Kalinzu forest reserve is one of the natural big forests around Queen Elizabeth National Park managed by Uganda National Forest authority found in Bushenyi district. This forest is famous for chimpanzee tracking and a home of 414 tree species, 378 bird species, blue monkeys, vevert monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, 262 butterfly species, 97 moths, reptiles and flowers.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest reserve

The forest is famous for chimpanzee tracking and shelters over 300 chimpanzees and about 40 habituated chimpanzees by Japanese researchers’ group. Kalinzu forest reserve is the second chimpanzee tracking destination after Kibale Forest National Park with the cheapest tracking permit. Therefor visitors of budget can never miss tracking chimpanzee while in Uganda with the visit of Kalinzu forest reserve.

Other wildlife in Kalinzu forest reserve

Apart from Chimpanzees, the forest has a number of Baboons, blue monkeys, vevert monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, I’hoest, the red-tailed colobus monkeys, the black billed turacos, Galagos, bush babies, Pottos among others.

Best time to visit Kalinzu forest reserve

The best time to visit kalinzu forest is during the dry season or the peak season when there is little rain expected in the forest thus making the chimpanzee trekking experience and nature walk an awesome adventure since the walking and trekking trails are dry and not slippery thus they are passable.

Activities to do in Kalinzu forest reserve

Bird watching

Kalinzu forest reserve is a home of over 378 bird species which makes it an ideal spot for birding safari in Uganda. Bird watching is best done in the morning and evening hours. Famous birds in Kalinzu include; Shoebill, Green Breasted Pitta, African Green Broadbill, Black Breasted Baebet, Doherty’s Bush Shrike, Short Tailed Warbler, Standards-Winged Nightjar, Saddle Billed Stork, Pelicans, Herons, African Fish Eagel, Butler, Long Crested Eagel, Vultures, Owls, Grey Crowned Crane, Rwenzori Turaco, Hornbills, Honey Birds, Sunbirds, Weavers, African Fin Foot, Flamingos among others.

Wildlife viewing

Due to the fact the Kalinzu forest reserve is next to Maramagambo forest and Queen Elizabeth National park, we expect to sight a number of wildlife like the buffalos, warthogs, leopards, wild pigs, waterbucks, bushbucks, giant forest hogs to mention but a view. All these wild animals come from Queen Elizabeth National park. The forest also harbors primates like Chimapnzees, blue monkeys, vevert monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys among others.

Guided nature walk

Nature walk in Kalizu will give visitors an opportunity to blend with nature and explore the beautiful scenery of the forest, wildlife, primate, waterfalls, moths, butterflies among others. The forest has various nature walk trails to follow such as waterfall trails which takes you about 4-6 hours passing through high altitude areas and kilyantama waterfall, there is also the River trail, it’s a short trail with a hike of 1 hour, there is the palm trail that takes you 2 hours depending on your hiking speed.

The valley trail also takes you about 2 hours to hike through it. These trails give a chance of passing through the forest canopy, viewing primates, butterflies, wildlife, Rwenzori mountain peaks, and many other beauties of nature.

Butterfly identification

Kalinzu forest reserve is a home 262 butterfly species which gives visitors a chance of viewing, researching and studying about butterflies while on a wildlife safari.

Accommodation while in Kalinzu forest reserve

While in Kalinzu forest visitors should choose accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park and these include; Mweya safari lodge (luxury), Elephant plains lodge (luxury), Elephant hub lodge (midrange), Pumba safari cottages (budget)

How to access Kalinzu forest reserve

The forest is located in the western part of Uganda in Bushenyi district about 5-6 hours’ drive from Kampala through Masaka-Mbarara district. It is easy to reach Kalinzu forest through Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park