Kyambura gorge
Kyambula gorge is one of the most popular tourist draw in the part of Queen Elizabeth where a total of 24 chimpanzees are habituated. The gorge forms the border between Queen Elizabeth and the Kyambula wildlife reserve, a little visited tract of savanna notable known for its wildlife viewing than the water birds in particular the flamingo. It is also called the valley of apes which is approximately 1km across its broadest point and about 100 meters deep. The gorge is actually drained by river kayambura. The landscape is the most impressive with a rich wildlife diversity, verdant, rich tropical rain forest right close to the equator crossing.Kyambura gorge which is famed for its underground forest and one of the hosts to these primates besides Kibale National Park
Attractions within Kyambula
Chimpanzee trekking: The maramagambo forest harbors a greater diversity of animals. It protects one of the largest chimpanzee population in east Africa. Some 16km long and 100metres deep the gorge protects an isolated and contained cover of riparian forest, surrounded by more savanna.Interestingly, the chimpanzees in the gorge were given unique names which makes them unique and special. Other primates in this gorge include the black and white colobus, vervet monkeys and olive baboons are regularly observed in the gorge while less visible red tailed monkeys and giant forest hogs.
Bird watching: For bird watchers, Kyambura is one of the best places in Uganda for bird watching.Specialties include the black bee eater, blue boiled kingfisher, and a good range of forest birds are present. It is therefore a good spot for birders.
Guided walks: These walks depart at 08:00 and 13:00 daily from fig tree camp which lies on the rim of the gorge 2.5km east of Mbarara road. (2 groups of 4 people) are issued for each morning or evening session. A visitor may need an experienced and knowledgeable guide to explore this breathtaking experience.
Kyambura wildlife reserve: Occasional kobs and chimpanzees are mainly seen. The area supports a diversity of avian species such as African fin foot, the blue- headed bee- eater as well as different falcons. Other animals such as forest hogs can also be seen from time to time in this area.
The riverine forest offers shelter to several forest birds in an addition to other species among which the martial eagle, a flamingo, chapins flycatcher, white tailed lark, corncrake, pink backed pelican, verreaux’s eagle owl, papyrus canary, whit bar – tailed godwit, black –rumped buttonquail, shoebill, African skimmer, lesser plus, greater e- winged warbler African broadbill, papyrus gonoleck and the black bee- eater.
The 3 salty crater lakes also attract a big number of beautiful flamingos which numbers are not seen anywhere. Steep slopes of Kyambura gorge were formed by the disorderly water of the thunderous river Kyambura which is a habitat to a diversity of primates.
Visitors need to explore the natural beauty of the gorge as well as the flora and fauna within the depths of the gorge. The accommodation around here is superb with many facilities around. It is generally 6 hours drive from Kampala city center. You will actually be able to have a close experience of the remarkable wildlife within this area as you take on the very exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. The chimp trekking experience can actually be combined with any tourist activity within Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kyambura gorge is indeed a jewellery to be discovered.
