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Kalinzu Forest – Premier Chimpanzee Trekking Destination in Uganda

Kalinzu Forest is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda.

It is the second-best destination for chimpanzee trekking in the country, after Kibale Forest National Park.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular activity in Kalinzu Forest. It involves going into the jungle to search for chimpanzees, which can take about 2-3 hours depending on their location.

Once the group finds the chimpanzees, visitors are given one hour to observe them and take pictures. However, flash photography is not allowed because chimpanzees do not like it.

Kalinzu Forest is home to 220 chimpanzees and is also a haven for birdwatchers, with 379 bird species. It has 414 tree species, 97 moth species, and 262 butterfly species.

Tourists can combine a visit to Kalinzu Forest with wildlife viewing at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest is $130 per person per trek.

The minimum age for trekking is 12 years, and people with infections like the flu are not allowed to participate.

Nature Guided Walks

Kalinzu Forest has several trails for guided nature walks and hiking. The most popular trails include:

  • Waterfall Trail: Leads to the beautiful Kilyantama Waterfalls.
  • River Trail: Passes through the former elephant river, which used to have many elephants.
  • Valley Trail: Takes visitors through a scenic valley ridge, where they can see birds and primates.
  • Palm Trail: Highlights different tree species, and guides explain how some trees are used to treat various illnesses.

Nature walks can last from one hour to a half-day or even a full day, depending on the visitor’s interest.

Bird Watching in Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest is a great place for bird watching, with about 379 bird species recorded.

Some notable species include the black-and-white casqued hornbill, great blue turaco, black-billed turaco, and many others.

Getting to Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest is about a 45-minute drive from the Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

It can also be reached from Kampala by road, which takes about 6-7 hours.

Accommodation & Essentials

There are no hotels or lodges at Kalinzu Forest, except for a campsite. Visitors staying overnight can camp but must bring their own camping gear.

Those planning half-day activities can carry packed lunches to enjoy at the picnic sites.

When visiting Kalinzu Forest, tourists should bring the following items:

  • Good hiking shoes
  • Garden gloves
  • Raincoat
  • Long-sleeved clothing
  • Insect repellent
  • Hat
  • Packed lunch
  • Plenty of drinking water


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