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September 12, 2018Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a hidden treasure found within the Albertine Rift Valley in western Uganda, at approximately 300 kilometers from Kampala City. It was gazetted into a Reserve in 2002, making it one of the new Protected Areas in Uganda and occupies an area of 225 square kilometers (87 square miles) of the scenic plains nestled between the Bunyoro Escarpment. This Conservation Area is also part of the spectacular Albertine Rift, a region which has numerous attractions stretching from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in south-western Uganda to the Murchison Falls National Park in north-western Uganda.
It is always unfortunate and surprising that most tour operators in Uganda don’t usually include this destination on their itineraries but what it offers will leave you wanting more thus you can’t afford missing such an experience during your safari. While here, tourists are able to relish the breathtaking views of Lake Albert as well as the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before and during the 1960s, this Wildlife Reserve was endowed with abundant wildlife species but due to the Civil Wars and Government Overthrows, the poachers also took advantage to graze their cattle there and worse of all poach most of the animals that were remaining. Along the shores of Lake Albert underneath the vast savannah plains of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a fishing village where tourists can actually visit to see and experience what life is like for the locals.
However since 2002, the Uganda Wildlife Authority implemented several Conservation Efforts including restocking some of the animals that used to be found in the Reserve such as Johnson’s Hartebeests. Additionally, you can be able to spot other antelope species such as Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, Impalas and duikers that have existed within the Reserve since the 1960s. Not only that, primate species such as olive baboons (found along the cliffs), black and white colobus monkeys and chimpanzees can be sighted within this wonderful tourist site, especially within the verdant forests along Wamababya and Hoywa Rivers. Therefore if you are interested in doing a mini-chimpanzee tracking adventure, then the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve will not disappoint you during Uganda safaris.
Top things to do within Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
- Hiking/Nature walks
Guided nature walks or hiking and one of the top things you will do within Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and are interestingly very scenic because one of the magnificent Albertine Rift Escarpment. Not only that, several wildlife species can be encountered and they include antelopes such as Uganda Kobs, bushbucks and waterbucks as well as birds species along the trail.
- Game drives
Game drives are conducted within some of the well maintained game tracks and introduce tourists to some of the treasures of the Park such as waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks and primates.
- Bird watching
Surprisingly, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a haven to more than 400 species of birds which make it a great spot for birders.
- Fishing
It is undeniable that Lake Albert is a home to several fish species including the Nile Perch thus making it an ideal spot for anglers to enjoy wither half day or full day fishing expedition within the Lake. You will use a motorboat in the company of an experienced guide and a maximum of 3 Anglers are allowed in every boat.
- Fossil Hunting
As strange as it sounds, fossil hunting is actually possible within Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, something you will not experience within the National Parks that we all yearn to visit during Uganda holidays. The good news is that the activity can be conducted by all members of the family including children and some of the items you may find include spearheads, pieces of pottery and arrowheads among others.
Other activities you should expect when you visit the Wildlife Reserve include Horse Riding, Quad biking and mountain bike riding. You don’t have to worry or stress about accommodation when you visit Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve because there is a midrange Safari Lodge known as Lake Albert Safari Lodge.
Karuma Wildlife Reserve
Known for the breathtaking Karuma falls, this magnificent Wildlife Reserve is situated within Kiryandongo (formerly Masindi district), western Uganda and one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit during Uganda tours.
It was established in 1964 to act as a buffer zone of safeguard zone between Murchison Falls Wildlife Park and the surrounding villages as well as other un-conserved regions and currently stretches for an area of 820 square kilometers. However, the Wildlife Reserve has over the years lost its role of protecting against animal intrusion from the National Park to the surrounding areas thus buffers the Park against human population pressure. Point in question is the establishment and existence of the Refugee settlement in Kiryandongo where more than 7000 people were relocated hence resulting into extreme encumbrance on the resources of the Wildlife Reserve.
This exceptional Wildlife Reserve is known for the roaring Karuma falls and rapids found along the Victoria Nile making the site one of the must-visit places you will ever visit in Uganda. The waterfalls are found at just a stone throw away from the Murchison Falls National Park.
Standing at an elevation of 902 meters above sea level, this Wildlife Reserve is nestled within a territory of the Murchison Conservation Area that makes up Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo and Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest Reserves as well as Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. It mainly lies within Kiryandongo district (formerly part of Masindi district) and was conventionally a stretched out area for large mammal species such as elephants and Buffaloes as well as the smaller ones.
Besides its spectacular appearance, several mysteries surround the Karuma Falls, one is which is that the Rocks that make up the waterfalls were occupied by a powerful spirit known as “Karuma” thus its where the waterfalls derived its name. It is found on the way to most destinations of Northern Uganda (Gulu, Kitgum and Lira) as West Nile (Arua, Nebbi and Paidha) and this is where you will have to pick up your cameras or phones to capture the breathtaking scenery of the waterfalls. You will be welcomed by its thundering sound and jaw-dropping white appearance during the rainy season.
Besides the Karuma Falls that are obviously the star of the show within this Wildlife Reserve, there are also fascinating wildlife species that include primates (such as Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and L’Hoests monkeys), Buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, leopards, Elephants, lions, antelopes (Uganda Kobs, Oribis and Topis) and many others. Some birds species are also frequently seen within the Wildlife Reserve.
Accommodation Facilities within Karuma Wildlife Reserve
Karuma is different from other wildlife Reserves because it has a number of accommodation facilities which is not the case with the other destinations. Some of the places to stay include Karuma Falls Campsites and other Camping grounds for tourists interested in camping within this African wilderness.
How to get there?
Located across the Masindi-Gulu highway traversing the Nile River, this Wildlife Reserve is found at approximately 110 kilometers north-west of Masindi Town and 70 kilometers south of Gulu.
