WHY KATONGA IS ON TRACK TO BE THE 11TH NATIONAL PARK

Situated along the northern bank of River Katonga exists Katonga Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda’s most beautiful protected areas. It covers an area of about 210 square kilometers and surrounded by districts of Kyegegwa and Kamwenge. This spectacular protected area was established in 1964 as a game reserve but previously acted as a hunting site for the Tooro King and the colonialists on other hand made it a sport hunting ground. In a move to turn it into a national park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)-a body in charge wildlife conservation has embarked on diversifying its wildlife species in order to boost tourism in the area. To achieve the set goals, translocation exercise for topis, zebras and elands has been conducted from Lake Mburo National Park to Katonga Wildlife Reserve. Elands and topis are among the few most fascinating antelope families which are worth catching a glimpse while on a game drive. Over 2000 impalas, 1000 bushbucks and 500 waterbucks plus several sitatunga the swamp dwelling antelope species thrive within this sanctuary as well as 10 buffaloes, 13 elephants and a few lions. Zebras were first translocated to this reserve around 2015 where 5 of them were introduced but unfortunately, 3 of them returned to Lake Mburo National Park.

Besides, there are also many wetland species, savanna and forest species plus numerous primate species especially the River otter, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and others. Other wildlife species that live within Katonga include reedbuck, Uganda Kob, duikers, more than 150 bird species as well as reptiles, butterflies and amphibians. Its floral species comprise of varied vegetation especially wooded grassland, grassland, riverine woodlands, papyrus, swamp, riverine grasslands with dominant plant species like Sporobolus festivus and Chloris gayana.

Where to stay at Katonga Game Reserve

Visitors on safari in Katonga Wildlife Reserve can camp or spend a night at Katonga View Hotel and Lodge about two kilometers away from the reserve.

How to reach Katonga Game Reserve

This sanctuary is about four hours’ drive from Kampala and the direct route takes you from Kampala to Mubende to Fort Portal and from Mubende, you drive to Kyegegwa. You may also drive through Kaso, from Mbarara northwards for about 62 kilometers to Ibanda where you will drive for another two kilometers to Kaso. From here, you can inquire about direction for Kabagole. From Mbarara to Katonga, you will spend at least three hours driving.