Kigezi Game Reserve is located in Rukungiri district, south-western Uganda and south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Situated on the western arm of the African rift, the reserve was established in 1952 and covers an estimated 265 square kilometers of land area. At an altitude of about 1,050m, the landscape of the reserve provides for the survival of numerous wildlife species that roam freely within the woodlands, forests and grasslands. Some of the animals carryout routine inter-protected area migrations between the reserve and queen Elizabeth national park as well as the Rwindi plains in DRC. While there is no zonation within the reserve itself, it still acts as a buffer zone between Queen Elizabeth national park, other populated areas and the North of Rwenzori Mountain National park
The area within which the reserve is located is known as the Kigezi sub-region that is dubbed the Switzerland of Uganda. It called so because of its coldness and spectacular hilly nature.
Kigezi is home to a variety of fauna and flora. It has a number of mammalian species that are caught up within the hunt and hide framework. Some of them include lions, leopards, warthogs, Uganda kobs, buffalos, hippos, giant forest hog, bushbuck, waterbuck, oribi and topi among others. Importantly, the reserve is also known as a sanctuary for large populations of elephants.
Other animal species in the reserve include primates like the eastern black and white colobus, red colobus and the chimpanzees among others. There are also numerous species of birds. These include; the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Red-faced barbets, the Peregrine Falcon, the Saddle-billed stork, Hammerkop, Marabou storks and the Grey-crowned cranes among others.
Vegetation – The vegetation of the reserve is similar to what one can find within Queen Elizabeth National Park. There is an acacia and albizia dotted savannah that complimented by moist deciduous forests and other tree species. The grass and undergrowth are also diverse in form and kind. Some of the grass species include Cymbopogon, Hyparrhenia, Imperata and Beckeropsis.
Getting there.
Kigezi Wildlife Reserve is located in Rukungiri, approximately 318 kilometres (198 miles) from Kampala. The most commonly used route is the Kampala-Mbarara highway, through which you can reach Ntungamo and then Rukungiri.
Accommodation at the Kigezi game reserve.
There are currently no accommodation facilities within the reserve. However, the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park is located close to the Kigezi wildlife reserve. Some of the lodges to stay at include;
Ishasha Wilderness Camp. The lodge is surrounded by unspoiled bush, providing guests with a true Uganda safari experience. It is nestled underneath the trees, with about 10 en-suite canvas tents, with large verandas and comfortable furnishings are the perfect retreat after a long game drive. Meals are freshly prepared using local ingredients, and guests can choose between alfresco dining by the Ntungwe River or under the grass-thatched roof of the central dining area and lounge. In the evening, the campfire is the perfect place for swapping stories and enjoying sundowners. Solar power provides light to the tents and power points in the main areas so that you can recharge your electronics, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Enjojo Lodge is another great option just outside the park. Guests can choose from 7 luxury en-suite cottages, and if travelling in a large group, there is a safari house that can accommodate up to 7 guests and includes a private campfire.
For those travelling on a budget Enjojo offers safari tents, bamboo huts and a DIY campsite. From the grass-thatched restaurant and bar, you can enjoy homemade food from the organic garden while soaking up the views of the small, natural lake. Herds of elephants, buffalo and antelopes are regular visitors to the lodge and the abundant birdlife make this lodge a haven for bird watchers.
Best time to visit.
Kigezi Wildlife reserve is a destination that can be visited all year round. Those interested in viewing the animal migrations ought to catch the grandeur during the months of October to November and March to April when there are rains. Normal wildlife viewing is possible in all seasons but best during the dry ones.
Some of the fascinating things to come across on a Kigezi safari are the Kigezi highlands, forests and the different buildings around the town among others