KATONGA WILDLIFE RESERVE


The Katonga wildlife reserve (207 sq km) is located 200km out of Kampala .The reserve was gazetted in 1964 as a corridor for migrating wildlife from Western Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan in search of water. Its unique geography was a comfortable refuge for elephants, zebra and various antelope species. The civil unrest of 70s and 80s as well as cattle grazing reduced the animal populations.

The reserve hosts 40 mammal species and 150 bird species. Among the mammals are elephants, water bucks, and reed buck and river otter. The Uganda Kob, olive baboons and colobus monkeys can also be found. Katonga is one of the best places in East Africa to look for the secretive sitatunga Antelope.

Tourist Activities and Attractions

Canoe boat ride
canoe rides through the swamp give visitors avenues of seeing water and papyrus associated birds, the Sitatunga and the river otters. The wetlands canoe trail through the reed and papyrus swamp offers the best opportunities to spot kingfishers and shoebill storks.


Guided walks
Guided nature walks along the Sitatunga trail will reward you with big groups of up to five Sitatungas and other antelope species. The trails connect to the Kisharara trail along Katonga river which offer you with site of other Sitatungas and primates. The wetlands canal through the papyrus and reed swamp of the Katonga river offers a chance of spotting various wetland birds such as king fishers. An overnight trip into the interior of the reserve provides a chance to see the flora and fauna of the reserve.

 Accommodation
There is a campsite in Kabagole 2 km from the Reserve HQ basic accommodation is available at Katonga View Hotel and Lodge, meals and cold drinks are available for those unable to camp.