DISCOVER UGANDA
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve in Uganda
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, the newest protected area in Uganda, covers an expanse of approximately 87 square kilometers and is located about 305 kilometers northwest of Kampala, the capital city. Positioned as part of the Albertine rift, it boasts stunning scenery in small plains. The reserve offers a captivating view of Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of the DRC, allowing travelers to experience the beauty of cresting the rift’s escarpment for the first time. Below lies a little-known plain, surrounded by the upscale Lake Albert Safari Lodge and a quaint fishing village along the shores of Lake Albert.
A prime tourist destination, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is known for its abundant features and breathtaking scenery. Initially a hunting ground, it officially became a wildlife reserve in 2002 due to the near-extinction of animals from poaching. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) then leased Kabwoya to private conservationists, resulting in a significant increase in wildlife species, including buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs, impalas, antelopes, bushbucks, hartebeests, warthogs, and duikers.
The history of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
The history of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve traces back to the early 1960s when the Uganda Game Department aimed to regulate sport hunting in Uganda. In 1963, the Kaiso-Tonya area along Lake Albert’s shoreline was designated as a Controlled Hunting Area (CHA) due to its significant populations of Uganda kob, buffalo, and hartebeest. Records indicate proper regulation until the mid-1970s. Unfortunately, with the breakdown of law and order in Uganda, management ceased for the next two decades.
Fast forward to 2002, and this neglected area was officially gazetted as the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve (KWR), covering 87 sq. km. The broader Kabwoya-Kaiso Wildlife Management Area (KKWMA) in Hoima District comprises both KWR and the adjacent Kaiso-Tonya Community Wildlife Area (KTCWA), totaling 194 sq. km. The Hohwa River separates KWR and KTCWA, with boundaries established through surveys and beacons.
KKWMA holds ecological significance as the only relatively intact savannah along the 200 km stretch of Lake Albert shoreline, acting as a crucial corridor for genetic flow in the Albertine Rift. Positioned near the Bugoma Forest Reserve and within the Rift, it plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. Kabwoya, situated in Hoima District, is flanked by three sub-counties: Kabwoya, Kyangwali, and Buseruka. Accessibility to the reserve, once challenging, has improved with the upgrade of the road from Hoima (82 km).
The landscape features the dominant Albertine Rift escarpment to the east, Lake Albert to the west, and the Hohwa River bisecting the concession area. The central part of the shoreline drops to the lake in a small escarpment, while elsewhere, the gradient is shallow, facilitating fishing villages. The area, once the floor of Lake Albert, consists of easily eroded alluvial sands. In terms of flora, the vegetation is primarily Hyparrhenia and Themeda grassland, with patches of dry thicket featuring Grewia spp and Acacia brevispica (Langdale-Brown 1964). Along the Hohwa River, stretches of riverine forest add to the diverse ecological tapestry of Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve.
Activities in Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Game Viewing
– Most popular activity
– Enjoyed during a nature walk or game drive safari
– Explore the scenery with a trained ranger, spotting wildlife like duikers, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, warthogs, and more.
Bird Watching:
– A paradise for bird lovers
– Over 460 bird species, some similar to those in Murchison Falls National Park and Semuliki Game Reserve.
Primate Safaris:
– Encounter various primates, including baboons, lowland chimpanzees, white and black colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
– Short chimpanzee trekking tours are possible.
Quad Biking and Mountain Biking:
– One of the few places for quad biking
– Mountain biking on designated trails
– Enjoy the scenery and wildlife during these activities.
Horseback Rides:
– Available in select places, including Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
– Recommended for better game viewing
– Enjoy rides in the morning or evening to avoid excessive heat.
How to get to Kabwoya wildlife Reserve
By Flight:
- Fly to Entebbe International Airport:
– International travelers to Uganda arrive at Entebbe International Airport.
- Domestic Flight to Hoima:
– From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to Hoima with Aero link. There might be flights available to the nearby airports.
- Road Transfer to Kabwoya:
– Arrange for ground transportation from Hoima to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. This can be done through private transfers, 4×4 hired vehicles, or guided tours.
By Road:
- From Kampala:
– Start your journey in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
- Drive to Hoima:
– Take a road trip from Kampala to Hoima, covering a distance of approximately 305 kilometers.
- Road Condition:
– The road conditions may vary, so it’s advisable to check the current state of the roads. Some sections may be rough or under construction.
- Local Transportation:
– Upon reaching Hoima, you may need to arrange for local transportation to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. This can include hiring a vehicle, taking a taxi, or joining a guided tour.
