Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
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KABWOYA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Are you ready to go off-the-beaten track to uncover the hidden beauty of Uganda’s wilderness? Then a trip to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is worthwhile and while here, expect only wonders to happen. This treasure trove is one of the biodiversity hot spots in the western part of the country and given its remoteness and rareness, travellers enjoy fewer crowds thus rewarding them with unmatched experiences.
Expanse and location of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
This secluded nature gem is set within the extreme western part of the Albertine Rift Valley, in the middle of the jaw-dropping Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo and spectacular Lake Albert. It extends for about 87 square miles with savannah plains, woodlands, lush hillsides and Valleys.
The History of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Before becoming the spectacular Reserve that it is today, Kabwoya was initially used as a Controlled Hunting Ground (especially in the 1960s), leading to the endangerment of unique wildlife species. Unfortunately, these animals were completely wiped out by the high poaching rate as well as habitat encroachment from cattle grazers. The area gained its “Reserve” status in 2002 and surprisingly, few visitors even know it exists. However, those who make trips here are left totally satisfied with unforgettable experiences.
What to see during Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve tours
Animals
Following the establishment of this Wildlife Reserve in 2002, a number of wildlife species were translocated making it a haven to wide range of wildlife species. These animals are mainly spotted from the pristine shores of Lake Albert, banks of Rivers Hoywa and Wamababya, the forest galore or woodlands and they include vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Bushbucks, Black and white colobus monkeys, bush duikers, Chimpanzees, Defassa waterbucks, impalas, Hippos, Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda Kobs, to mention but a few.
Birds
This remote and hidden gem is also an excellent birding Paradise with more than 460 bird species that include Pied kingfishers, the bare-faced go-away bird, Black-headed weavers, Grey herons, Northern Carmine bee-eaters, Grey-crowned cranes, yellow-billed Oxpeckers, African jacana, pelicans, to mention but a few.
Incredible things to do during your visit to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Game Drives
Both day and night game drives are offered in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, although it never features on safari packages for Uganda. Hit any of the designed game tracks to search for the Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, vervet monkeys, Hippos and bushbucks hidden or freely roaming through the savannah plains.
Hunting for fossil deposits
Travellers to Kabwoya Reserve are also offered the opportunity of relishing fossil hunting excursions to find some of the interested items that existed for centuries. Are you an archeologist and interested in discovering the riveting history of Uganda, then make a stop to this beautiful Wildlife Reserve during Uganda safaris.
Bird watching
This Reserve is an exceptional Birding Paradise with over 460 species to look-out for. Simply carry your camera, binoculars and other birding equipment as you prepare to take on the savannah plains, woodlands, Lakeshores, River banks and dry valleys to search for the interesting bird species. The most amazing thing is that even the Lodges offers thrilling birding experiences.
Mountain biking
Visitors can test their adventurous side by undertaking mountain biking while spotting different animals of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. The flat savannah plains and dry Valleys of this Protected Area make it possible to undertaking this activity but the magnificent views of the Blue Mountains of neighboring Congo as well as the tranquil shores of Lake Albert. Also lookout for different animals during this activity.
Quad biking
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is surprisingly the only Reserve offering this activity and joins Lake Mburo National Park in rewarding Ugandan travelling with Quad biking opportunities in the wild. This activity makes it possible to go off-the-beaten tracks where even safari vehicles can’t reach to search for the animals that hide in woodlands and other ecosystems. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, sights and sounds of animals as well as plethora of bird species.
Hiking/ or Guided bush walks
Hiking or guided bush walks are also offered in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, and they go as far as the Albertine Rift escarpment where phenomenal views of animal-Defassa waterbucks, duikers, Olive baboons, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, common warthogs and bird species are spotted.
Horseback rides
Another thing that Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and Lake Mburo National Park have in common is the fact that they are the only places that offer horseback rides in the wild. No activity in this Reserve is as mind-blowing as riding a horse in the midst of animals like duikers, Cape buffaloes, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, common warthogs and many others.
Fishing in Lake Albert
Species like Catfish, Nile Perch, Mudfish and many others are spotted during fishing trips in Lake Albert. The activity is conducted onboard motorized boats with fishing hooks or fishing nets.
When is the best time to visit Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve?
Visits to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve are undertaken throughout the year but the drier months-December to February and June to September receive many visitors because paths/roads are drier, vegetation shorter hence easier to spot animals and also, the few remaining watering points offer breathtaking game viewing experiences. The Wet months of March to May and October to November experience chillier temperatures as well as heavy rains making Reserve roads muddy. Additionally, the vegetation overgrows making it difficult to sight animals but expect quieter and less crowded Reserve.
Where to stay during tours of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Some of the best places of lodging during tours of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve include the sumptuous Lake Albert Safari Lodge and Kironko Lodge as well as the far-flung Bugoma Jungle Lodge and Zebi Eco-Lodge among others.
Getting to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Set in western Uganda close to the Albertine Rift Escarpment, This Reserve is mainly accessed from Murchison falls National Park. It is only 93 miles and 2-3 hours’ drive from the country’s premier safari destination.