Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve

Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve – Top things to do and see

Kabwoya Wildlife reserve is a hidden gem situated within the Western side of the Albertine Rift Valley between the breathtaking Blue Mountains of the Congo and Lake Albert and covers an area of 87 square miles. It is characterized by remote Savannah plains along Lake Albert and tourists can enjoy the striking views of Lake Albert and the magnificent Blue mountains of DRC. This Wildlife reserve was gazzeted in 1980 and became a wildlife Reserve in 2002.

History of Kabwoya wildlife reserve.

Kabwoya wildlife reserve was gazzeted in 1960’s, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve used to be a controlled hunting ground and used to home numerous wildlife species but were eventually wiped out due to the high rate of poaching, then the area became a grazing ground for the Cattle herders who used to take their animals into the Reserve thereby driving away even the few wildlife that were left.

With the introduction/translocation of more animals into the Reserve, it is increasingly becoming a wildlife Paradise and some of the species likely to be encountered include Buffaloes, primates such as Baboons common along the Cliffs, Black and white Colobus monkeys, Chimpanzees and the Vervet monkeys mainly around the shores of River Wamababya and Hoywa, Antelopes such as Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, Bushbucks, bush duikers, Jackson’s hartebeests and Impalas among others, Hippos within Lake Albert. There are also over 460 bird species that call Kabwoya Wildlife reserve home. This Reserve does not only boast of its wildlife species and bird species but also the breathtaking scenery which makes the place a mini heaven/paradise.

 Birds of Kabwoya wildlife reserve

this reserve is an important birding area with about 460 bird species recorded in including Albertine rift endemics. Some of the bird species include bare faced go away bird, northern carmine bee-eater, yellow billed oxpeckers, gray heron, gray crowned cranes, black headed weavers, pied kingfishers, and many others.

Wildlife species in Kabwoya wildlife reserve.       Kabwoya wildlife has a very big number of Uganda kobs, buffalo, defasa waterbuck, Sitatunga, mongoose, bush bucks and many others.

Where to stay in Kabwoya wildlife reserve.

Lake Albert safari lodge.                                                                                                                

A perfect and scenic location half way between Murchison falls and kibale forest national park, full furnished grass thatched cottages and camping facilities with striking views of lake albert and the magnificent blue mountains of the Democratic republic of Congo.

Kikonko lodge                                                                                                             

top of the escarpment of the Albertine Rift overlooking Lake Albert thrones Kikonko Lodge. Breath taking views of Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo are guaranteed.

At night our guests will be enchanted by the million lights lit up by the local fishermen that dance on the Lake Albert.

Activities in Kabwoya wildlife reserve.

Some of the common Tourist activities within Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve include Fishing, Horseback rides, Fossil hunting, Guided Nature walks, birding, game drives, birding and boat rides among others.

Fishing

Fishing within Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is conducted from Lake Albert where tourists can be able to catch different sizes of the Nile Perch. Half day or full-day fishing adventures using motorboats can be organized for tourists. Only a maximum of three anglers are allowed in each boat for safety reasons.

Fossil Hunting

Fossil hunting is one of the most important and interesting activities that allows tourists to hunt for fossils that have existed for generations.

Mountain Bike Riding

This is a must-do activity for tourists who are interested in exercising while at the same time view different wildlife species within Kabwoya Wildlife reserve. The savannah plains of the Reserve offer magnificent biking trails where participants can ride through easily.

Quad bike rides

Believe it or not, Kabwoya is the only Wildlife reserve where Quad biking is conducted and this allows you tom view wildlife in an extraordinary way. You will relish the breathtaking scenery of the Wildlife reserve and the Wildlife and bird species.

Birding

Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is an important birding area because it is a home to over 460 species of birds including the Albertine Rift endemic bird species. You will need a cameras and binoculars for an ultimate birding experience.

Horseback rides

Did you know that horseback rides were possible within this exceptional wildlife reserve? Besides Lake Mburo National Park, Kabwoya Wildlife reserve is another place where tourists can relish horseback rides in the wild. The most recommended time is early morning or sunset where variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, duikers, warthogs and Uganda Kobs and can be sighted.

Guided nature walks/hiking

Nature walks are a must do for most tourists who visit Reserve. The most interesting is when the nature walks are conducted from the Albertine Rift escarpment that rewards tourists with the breathtaking views of several antelope species, warthogs, primates and bird species among others.

How to get there?                                                                                                                                                                      

By Road from Murchison falls.                                                                                                                                            

The  150 km road from Murchison falls national park to Reserve is one if the most scenic roads to drive around in north western Uganda, this road passes through the lake albert escarpment. This trip can take 2-3 hours depending on the road conditions.

By road from kibale forest national park.

The 200 km road from fort portal is one of the main roads that connects Kibale forest national park to Murchison falls national park via Kagadi-Hoima.this trip can take 5-6 hours by a 4 wheel drive.

By road from Kampala

The 240 km road from Kampala to Hoima via Busunju-Kiboga and it’s is the easiest access road to the wildlife reserve, this trip can take 4 hours through tarmac road.