A tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve in westerner Uganda reveals the true natural beauty beyond what words could describe. Many people seem to refer to Katonga as just a river, which is quite understandable since this is where the reserve derives its name. The Katonga River flows between Lake Victoria, the biggest freshwater lake in Africa, and Lake George. In addition to this impressive natural feature Katonga Wildlife Reserve is home to immense species of wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Brief background and location of Katonga Wildlife Reserve
First this protected area was gazetted as a game reserve in 1964. This was because Katonga served as a wildlife corridor for migrating wildlife to Tanzania and Sudan from western Uganda. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, encroachment and cattle grazing were at peak levels, threating many wildlife species with local extinction. As a result, roan antelopes, zebras, topi, elands and oribis disappeared completely. But, in 1996, Katonga Game Reserve was established as Katonga Wildlife Reserve.
This was a time when the Game Department and the Uganda National Parks merged to become the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These 2 bodies were in charge of the protection and management of Uganda national parks. The Katonga Wildlife Reserve is managed under the Kibale Conservation Area. The Katonga Wildlife Reserve spans a relatively small land area of 207 square kilometres in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo districts.
What to see in Katonga Wildlife Reserve?
A lot can be seen while on a tour to the Katonga Wildlife Reserve. This is due to the various exciting and adventurous attractions it has. Below are some of these exciting things to be seen at this wildlife reserve.
Wildlife
The wildlife in the Katonga Wildlife Reserve attracts both local and international visitors. The wildlife population in the Katonga Wildlife Reserve is increasing due to the conservation measures taken by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve ensures that you see 65 mammal species, 154 bird species, 17 reptile species, 15 amphibian species and 99 butterfly species. Mammals to see during a tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve are elephants, impalas, sitatunga, zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, reedbucks and bush pigs.
Primates found in Katonga Wildlife Reserve, include species such as black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and vervet monkeys etc. Aquatic wildlife species include river otters and sitatungas. Both migratory and resident bird species can be seen during a tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve. Birds to see are green-backed camaroptera, speckled mousebird, red-chested cuckoo, common bulbul, collared sunbird, white-headed saw-wing, western nicator and Ruppell’s starling.
Vegetation
During a tour to the Katonga Wildlife Reserve, visitors can enjoy seeing the scenic evergreen vegetation zones. The flora species are scattered across the whole reserve in different habitats. Katonga Wildlife Reserve’s vegetation zones range from forest, woodland, riverine, and swamp. Woody vegetation comprise acacia and combretum, while grasses encompass hyparrhenia and cymbopogon. In the swamps of Katonga Wildlife Reserve, the dominant vegetation is papyrus.
Cultures
Communities surrounding Katonga Wildlife Reserve offer uniquely pure cultures for cultural explorers and other visitors to witness. Katonga Wildlife Reserve is located in an area predominantly occupied by the Banyankore people. This tribe has some of the most unique cultural practices especially that of cattle keeping. The Banyakore tribe are known for their long-horned cattle. They also have a unique history that makes them interesting to interact with.
What to do in Katonga Wildlife Reserve?
With the various things to see in the Katonga Wildlife Reserve, a lot can be done while on a safari. Some of these activities include the following.
Wildlife viewing
Planning a tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve should not be confirmed without a wildlife viewing experience added to the itinerary. During a game drive, visitors have a chance to encounter the different flora and fauna species in the safety and comfort of a well-maintained safari vehicle. Visitors on a game drive safari can spot species like leopards, elephants, buffaloes, impalas, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, topis, and reedbucks etc.
Birdwatching
Birding is also a common activity done inside Katonga Wildlife Reserve because of the designated birding trails there. Visitors and experienced birding guides locate and sight some of the most beautiful and unique bird species. This birding experience takes place across the different habitats in Katonga Wildlife Reserve. In the woodlands, sighting the woodland kingfisher is almost certain. Meanwhile the tropical boubou and common bulbul can be seen within the lantana vegetation.
Guided nature walks
A tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve presents you with a chance to enjoy a captivating guided nature walk. Far from the safari vehicles, visitors can enjoy an up-close encounter the different wildlife species while on a guided nature walk. You will have fun on any of the 3 walking trails, which are the Sitatunga Trail, Kishara Trail and Kyeibale Trail. Armed rangers with excellent tracking skills help in guiding visitors to locate some of the various wildlife species in this reserve.
Canoe ride
A tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve is considered incomplete if a canoe ride is not added in your tour package. Done in a dugout canoe that can be skillfully paddled on the calm swamp to spot the various aquatic wildlife. The likelihood of seeing the beautiful sitatunga is very high if you are moving on a canoe floating in the swamp. Wetland bird species like swamp nightjar, yellow-belied duck, shoebills and rufous-bellied herons can be identified much more clearly from a canoe.
Village tours
Make a tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve worth remembering through a guided visit to encounter the people living around the destination. Learn about cattle farming including milking a cow while in the villages adjacent to Katonga Wildlife Reserve. The people are welcoming and are in position to give insight into the significance of cattle in their lives including in marriage. Witness Ankole heritage through melodious music and powerful dances from an entertainment group. An elder will narrate the history of his tribe including the role of the reserve in shaping their socio lives.
Cost of entrance for a tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve?
Gate entrance at Katonga Wildlife Reserve varies for different visitors. Per person each foreign non-resident pays $35, while a foreign resident pays $25 and East African Community citizens pay UGX 15,000. Every visitor from the Rest of Africa is required to pay only $20. These rates also offer a chance to do wildlife viewing in Katonga Wildlife Reserve. The cost for other activities and vehicle entry are charged differently.
Where to stay during a tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve?
Although a tour to Katonga Wildlife Reserve is majorly for the incredible attractions offered, however a nice accommodation is also key. This is because accommodation adds to the thrill of exploring the attractions. Visitors to Katonga Wildlife Reserve can choose from a wide range of accommodations, comprising luxury, midrange and budget. All the accommodation facilities are located outside the reserve. They include Igogora Country Resort, Crater Safari Lodge and Rena Akasha Establishments. Private camping is also provided at Katonga Wildlife Reserve.
