Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
It’s located in the nature rich zone of Uganda. The Kizegi region is one of the most enticing tourist destinations in western Uganda. Kigezi wildlife reserve is located in Rukungiri district, the reserve is relatively larger covers a total land area of 264km2 compared to the neighboring famous Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Not like other protected areas in the southwestern region, the Kigezi wildlife reserve features a number of vegetation covers plain Savannah, woodlands and open grasslands and forests.
Kigezi wildlife reserve was established in 1952 becoming one of the oldest protected areas in Uganda. The reserve strategically straddled southwards of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This savannah and open grasslands act as buffer zone and bleeding zone to the Mt. Rwenzori National Park northwards.
Kigezi game reserve is in proximity with the Maramagambo forest. The Kigezi reserve boasts for accommodating highest concentration of elephants besides many wildlife species that call the reserve home. On the list include buffaloes, topis, bushbucks, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, giant forest hogs. Variety of birds; Red-faced barbets, the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Hammerkop, Marabou storks, the Peregrine Falcon, the Grey-crowned cranes and the Saddle-billed stork among others.
Huge number of elephants at Kigezi reserve are seem roaming the Bwindi plain of Democratic Republic of Congo and the south from Queen Elizabeth National Park particularly during rainy times. It’s a barrier to the Ishasha sector and Maramagambo reserves of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation at Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
Where to stay when visit the reserve is very crucial, there are no accommodation facilities within the Wildlife reserve, but tourists who wish to explore the reserve there are standard accommodation facilities in Rukungiri district like Rondavels Hotel, Savannah Resort Hotel, the Rukungiri Inn and Ishasha River Lodge among others.
Accessing Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
Kigezi Wildlife Reserve is situated about 318km drive southwest of Kampala capital, it can be accessed drive through a route connecting from Kampala via Masaka to Mbarara then to Ntungamo and Rukungiri to Kigezi wildlife reserve.
Activities
There is a number of activities to undertake on a safari tour to Kigezi wildlife reserve. Among them include game drive for a wider range of game viewing, nature walks takes you closer to nature and interact with several wonders. The reserve accommodates a fair number of bird species enhancing birding activities. Consider making prior preparation when opting for a safari tour to this amazing reserve with Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Best time to visit Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
Clearing a diversion during the rehabilitation of Kakimba – Kiyanga road that connects areas of Kiyanga to Ishasha road in QENP. This is the shortest route to Kiyanga outpost from both Katunguru and Kigezi Wildlife Reserve headquarters at Bwentale.
The wildlife reserve can be visited all year around, If you are interested to capturing the Elephants that migrate from Rwindi Plains in DRC to South of Queen Elizabeth National park, you have to visit the Wildlife reserve in the rainy season (October to November and March to April). The best season for viewing other wildlife species is the dry season (June to September and December to February).
