Kabwoya wildlife reserve
Kabwoya wildlife reserve
Kabwoya Wildlife reserve is an untamed treasure found in the Albertine Rift Valley in Western Uganda. It is part of the Albertine rift valley stretching from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in south western Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park in North Western Uganda
Location
Kabwoya wildlife reserve is located North west of Kampala at a distance of approximately 236 kilometers. It takes one at least 4 hours to get here from Kampala while using the Kampala-Hoima road. It is a 2 hours’ drive from Masindi town, 4 hours’ drive from Murchison Falls National Park and a 5 hours’ drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
History
Kabwoya wildlife reserve used to be a hunting ground that was controlled remotely. It was home to numerous wildlife species which were unfortunately wiped out due to the high rates of poaching. The area then became a grazing ground for the community cattle keepers who took their animals to the reserve. This eventually drove away the few wildlife that were left at the reserve.
However, in 1980, the Ugandan government gazette the reserve and declared it a wildlife reserve in 2002. The wildlife reserve is still known by a few people till now. Animals/wildlife was introduced to the reserve by the Uganda Wildlife Authority which has helped it gain some popularity. Some of the animals found at Kabwoya wildlife reserve include Buffalos, Baboons, Chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Antelopes and many more.
The reserve is also home to over 400 bird species like the dwarf honeyguide, strange weaver, blue headed sunbird, grauer’s warbler, yellow-eyed black fletcher and many more.
Kabwoya wildlife reserve has magnificent scenery that is breath taking and perfect for photography for those looking to make memories. The strategic location of the reserve makes is perfect for the scenery. It is located in the Albertine rift valley between the Blue mountain of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lake Albert.
What to do in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Birding
Kabwoya wildlife reserve is an important birding destination with over 460 bird species that are habitants of the reserve. Get to view the birds through organized nature walks, cycling, game drives or while quad biking.
Cycling
Mountain cycling is extensively done at Kabwoya wildlife reserve. This is also a perfect way to exercise and while cycling, get a chance to see wild animals, bird species, interact with the community and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Quad biking
Hop onto a quadbike and view wildlife in an extra ordinary way while relishing the breathtaking scenery of the reserve and bird species.
Game drive
Have a relaxing game drive while at Kabwoya wildlife reserve that enables you view the wild game in your own comfort. Get to view different wild animals, beautiful scenery and magnificent bird species.
Fossil hunting
Fossil hunting is one an activity a tourist can opt for while at Kabwoya wildlife reserve to study and research on fossils that have existed long before modernization. Get ready to find actual fossils while at the reserve.
Nature walks/Hiking
Nature walks at Kabwoya wildlife reserve are headed by an experienced tour guide. Visitors can go through the savanna plains using the trails cutting through. On your nature walk, encounter animals like the duiker, antelope and the waterbucks.
Horseback riding
Enjoy the spectacular view of the reserve by hoping onto a horse and taking a ride around and get to encounter the wild animals as well as view the birds.
