Being one of the forest reserves in Uganda under the management of National Forestry Authority, Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve covers an area of 433 Square kilometers and is ranked to be among the best birding spots in Uganda. Uganda is one of the prime birding destinations in the world and the best in Africa, with over 1000 bird species which are endemic and migratory.
Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve is found in Rubirizi district, neighbouring Kalizu forest reserve and Kyambura gorge on the southern edge of Lake George. This destination offers beautiful crater lakes such as Lake Kamuzuku, Kyeema and Kamweru which are the twin lakes and much more. This forest is mostly visited by travelers due to different activities done here such has birding, canoeing, nature walks, community walks, among others.
Birding in Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve exposed birders to different bird species such as blue-throated brown sunbird, equatorial Akalat, cinnamon breasted bee-eater, Dusky long-tailed cuckoo, white collared olive bird, black bee-eater, Afep pigeon, Shelley’s greenbul which are among the over 308 bird species that are spotted here. While birding in Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve, birders normally spot some primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys among others, different butterflies species are also spotted here.
Also antelopes like Bush duikers, bush backs, oribis among other and other mammals like forest buffalos, giant forest hogs, warthogs, bush pigs among others. Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve is indeed near Queen Elizabeth National Park, bordering Kyamuhanga te Estate, Kanyabogo in the North, and Rwanjere to the east.
The National Environmental Authority (NFA) has recruited and trained bird guides who are now experienced in birdi guiding. These professional bird guides provide the best birding experience to avid birders who come to this reserve. They have familiarized the best trails that lead to the best birding spots.
Bird watching in Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve normally take place in the morning hours and late evening when the birds are still in their nests and when they come back from searching for food. This means that one needs to sleep in the nearby accommodation such as Magambo parish headquarters and Nyanzibiri echo-community camp and visitors are requested to come with their camping gears like tents and sleeping bags.
What to carry on your birding safari in Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve.
Most travelers wonder what may be needed for a tour or safari but in case of birders, what to pack is always the same for any birding safari. And among others include, a binocular for magnifying or zooming distant species, telescope, a camera with a good zoom lens, bird reference book and this should be an East African bird book, a hat, and insect repellants, among others, rain jackets or coats are so crucial since Uganda rains are not predicted and can happen anytime.
Best time to do Birding in Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve.
As Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve is located in Uganda, this means that the forest reserve can be visited any day of the year. But the real best time for birding is normally May to September and this period has abundant birds that are readily available because of abundant food. June to July are the driest with little or no rains and April to May, September to November experience heavy rains which may hinder birding experience. This is because the trails in Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve can be muddy, birds hide, you become wet, high level of breeding of insects like mosquitoes.
Are you interested in a birding safari to Kashoya-Kitomi Forest Reserve? Contact us today and we take you there.
