Kyambura Gorge was formed as the Kyambura Controlled Hunting Area in 1962, and upgraded to game reserve status in 1965. In the 1980s the southern area was colonized, but these people were evicted in 1990, and the land rented out to a private concessionaire called Zwilling. After the Uganda Wildlife Statute of 1996 changed the name of all game reserves to wildlife reserves, the reserve became formally known as the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve.

Kyambura Gorge adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park located in southwestern Uganda spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi and Rukungiri. It harbors a variety of wildlife since its next Queen Elizabeth National Park and a home to primates (Chimpanzees)

Attractions in Kyambura Gorge

Kazinga channel

This is a long natural channel that links lake Edward and lake George and a dominant feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel attracts a variety range of animals and birds with one of the highest concentration of Hippos and Nile Crocodiles.

Kalinzu forest

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.

Explosion crater lakes

The Katwe craters or Katwe-Kikorongo explosion craters are a group of volcanic craters within Queen Elizabeth National Park in Toro, Uganda. The volcanic field is roughly 210 km² (81 sq mi) in size. The individual craters vary widely in size, but the largest are up to 3 km (1.9 mi) in diameter and 100 m (330 ft) deep.

Tree climbing lions

Tree climbing lions in Uganda are found in Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth national park and they can be seen during the game drive in the savannah plains. The tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector will be seen lazily lying up in the acacia and sycamore fig trees especially during the afternoon hours.

Maramagambo forest

Maramagambo forest covers a part of Queen Elizabeth National Park from the escarpment of Kichwamba and all through the lake Edward. The land scape for the area is good for activities like hiking, nature walk through the trail.

Wildlife

Kyambura Gorge is a home of primates but the prominent ones are the habituated Chimpanzees. Many visitors who go for a safari in Queen Elizabeth National park  do not miss an opportunity of tracking Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. Its also a home of other primate like red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys. The Kyambura Gorge is also known for its variety of avian species including various falcons, the blue-headed bee-eater and the African finfoot.

Birds

The Gorge is a home to a diversity of bird species including avian species and forest bird species, birds in Kyambura gorge include African Finfoot, blue headed bee-eater, Martial Eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-rumped Buttonquail, African skimmer, lesser and greater flamingoes, Chapin’s flycatcher, white tailed lark to mention but a few.

Activities in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee tracking

This is an amazing activity in the Kyambura Gorge. The Gorge is a home of over 18 habituates chimpanzees and affordable compared to the habituated chimps of Kibale Forest National Park. Therefor giving a high chance of budget visitors to track chimpanzees while on a safari in Uganda.

Sighting tree climbing lions

While in Kyambura Gorge, do not miss an opportunity of driving to the Ishasha sector/area of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is known for its tree-climbing lions lazing in tree branches while keeping a watch on herds of Uganda kob, their favourite prey. It is also home to a large number of buffaloes, elephants, and the uncommon shoebill.

Boat cruise

On your safari in Kyambura Gorge, set out for a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel – a natural stream of water joining Lakes Edward and George. The channel is home to a variety of wildlife and attracts big game to drink water and cool off the heat. Expect to see lots of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and so many birds.

Game drives

Kyambura Gorge is a home of  primates and the most prominent ones are the chimpanzees, it also harbors other primates like the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys. You can not miss to find other wildlife that come from Queen Elizabeth National Park like lions, elephants, Topis, kobs, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards and lots of big game and very beautiful scenery. All this can be achievable during a game drive.

Kyambura wetland walk

45 acres of the wetland that were used illegally for brick laying were finally secured and now regenerating rapidly back to its natural state. The wetland is now a home of 200 bird species, variety of mammals and primates. The wetland is also used to train members of the community in birding and guiding. Hence having an important reason to be visited.

Best time to visit Kyambura Gorge

The best time to visit Kyambura Gorge is during the dry season from December to February and then again from late June to October when the trails are not slippery. Visiting in the dry season can also increase your chances of seeing more wildlife, as they will be in search of water and more likely to congregate around watering holes.

Accommodation in Kyambura Gorge

Since the Gorge is near Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors are recommended to sleep lodges situated in the park like Mweya safari lodge, Elephant plains safari lodge, Park view safari lodge, Elephant hab safari lodge, Pumba safari cottages, Buffalo safari lodge.

How to access Kyambura Gorge

The Gorge can be access by road or air, there are 2 main routes from Kampala to the Gorge by road, the first option is 6-7 hours (420) km/hour via Masaka – Mbarara. Then 6 hours (410) km/hour via Fort portal.

The other option is Air transport, there are daily flights from Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala and Entebbe International Airport to the Mweya and Kasese airstrips in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The flight is approxi