Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is the newest protected reserve in Uganda which sits on an area of about 87 sqkm, and at about 305 km far northwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve has various attractions and is part of the Albertine rift with the most scenic wonders in small scenic plains.
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve offers yet another interesting scenic view of Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of the DRC when they pass by this reserve. This gives room to travelers to explore the really beautiful experience of crest the rift’s escarpment for the first time.
You will find this little-known plain spread out below totally unexpected and breathtaking. Its surroundings are the up market of Lake Albert Safari Lodge which offers various services and activities for its guests, and a small fishing village along the shores of Lake Albert.
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is one of the best tourist destinations in Uganda due to its wonder of being blessed with abundant, amazing features and beautiful scenery. The Reserve is known as a hunting ground since becoming a wildlife reserve in 2002, making it the newest reserve in the country.
In the early days, the animals were almost extinct by poachers, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) came up with an idea of leasing Kabwoya out to private conservationists. This was meant to help improve the reserve together with local leaders. Today, there is a significant increase in the number of wildlife species such as buffaloes, which are seen in big numbers grazing. Hippos along the lake shores, the Uganda kobs, impalas, antelopes, bushbucks, hartebeests, warthogs and duikers are plenty.
Tourist activities at Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Game viewing is the most popular activity here and this can be done during a nature walk or on a game drive safari around the reserve. This is the most popular activity, and it gives you a chance to explore the scenery, see lots of wildlife like the duiker, Uganda kobs and bushbucks as well warthogs, with a trained ranger who will take you around the reserve.
For bird lovers, this is one of the greatest birding spots in Uganda with a variety of birdlife. There are more than 460 bird species, and some are similar to those you will find in the adjacent Murchison Falls National Park, as well as Semuliki Game Reserve.
For those who love primates, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve has also got a number of different primates that have made primate safaris in the reserve possible. Baboons are commonly seen along the cliffs, lowland chimpanzees, white and black colobus monkeys as well as the ordinary vervet monkeys which are found along the banks of river Hoywa and Wamababya. Sometimes short chimpanzee trekking tours can be done due to the presence of chimpanzees in the reserve.
Other activities
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is one of the few places where quad biking is done. During the biking, you will enjoy the scenery, watch the wildlife and have fun. Other than quad biking, you can also go mountain biking following the trails that were set up for the tourists.
Fossil hunting is a unique activity that you can’t find in any other tourism site. Fossil Hunting can be done in a group, for example as a family or friends, and it may be more enjoyable to kids especially when they come across stuff like arrowhead, pottery pieces, and the spearheads among other things.
With Fossil hunting, you are certain you will find whatever you are looking for thus making Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve a unique site compared to other wildlife reserves. Every tourist should try and include Fossil Hunting in the itinerary especially those whose trips include visiting Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve or a visit to Lake Albert Lodge.
Horseback rides is an amazing activity but only done in very few places like in Lake Mburo National Park and in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve as well as in Jinja, at the moment. You can go for a ride either early in the morning or in the evening when the heat is not too much.
Horse ride safaris are highly recommended because they are a great way for better game viewing experiences. All wildlife that you hope to see during your game drive or nature walk can be expected during your horseback ride in the reserve.