Although Uganda is known for its 10 National Parks, It’s a country gifted with so much more. While on a Uganda safari a stop at any of the below reserves, sanctuaries, and sections is worth it.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Set on an island that sits on the waters of Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island provides habitat to a number of rescued and orphaned chimpanzee primates. It occupies a total area of 100 acres that consists of tropical rainforests, grasslands, cages and swampy areas. One can only get there by boat at numerous landing sites, Entebbe. Visitors to this protected area participate in the chimps routine and volunteering.
Kibale Forest National Park
Covering a total area of 766 square kilometers in the western part of Uganda near Fort portal town, Kibale Forest National Park is famous for its primates species. This park lies close to the great Ndali-Kasenda crater area, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains. Although known as a chimps primates paradise, the evergreen forest of Kibale shelters rarely seen mammals like buffaloes, forest elephants, bush pigs, duikers, leopards and over 325 species of birds including blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis and purple-breasted sunbird. More on the list are the reptiles, butterflies and amphibians.
Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Boasting over 400 tree species including shrubs, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is geographically located in the Western part of Uganda along the way to the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park. This reserve is home to a range of primate species including chimps, monkeys, baboons, over 380 bird species, 270 butterflies, 100 moths and reptiles breathe life into this section. Although this reserve is famously known for Chimps tracking as the main activity, there are other activities one can partake including nature walks, forest hiking and birding.
Kyambura Gorge.
Situated in the Eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this extensive Kyambura gorge provides home to abundant primates that are often visited by travelers spending some time in Queen Elizabeth Park. It is about 100 m deep and was formed by the disorderly flowing waters of river kyambura. It is one of the most iconic spots in the Park. While visiting this valley for chimpanzee tracking, one may be exposed to a large number of wild animals and bird species.
Budongo Forest Reserve.
Ranked the biggest Mahogany forest in the whole of East Africa, Budongo is situated in the north western part of Uganda near Murchison Falls conservation area. It takes about 3-4 hours for the drive from Kampala via Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway. It shares borders with the great Murchison Falls National Park. Most of the parts in the reserve are dominated by Iron-wood and mahogany trees. Its 2 major sites; Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro Ecotourism site are home to chimpanzees, monkeys, other different Wild animals such as elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, antelopes and more, they usually migrate from the nearby Murchison Falls National Park. While this reserve enjoy Chimpanzee tracking, birding and forest walks.
Remember that it is such places that make a difference in each safari package.