Kyambura Gorge: Situated in the northeastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park – the most popular national park in Uganda, the gorge lies within Kyambura Game Reserve and was created as a buffer zone protecting the park from several encroaching human activities.
The gorge is paradise with something for everyone, the adventure of making your way through the unruly undergrowth to see the only chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park, while the curious ones can find several fascinating birds and plants with a guided nature walk.
For travelers, looking to unwind and enjoy the view. You can take a picnic at the Gorge’s entrance or admire the exquisite scenery from the viewing platform high above.
Kyambura Gorge is a reminiscent of a lost world, somewhere intriguing and mysterious. Towering 100 m high rock walls surround thick jungle, boggy swamps and large crater lakes, making it feels as though you have entered a pre-historic time.
While the Kyambura Game Reserve covers 156-sq-km, the gorge itself spans just 11 km and it is 100 meters deep. The Kyambura River, which runs through the reserve, connects to the Kazinga Channel.
The unique landscape of the Gorge is an excellent refuge from the savannah’s predators above and is the reason that the chimpanzees have made their home here.
Flora and Fauna in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge protects an incredible biodiversity including 13 different habitats, from hot savannah plains to wetlands, bogs and the cool rainforest undergrowth. There are several rare plants found here, many of which you are unlikely to see anywhere else.
The Kyambura River that runs through the reserve is an important water source for the wildlife that lives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, besides the chimpanzees and other primate species. You are likely to see hippos, antelopes, hyenas and the occasional visiting elephants.
5 Reasons to Visit Kyambura Gorge
- Chimpanzees – This is the only place you find chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and is one of the few sites in Uganda where you interact with chimpanzees.
- Unique Scenery – Kyambura is a sunken underground rainforest surrounded by cascading cliffs and arid savannah, you will not find a landscape like this anywhere else in the world.
- Birds abound: Kyambura Gorge is a paradise for many rare species of bird
- Biodiversity: There are 13 different habitats to explore each with their unique environment and habitats, supporting a huge range of wildlife.
- Get close to nature: You can experience Kyambura on foot with guided nature walks, and the chimpanzee treks take you into the heart of the gorge.
Things To Do in Kyambura Gorge
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is the main Uganda Safari activity to do in the Gorge and is a reason to why most visitors visit, chimpanzee tracking excursions take place in the morning and afternoon, and sightings are about 80%.
The only chimpanzee trekking destination better than Kyambura Gorge with better chance of sightings is Kibale National Park.
The chimp trek starts with a 200-metre descent down the escarpment followed by a 2-3 hour walk through thick vegetation. These chimpanzees are used to humans and will often interact and come closer, which is a great opportunity for photographs.
Walking Tours and Birdwatching
Walking tours are a great way to explore the magical hidden world and see interesting vegetation, birds and butterflies. Also, you may catch a glimpse of 12 other primate species living in the Gorge including the black and white colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys.
Kyambura Gorge is a birdwatcher’s haven hosting several bird species including African Finfoot, blue headed bee-eater, Martial Eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-rumped Buttonquail, African skimmer, lesser and greater flamingoes, Chapin’s flycatcher, white tailed lark among others which you will see.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kyambura Gorge is during the dry season from December to February and from late June to October. This is considered the best time to visit for Uganda Safari Experiences like chimpanzee trekking and nature walks, because they are not likely to be affected by rainfall, which could lead to the paths becoming inaccessible or too slippery for the experiences.
Visting Kyambura Gorge during the dry season can also increase your chances of seeing more wildlife, as they will be in search of water and more likely to congregate around watering hole.
How To Get to Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is located in the northeastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park, approximately 30km from park headquarters and can be accessed by road and air.
From Kampala to Kyambura Game Reserve, there are two main routes to choose from. The drive takes 6-7 hours via Masaka, Mbarara, and a slightly shorter 6 hours via, Fort Portal.
If you prefer to fly, there are daily flights from Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala and Entebbe International Airport to the Mweya and Kasese Airstrips in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The flight is approximately an hour and fifteen minutes.