Located in the North-Eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge also known as Chambura Gorge/Valley of Apes is one of the most visited places for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. The spectacular gorge straddles within the lush Kyambura Wildlife Reserve (156sq.kms) and it has a depth of about 100m, extending up to 11kms. The gorge is drained by River Kyambura and generally, it boasts of its splendid landscape, biodiversity consisting of birds, primates and other wildlife. River Kyambura runs through Kyambura Wildlife Reserve linking to Kazinga Channel.
Wildlife/primates in Kyambura Gorge.
The spectacular Kyambura Gorge is incredibly a significant natural wonder with diverse species of primates. The primate species worth keeping an eye while on Uganda safari in Kyambura Gorge include the red colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
Birds in Kyambura Gorge.
Kyambura Gorge supports diversity of bird species making it a special birding destination of its own. The important bird species to expect to identify while on bird watching safari in Kyambura Gorge include African skimmer, African finfoot, black rumped buttonquail, African broadbill, pink backed pelican, papyrus gonoleks, blue headed bee-eater, marital eagle, flamingoes, bar tailed godwit, white winged warblers and falcons. Other birds that are sheltered within the Kyambura Gorge white tailed lark, verreaux’s eagle owl, Chapin’s flycatchers, black bee-eaters, white tailed larks.
ACTIVITIES IN KYAMBURA GORGE.
Chimpanzee trekking adventures.
Chimpanzee tracking is a major reason why most tourists visit Kyambura Gorge. This primate activity is offered best done in the morning and afternoon with possible sightings of about 80%. Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura takes about 2 to 3 hours and includes one hour of face to face encounter. While tracking chimpanzees, other primates can also be spotted including blue colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons plus diverse bird species, flora etc.
Birding
Kyambura Gorge is one of the best birding spots offering incredible bird sightings of avian species especially forest birds. The different birds to expect to identify at Kyambura Gorge include the African finfoot, martial eagle, black bee-eaters, blue headed bee-eaters, white winged warblers, papyrus canary, flamingos, black rumped buttonquail, bar tailed godwit to mention but a few.
Nature walks
Kyambura Gorge also offers the best on-foot-walk experiences to nature lovers on Uganda safari. This is best done with lead of an experienced and well-trained guides with opportunity for you to enjoy the natural beauty of the gorge, flora and faunal species that range within the gorge. It is a perfect opportunity to get close to nature while you uncover the hidden treasures of Kyambura Gorge.
Best time to visit
The dry season is the best time to visit Kyambura Gorge if you are interested in chimpanzee tracking. The dry season in Kyambura Gorge is experienced in two phases; starting from December, January to February and June, July, August to September.
Accommodation
Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Pumba safari cottages, Baboon Safari resort, Katara Lodge Twin Lakes Lodge and Elephant Hab lodge are some of the comfortable places worth spending a night while on a safari to Kyambura safari. The lodges boast of uninterrupted views of the lush forest canopy, Rwenzori Mountain ranges and the scenic savanna.
Access to Kyambura Gorge.
If you are traveling from Entebbe or Kampala to Kyambura Gorge, you drive for 420kms / 6 to 7 hours’ drive for visitors taking the Masaka – Mbarara route. About 6 hours’ drive / 410 km if you drive from Kampala through Fort Portal.
By air, daily flights – scheduled or chartered flights set off from Entebbe Airport and Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala and land at Mweya Airstrip and Kasese Airstrip. Flights take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
