Katonga Wildlife Reserve, Uganda Wildlife Reserves attractions
At the mention of Katonga Wildlife Reserve, many wonder where in Uganda it is located. Gazetted as a game reserve in 1964 and later as a wildlife reserve in 1996, Katonga Wildlife Reserve is one of the twelve (12) Uganda’s wildlife reserves. The reserve is located along the banks of Katonga River in Western Uganda, within Kyenjojo and Kamwenge districts and has an area coverage of about 207 sq. km with large portions of the reserve covered by either permanent or seasonal wetland ecosystem. Katonga Wildlife Reserve is named after the Katonga River which primarily flows from the swamps of Lake Wamala towards Lake Victoria in the East and those same swamps to Lake George in the West.
Katonga Wildlife Reserve is home to over 150 bird species including species specific to wetlands, savannah and forests and over 30 mammal species including the substantial herds of Sitatunga, waterbucks, and impalas. Other animal species include Hippos, African elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, bushbucks, and reedbucks, Uganda Kobs, and water bucks. Notable among the primates include the black-and-white colobus monkeys and the Olive baboons. Various amphibians, butterflies and reptiles also exist in the reserve. Whether on a mountain gorilla trekking safari, wildlife safari, or cultural safari, this is one of the best places to see unique bird and animal species in Uganda.