Katonga Wildlife Reserve is found in western part of Uganda in the districts of Kyenjojo and Kamwenge. Katonga wildlife reserve sits on a ground surface area of 207 square kilometers. Katonga wildlife reserve was first established in the year 1964 as a game reserve inorder to create a corridor for wild animals migrating from western Uganda to Sudan or Tanzania and in 1996 was given a wildlife reserve status. Katonga wildlife reserve is under the management of Uganda wildlife Authority. Katonga wildlife reserve is approximately 275.7 km by road via Masaka kampala highway to Katonga wildlife reserve. Katonga wildlife reserve is characterized by numerous permanent and seasonal wetlands, woodlands, scattered trees and savannah grasslands. Katonga wildlife reserve is home to numerous wildlife species including; sitatunga, water bucks, Hippos, zebras, Topi, eland, Elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, reedbuck to mention but a few. It is also filled with numerous bird species such as; king fishers, storks, Striated heron, goliath heron, madagascar pond heron , squacco heron, cattle egret, purple heron, white backed night heron, black heron, dwarf bittern, great bitternto mention but a few. All these species and plant species can be explored while on a Katonga wildlife reserve tour.
Here are some of fun activities that can be carried out at Katonga wildlife reserve;
Wildlife viewing; while at Katonga wildlife reserve one can engage in a fun filled wildlife viewing where they get a chance to see the various wildlife species that the wildlife reserve has such as sitatunga, water bucks, Hippos, zebras, Topi, eland, Elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, reedbuck to mention but a few. These wildlife species can be viewed while on a game drive, guided nature walks or even while hiking through the different trails in the wildlife reserve. Tourists are always encouraged to make sure that they go out for wildlife viewing in the presence of a well trained and armed tour guide . This is to ensure safety incase of any violent act of a wild animal and also easy navigation through the different tracks. This shall indeed make ones Uganda safari at Katonga wildlife reserve indeed great.
Bird watching; Katonga wildlife reserve is filled with numerous bird species that are indeed incredible to watch while at the wildlife reserve. Some of the bird species at Katonga wildlife reserve include; king fishers, storks, Striated heron, goliath heron, madagascar pond heron , squacco heron, cattle egret, purple heron, white backed night heron, black heron, dwarf bittern, great bitternto mention but a few. All these bird species can be watched while relaxing at the lodges at Katonga wildlife reserve, taking nature walks through the woodlands or even during game drives or hiking. A bird lover would indeed want to visit Katonga wildlife reserve to be able to observe and watch these numerous bird species.
Guided nature walks; A tourist with the aid of a well trained local tour guide can explore the rest of Katonga wildlife reserve on foot while visiting the different wetland areas found in the wildlife reserve. There are numerous walking trails that fill Katonga wildlife reserve and give tourists the opportunity to explore and get a more intimate opportunity to view the different birds, wild animals and vegetation. Nature walks are also a good means of relaxing and calming oneself while connecting to nature. During nature walks a tourist also gets the opportunity to ask their guides to narrate to them different stories about the Katonga wildlife reserve , how the wildlife species are being protected , where to find some of the wildlife species and how to be safe throughout the nature walks.
Community tours; while at Katonga wildlife reserve, tourist can take time to visit the surrounding community and find out about their ways of living, carry out some language exchange, get a chance to participate or watch the different traditional dances and songs. The people in this area are mainly the Batoro and are known for their beautiful and lovely people who are very hospitable.
Canoe ride experience; Katonga wildlife reserve is filled with numerous wetlands some of which are permanent while others are seasonal. These wetlands the opportunity to have a thrilling and stunning view of the swampy vegetation, the hippos not forgetting the ability to spot numerous beautiful wildlife species.
The best time to visit Katonga wildlife reserve is during the dry months of the year which includes months of December, January, february and june, july and november. This are considered the best months to visit Katonga wildlife reserve since during these months there are lesser downpours thus tourist activities shall not be easily interrupted.
Katonga wildlife reserve is blessed to have numerous accommodation options ranging from luxury options to midrange and budget friendly options from which tourist can choose to stay while on a Uganda wildlife tour / bird/ cultural tour at Katonga wildlife reserve.
