Katonga Game Reserve, Western Uganda
Katonga Wildlife Reserve is a National Park in Western Uganda, along the banks of River Katonga. The Wildlife Reserve was established in 1998. The Reserve is a recent addition to Uganda’s list of protected Wildlife areas. It protects a network of Forest-fringed Wetlands along the Katonga River. It is best explored by foot and by Canoe.
Wildlife
The vegetation of the reserve is mixed savannah with acacia scrubland or woodlands. A large portion of the reserve is either permanent or seasonal wetlands. There are also pockets of riverine and tropical forest.
Katonga Wildlife Reserve is home to over forty (40) species of Mammals and over one hundred and fifty (150) species of birds; many of them specific to Wetland Habitats. Commonly sighted in the Wetland Reserve are Elephant, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Colobus Monkeys and River Otters. Also found in this habitat is the shy Sitatunga, a semi-aquatic Antelope with webbed hooves. Viewing this game from a Canoe, whilst they come to the water’s edge to drink is a thrilling and memorable experience.
Location
In the districts of Ibanda and Kamwenge in Western Uganda, along the banks of the Katonga River.Size Approximately 211sq km getting there it’s 200km, by road from Kampala, accessible by public transport. Actives Bird Watching and game viewing of the variety of animals including the Sitatunga.
When to visit
It is best to visit Katonga in the dry season for ease of getting around the reserve. January – Febraury and July-August are the driest months, but rain is possible due to unpredictable seasonal changes.