Overview

Katonga Wildlife Reserve is not a very popular destination in Uganda. But it has its surprises. It is in the west of Kampala city. It is a protected area established in 1998. It covers an area of about 270km. It is one of the reserves under the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It was rich in wildlife but due to poaching their number was reduced greatly. Efforts to protect wildlife are bringing the reserve back to life. Today, it is home to rare antelopes and several species of birds. It is one of the reserves explored largely on foot.

Wildlife

Katonga Wildlife Reserve is not one of the best game reserves in Uganda for wildlife viewing. It is not home to many species of animals. But it has its surprises. It has a good population of Sitatunga antelope. It is one of the few destinations where you can spot these species. They inhabit the wetlands in the reserve. It has a high population of waterbucks, bushbuck, Uganda kob, and reedbuck. You may also spot zebras, impalas, buffalos, and elephants. The best way to spot these animals is via river canoeing or nature walks.

Birdlife

Katonga Wildlife Reserve is one of the best game reserves for birding. It is home to many species of birds. The best time to spot these species is during the dry season. Rain may interfere will nature walks and canoeing.

Scenery

The reserve has different types of vegetation. Most of the areas are covered with savannah woodland or savannah with acacia. The common vegetation is riverine grasslands, riverine woodlands, wooded grasslands, swamps, and papyrus. The different vegetation enhances the view of the reserve.

Climate

Katonga Wildlife Reserve has a favorable climate. It has two seasons. The dry season occurs in two periods. The first dry season is between June and August. Rain is rare but can still rain. The second dry season is between December and February. The reserve receives less rainfall during this period. Temperatures range between 16°C and 27°C.

The reserve also has two wet seasons. September to November receives less rainfall compared to March to April. Temperatures range between 16°C and 28°C. Rain may interfere with reserve activities.

FAQs About Katonga Wildlife Reserve

• Where is Katonga Wildlife Reserve located?

Katonga Wildlife Reserve is located within the Kamwenge and Kyenjojo Districts of Uganda. This is in the western part of the country. It is about 200 km west of the city of Kampala. Its coordinates are 0.2412° N and 30.7810° E. It is near Ibanda town.

• Why visit Katonga Wildlife Reserve?

Tourists enjoy several activities in Katonga Wildlife Reserve. The main activity is game viewing. Tourists can spot the shy sitatunga antelopes, impalas, bushbucks, and other species of mammals. You can also enjoy watching birds in the park. It has recorded over 150 bird species.

• Is Katonga Wildlife Reserve safe?

Katonga Wildlife Reserve is a safe destination. Expert guides ensure that tourists are safe in the reserve. Incidents rarely occur in the reserve. But visitors are expected to follow set guidelines to protect wildlife and themselves. This is one way of reducing the risk of animal attacks. Some of the rules are keeping the voice down, keeping a distance from animals, and not feeding animals. Always read and follow the provided guidelines.

• Which is the best time to visit Katonga Wildlife Reserve?

You can visit Katonga Wildlife Reserve at any time across the year. But the best time is during the dry season. This is between January to February and July to August. Rain during the wet season may interfere with most activities in the reserve. But it is a good time to see some species of birds.

• How to get to Katonga Wildlife Reserve

Katonga Wildlife Reserve is within Kyegegwa Town Council. You can get there by road from Kampala. It takes about 3 to 4 hours. Then, there is a 42km drive to the reserve from the town council.