching and human encroachments on the reserve premises, many of the species where hunted down. In 2004, the government through UWA agreed to evict all encroachers on the reserve land.
Wildlife
The reserve harbor a list of species and among them are; rare Sitatunga antelope, Uganda kob, elephants, buffalos, bush bucks, water bucks, Reed bucks, primates such as baboons, black and white colobus monkeys. Uganda Wildlife Authority in 2013 trans-located zebras and impalas from Lake Mburo to Katonga wildlife reserve as a move to restock the reserve. The impalas have multiplied in the reserve to about 300 impales. The reserve is a birder’s haven with about 150 bird species recorded inhabiting into the savannahs, valleys of wetlands, and forests of Katonga wildlife reserve.
Safari activities at Katonga wildlife reserve
Planning for a remarkable Uganda safari tour to Katonga wildlife reserve, there is a number of undertake among which include; game viewing, birding, canoeing, nature walks. The adventure activities are arranged by UWA, when opting for an adventure here, it’s better to contact the UWA staff at the reserve headquarter.
Game drives
The woodland and Savannah opening makes the reserve very ideal for safari Game drives which is very rewards with finest sights of duikers, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, reedbuck, sitatunga, elephants. A game drive summarizes almost everything one would opt to watch at the reserve. The adventure is great when done with the 4×4 safari vehicle particularly with a pop up for better game viewing.
Canoeing
On River Katonga, canoeing adventures are conducted, it’s such a calm and breathtaking experience exposing you to various beauty of Flora and fauna of the reserve. It’s such a happiest flashes for watching greater numbers of bird species in the swamps and watching of aquatic life. The canoe ride meanders you on the two kilometers in Reed, the conies rides are operated by the local people around River Katonga.
Nature guided walks
There are various walking trails like the Sitatunga trails which takes you through the swamps, then the Kisharara trail leads you to animal hub through the savannahs, grasslands and swamp fringes to exciting sitatunga sights, various birds and monkeys among others. Kyeibale trail it leads to the rock cones, caves and forested valleys, taking one of the trail on a guided walk brings closer a combination of species.
Bird watching
With about 150 species of birds recorded at the reserve, birding activities are enhanced. The activities are done at around swamps, along the banks of the river, a game drive, canoeing and nature walks all are opportunities for bird watching. Among the species to encounter here include; great bittern, goliath heron, Madagascar pond-heron, great egret, cattle egret among others.
Where to stay
The major accommodation available at the reserve is UWA set campsites. It’s a great idea to opt for camping with your camping gears. Take the 4×4 rooftop tent vehicle on an adventure to Katonga game reserve. The camping site is called Kabangole and is two kilometers drive from the reserve headquarters. Other places where to sleep can be got outside the reserve such as Katonga view lodge, other nearby accommodation option are Crater Safari Lodge, Reba Akasha Establishments etc.
Accessing Katonga wildlife reserve
The reserve is located between Kamwenge district and Ibanda district which is around 200km west of Kampala capital. The alternative drive to the reserve, it’s about 4hour drive from Kampala to Fort portal and then take the Kamwenge road through Kibale National Park.
