Why you should visit the chimps Kalinzu Forest after Rwenzori trekking?
Why you should visit the chimps in Kalinzu Forest after Rwenzori trekking is a question worth exploring if you want to combine Uganda’s breathtaking mountain adventures with unforgettable wildlife encounters. After conquering the challenging trails and spectacular peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest offers an exciting opportunity to discover Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
Trekking the mystic Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda is a truly fantastic and unique experience, the wonder of the high glaciers, the beauty of the valley of nine lakes, the bearded lichen hanging from giant heathers with a backdrop of rocky cliffs, crags and snowcapped peaks. The wide variety of flora and fauna with several biospheres as you ascend through different vegetation zones creates the ultimate experience for trekking. Never before has this unique and beautiful trek been available, totally untouched and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
The Rwenzori Mountains is a World Heritage Site and offers the opportunity to see nature at its best. The plant life varies from heavy tropical rainforest, bamboo forests, and montane cloud forests to alpine vegetation and the scenery is truly spectacular. Above 4,500 metres the snow and glaciers add that special dimension to the wondrous views throughout this pristine mountain range.
Located in Bushenyi district in the southwestern part of Uganda, Kalinzu forest is a must visit destination during your safari in Uganda. The forest lies about 1400 meters above sea level and is situated close to the Maramagambo and closer to Rwenzori national park.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda is well known for its biological diversity, with over 262 butterflies species, 97 moths, 378 bird species, 414 tree species and shrubs, and other reptiles and flower species. The forest is also home to about 6 different primate species including chimpanzees, Baboons, Vervet monkeys, L’hoest and Blue monkeys, as well as the Black and White colobus monkeys. It is a great destination to visit after you MT Rwenzori trekking.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda also shelters other wildlife species such as buffaloes, warthogs, giant forest hogs, duikers, forest elephants, and waterbucks to mention but a few. Given its close proximity to Rwenzori national park, the forest is the perfect pit-stop for those visiting the national park.
Activities Carried Out in Kalinzu Forest.
There are plenty of activities that you can do during your visit to Kalinzu forest, some of which include;
Chimpanzee Trekking: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is a lot cheaper than in Kibale Forest national park, which makes it an ideal destination for chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Kalinzu forest costs USD 50 dollars per person, as compared to USD 150 dollars in Kibale national park.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda shelters over 300 chimpanzees of which 50 of them are habituated and can be tracked by visitors. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest starts at 8am every morning and at 3pm in the afternoons.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is restricted to individuals aged 12 years and above. The activity lasts about three to four hours or even more depending on how fast you can locate the chimps. Once you have located a group of chimpanzees, you are given only an hour to spend with the chimps.
Guided Nature Walks: Kalinzu forest in Uganda is one of the best places to take a guided nature walk within the forest. There are plenty of interesting attractions that you can sight during your nature walk in the forest like birds, monkeys, plants, butterflies, waterfalls and so many more. A guided nature walk in Kalinzu forest will also give you a chance to hike the Kishunja hill, which will give you a clear view the Rwenzori Mountains.
Bird Watching: Kalinzu forest in Uganda is also a great place for bird lovers. Bird watching safaris in Kalinzu forest are very interesting and also gives you the chance to spot different bird species in the forest such as Cuckoo birds, the Black and White Casket, and the Blue Turaco to mention but a few.
Wildlife Viewing: Kalinzu forest in Uganda also harbors some wildlife species which you can view during your visit to the forest. Some of the wildlife animals that call the forest home include: chimpanzees, forest elephants, wild pigs, buffaloes, duikers and many more.
Best Time to visit Kalinzu Forest.
The best time to pay a visit to Kalinzu forest is between June to August and December to February. However, the forest is open to visitors throughout the year. The months of October, September and November are the best for bird watching expeditions in the forest.
Accommodation in Kalinzu Forest.
Although there are no lodges within the forest itself, visitors can find accommodation in Queen Elizabeth national park and then transfer to Kalinzu forest. Some awesome lodges to stay in include; Mweya Safari Lodge, Parkview safari lodge, Enganzi lodge, and Kingfisher lodge among others.
How to get to the Kalinzu Forest.
Kalinzu forest in Uganda can be accessed by road from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, and Bushenyi, which is about a 6 hour’s drive. The forest is just an hours’ drive from Rwenzori mountains national park.
