The Katonga game reserve is a new addition to the country’s 12 wildlife reserves and home to a wide range of Biodiversity. It is located on the banks of River Katonga, southwest of Lake Wamala, and east of Lake Victoria, within Kamwenge and Kyegegwa districts. It was founded in 1964 but became a wildlife reserve in 1996, managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority in partnership with Kibale conservation area. It serves as a rest stop for animals moving from western Uganda to South Sudan and Tanzania. The reserve headquarters are located at Kikorogoto central area.

Katonga game reserve covers 207 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of species, rich flora, water bodies and forest-fringed marshes. Between 1971 and 1985, poaching and farming had a significant impact on the animal population and other wildlife species. In 2014, however, the communities living in and surrounding the reserve were evicted, allowing for the translocation of various mammals and birds.

WHAT TO SEE IN KATONGA GAME RESERVE?

Wildlife.

Diverse range of birds, animals, primates and mammals have been recorded, contributing to the reserve’s rich biodiversity. Both aquatic and terrestrial species are present and can be seen during a game drive. More than 40 animal species, primates and reptiles can be found here.

Famous residents here include Sitatungas, lions, waterbucks, Olive baboons, African elephants, reedbucks, impalas, warthogs, and more.

Birds.

The reserve is home to around 140 bird species, which can be recognized on a bird watching tour led by an expert birder with a good eye for different bird species. The birds are mostly swamp inhabitants who are present all year and are occasionally joined by migrants during the rainy season. Black herons, egrets, dwarf bit, Madagascar pond-heron, little egrets and goliath Heron are just a few of the prominent birds.

Bird watching can be done at any time of year, although the best time is early in the morning. Birdwatching activities take place on designated pathways in the wetlands and along the riverbanks.

Flora.

Grassland, woodland, acacia, forest, riverine forests, papyrus and wetlands are among the different types of flora found in this reserve. Aside from tropical forests and riverine areas, permanent or seasonal wetlands represent a major portion of the total reserve area. A diverse variety of animals, birds, and other species thrive in this ecosystem. The hyparrhenia specie, panicum maximum, and Setaria specie are only a few of the famous plant species.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN KATONGA GAME RESERVE.

Cano rides.

Sailing on the river on a canoe is one way of uncovering the best of River Katonga. A canoe ride is safe and fun, as you ride through a channel, offering rich views of the green vegetation, undulating hills and mammals. The activity lasts for over 30 minutes, offered throughout the week, in the morning and afternoon hours of the day.

Wildlife viewing.

Watching different game – prey and predators around the game reserve is one thing you may not want to miss out. Game graze and hunt in the lush vegetation and several tourists visit to enjoy the space and game drives. Vast numbers of wildlife can be seen during safari drives and canoe ride at the river.

Guided nature walks.

It’s impossible to forget an hour or more spent walking through the lush foliage, seeing wildlife and taking in the breathtaking scenery. A guide will accompany tourists on the specified routes for the duration of their visit and they will see a lot.

How to access Katonga game reserve?

By air, the flight starts from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport to Kasese airstrip or Nyakisharara airstrip in Mbarara. On-road, it is about 350kms from Kampala capital city, roughly 4-6 hours rewarding drive via Kyegegwa town.

Best Time to Visit Katonga game Reserve.

This is not a very active place when it comes to tourism activities. However, for you who wish to explore the unspoiled reserve, the entire year is open for visits, from Monday to Sunday. The most ideal months are the dry ones, and that is June to August and December to February.

Katonga game reserve is one of the finest and emerging conservation areas in Uganda, with a wide range of flora and fauna. A visit to it is worth the time and effort.