Overview
Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is situated near Queen Elizabeth National Park in Bushenyi district at 147km2 and is managed by Uganda’s National Forestry Authority. Kalinzu Forest is a biodiverse tropical forest renowned for its rich flora and fauna, which play a vital role in maintaining Uganda’s environmental health by acting as a carbon sink and water catchment area. Kalinzu Forest is one of Uganda’s protected areas, and provides vital habitat for plants and animal species, aiding the country’s attempts to conserve its biodiversity. The forest also has historical and cultural significance, as it is believed to have spiritual connections for local communities.
Kalinzu Forest has over 414 tree species, which includes tropical hardwood, medicinal plants, climbers, ferns, mosses, and flowering plants. Kalinzu is a diversified collection of habitats which maintains a thriving ecosystem and offers refuge to a variety of wildlife. The forest has wildlife like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, bush babies, waterbucks, leopards, duikers, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, and many more with over 380 species including the great blue turaco, white-crested turaco, verreaux’s eagle, crowned eagles, African emerald cuckoo, alpine swift, green-breasted pitta, African broadbill, yellow-billed barbet, black bee-eater, red-faced cisticola, barn swallow, purple-headed starling, and many more; butterflies, moths, and reptiles.
Activities
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the top wildlife experiences in Kalinzu Forest offering visitors a chance to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Trekking starts early in the morning after briefing at the Uganda National Forestry Authority, with rangers and guides offering safety guidelines about the chimpanzee. The trek will take 1-4 hours, depending on the movement of the chimps, once located, visitors are given an hour with them and will witness them feeding, grooming, playing, and communicating. Away from the chimpanzees, visitors will spot other mammals like vervet monkeys, olive baboons, colobus monkeys, forest hogs, bush pigs, and many more, with birds like great blue turaco, white-crested turaco, verreaux’s eagle, crowned eagles, African emerald cuckoo, alpine swift, green-breasted pitta, African broadbill, yellow-billed barbet, black bee-eater, and many more, butterflies, and reptiles.
Guided nature walks
Kalinzu Forest offers nature walks that allow visitors to view the forest’s rich wildlife, birds, and breathtaking landscapes. The walks provide a chance for visitors to intimately explore the forest’s biodiversity while learning about its significance in all aspects from experienced guides. Trails like valley, chimpanzee, ridge, and waterfall enable guests to spot the amazing landscapes, different birds, monkeys, chimpanzees, and butterflies, offering a refreshing and scenic experience, and the walks take between 1-4 hours.
Bird watching
As a birder’s paradise, Kalinzu is home to over 380 bird species due to its location and the several habitats like the tropical rainforest, open woodland, and riverine areas, which offer a peaceful birding experience as it is less crowded. This takes about 1- 4 hours and expect to spot birds like the great blue turaco, black and white-casqued hornbill, green-headed sunbird, black bee-eater, dusky long-tailed cuckoo, yellow-spotted barbet, hairy-breasted barbet, forest flycatcher, red-capped robin-chat, yellow-throated leaflove, crowned eagle, and many more. The different trails like waterfall, ridge, palm, and valley trails offer excellent views with a variety of bird sightings. With a wide range of species, scenic trails, and fewer crowds, it’s a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and bird photographers visiting Uganda.