Location:
199.86 km (124.19 mi) West of Kampala
Coordinates: 0.2477066, 30.772361
Katonga Wildlife Reserve is situated in Kyenjojo and Kamwenge districts and is one of the smallest nature reserves in Uganda measuring 207 km2.
Katonga was founded in 1964 to serve as a corridor for migrating wildlife from western Uganda to Tanzania and Sudan.
The Wildlife Reserve boasts of forests, swamps and savanna vegetation that supports diverse ecosystems including variety of wildlife species.
The reserve has a significant sitatunga population thriving in its wetland system as well as waterbucks, hippos, impalas, leopards and a variety of primates. Other creatures include but are not limited to olive baboons, river otter, black and white colobus monkeys, Uganda Kobs, duikers, reedbucks, buffaloes, bushbucks, topis, zebras and chevrotain among others. There are also many reptile species, butterflies and over 150 bird species.
Key activities include game viewing, birding, canoe tours and guided walks.
The reserve can be reached from Lake Mburo National Park through Rushere in Kiruhura district or through Kyegerwa on the Kampala Fort Portal Road.
Birding in Katonga
Katonga has over 150 species of birds. It has three main trails developed to allow visitors the opportunity to see various ecosystems within Katonga. Birds in Katonga include Kingfishers and storks.
Best time to visit Katonga
Katonga can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time for wildlife viewing is in the Dry seasons (December to February and June to August).