Katonga Wildlife Reserve

Katonga Wildlife Reserve is situated along the banks of the River Katonga in western Uganda in the districts of Kyenjojo and Kamwenge. Katonga Wildlife reserve has an area coverage of 207 sq km, the reserve is part of the Kibale Conservation Area.

The reserve is covered with distinct vegetation types like Grassland, wooded grassland, woodlands, riverine woodlands, swamp and Papyrus but its majorly dominated with mixed savannah, acacia and woodland which are inhabit to a number of wild animals like waterbucks, Hippos, Elephants, buffaloes, reedbucks, Uganda Kobs, Sitatunga Antelopes, Duikers, Bushbucks, warthogs, Sitatunga, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys and a variety of bird species.

History of Katonga Wildlife Reserve

Katonga Wildlife reserve was first gazetted in 1964 to act as a corridor for migrating wildlife animals from western Uganda to Tanzania and Sudan. Later in 1996 it became a wildlife reserve after former game department and Uganda National Parks merged to form the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Activities at Katonga Wildlife Reserve

Game Viewing

This activity gives visitors an opportunity to get a close encounter with the reserve’s wildlife like elephants, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Uganda Kobs, Baboons among other wildlife species.

Guided Walk

Guided nature walks can be arranged for and there are 3 routes that are used for half day nature walks namely Kyeibale trail, Sitatunga Trail and the Kisharara trail they take you to forested caves and valleys, grasslands and wetlands with an opportunity to spot the rare Sitatunga antelopes, to the grasslands, savanna and swamp fringes and also spotting the sitatunga and other wildlife species like troop of black and white colobus monkeys and bird species respectively.

Canoe Trip

Canoe trips are full of fascinating opportunities you sail through reeds and papyrus swamps for 2 kms this activity is led and guided by local boat operator guides.You will be in position to spot a number of bird species like water and papyrus, river otters and the sitatunga antelopes, good opportunities to see kingfishers and storks like shoebills.

 Visiting Local Communities

This is a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the Ugandan people’s culture and way of life. The people neighboring the reserve are Banyakole, well known for being cattle keepers of impressively long horned cattle called the Ankole cows. You can get a chance to visit the Banyakole homestead for breathtaking experiences like enjoying cultural dances, local meals, trying African clothes, storytelling and more.

How to get to Katonga Wildlife Reserve

The reservation is approximately 200 km form Kampala via the Kampala-Fort Portal route.

Best times at Katonga Wildlife Reserve

Katonga Wildlife reserve is open to tourists all year round, but the best times to visit are in the dry months of December-February and June to July.

Accommodation at Katonga Wildlife Reserve

There are no built structures in the reserve, but rather one can opt for camping, travelers who wish to have a more comfortable stay can host their nights in Kabagore just 2 km from the reserve headquarters.