Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem that lies on the western side of the Albertine Rift Valley between the breathtaking Blue Mountains of the Congo and Lake Albert and covers an area of 87 square miles. Remote savannah plains stretch along Lake Albert, and tourists enjoy striking views of the lake and the magnificent Blue Mountains of the DRC. This Wildlife reserve was gazzeted in 1980 and became a wildlife Reserve in 2002 but till today, few people know about it.
Prior to being gazzeted especially in the 1960’s Kabwoya Reserve used to be a controlled hunting ground and used to home numerous wildlife species but were eventually wiped out due to the high rate of poaching, then the area became a grazing ground for the Cattle herders who used to take their animals into the Reserve thereby driving away even the few wildlife that were left.
The introduction and translocation of more animals into the Reserve continue to transform it into a wildlife paradise. Visitors can encounter species such as buffaloes; primates including baboons that commonly inhabit the cliffs, black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and vervet monkeys mainly along the shores of River Wamababya and Hoywa; antelopes such as Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, bush duikers, Jackson’s hartebeests, and impalas; as well as hippos in Lake Albert. There are also over 460 bird species that call Kabwoya Wildlife reserve home. This Reserve does not only boast of its wildlife species and bird species but also the breathtaking scenery which makes the place a mini heaven/paradise.
Things to Do
Some of the common Tourist activities within Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve include Fishing, Horseback rides, Fossil hunting, Guided Nature walks, birding, game drives, birding and boat rides among others.
Fishing
Tourists fish within Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve on Lake Albert and catch different sizes of Nile Perch. Tour operators can organize half-day or full-day fishing adventures using motorboats. For safety reasons, each boat allows a maximum of three anglers.
Fossil Hunting
Fossil hunting is one of the most important and interesting activities that allows tourists to hunt for fossils that have existed for generations.
Mountain Bike Riding
This is a must-do activity for tourists who are interested in exercising while at the same time view different wildlife species within Kabwoya Wildlife reserve. The savannah plains of the Reserve offer magnificent biking trails where participants can ride through easily.
Quad bike rides
Believe it or not, Kabwoya is the only wildlife reserve that offers quad biking, allowing you to view wildlife in an extraordinary way. You will relish the breathtaking scenery of the Wildlife reserve and the Wildlife and bird species.
Birding
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is an important birding area because it is a home to over 460 species of birds including the Albertine Rift endemic bird species. You will need a cameras and binoculars for an ultimate birding experience.
Horseback rides
Did you know that horseback rides were possible within this exceptional wildlife reserve? Besides Lake Mburo National Park, Kabwoya Wildlife reserve is another place where tourists can relish horseback rides in the wild. Early morning or sunset offers the best time to spot a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, duikers, warthogs, and Uganda kobs.
Guided nature walks/hiking
Nature walks are a must do for most tourists who visit Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. The most interesting experience comes from nature walks that start at the Albertine Rift escarpment and reward tourists with breathtaking views of several antelope species, warthogs, primates, and bird species, among others.
Best Places to Stay While at Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Accommodation exists within Lake Albert Safari Lodge that offers exquisite accommodation and serene environment ideal for relaxation.
In conclusion, the reserve is a perfect destination ideal for a safari because it offers a variety of tourist activities that include birding, nature walks, fossil hunting, horseback rides, quad biking and game drives among others.
