Kyambura Gorge - Chimpanzee Trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kyambura Game Reserve, located adjacent to the western edge of Kyambura Gorge, forms an integral element of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The wildlife reserve is located in the southern section of the park, renowned for its chimpanzees, which are the primary draw for visitors to the reserve. The distance from the park is around 30 kilometers, and it has a size of 156 square kilometers.
How the kyambura gorge formed and named ?
The term ‘Kyambura’, pronounced as ‘chambura’, is a vernacular phrase in the Runyankole language, which translates to ‘become lost’. The Kyambura gorge was named as a result of heavy downpours that caused flooding in the surrounding districts. These occurrences occasionally disappear in the presence of certain individuals residing in the neighboring communities. Subsequently, certain members of the society attempted to locate their colleagues, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Upon their return, they would utter the word ‘kyambura’, which signifies being disoriented or having lost one’s way.
The gorge is estimated to have a depth of 100 meters, and it is the path that is traversed during chimpanzee tracking in the valley. This area consistently serves as their feeding habitat and spans 156 square kilometers.
Kyambura Game Reserve was established as a protective barrier surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park often experiences dry seasons, which result in a significant portion of the park becoming dry. However, this stunning canyon serves as a crucial and essential component inside the park. It benefits both animals in need of hydration and humans in search of a pleasing view. The rocks release water continuously, ensuring that the gorge remains consistently green. Noticeable are rocks exhibiting different stages of tumbling.
Wildlife At Kyambura Gorge
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including primates such as red-tailed, black-and-white colobus, vervet monkeys, baboons, and various bird species. Kyambura Gorge is particularly renowned for its bird-based population, which includes different types of falcons, the blue-headed bee-eater, and the African finfoot. Kyambura gorge, which is fed by the Kyambura river, serves as a crucial water source for many animals despite being surrounded by savanna plains. The gorge is notable for its abundant primate life, which is concentrated within its boundaries. The gorge offers breathtaking views, making it one of the most picturesque locations in Uganda. It is also a well-positioned viewpoint platform that allows visitors to capture stunning photographs of Kyambura Gorge, with the surrounding savannah and lush tropical forest below. Due to its high concentration of primates, the gorge is often referred to as the ‘Valley of the Apes’. For over ten years, approximately 15 chimpanzees have been observed residing in the gorge.
Attractions At Kyambura Gorge - queen Elizabeth National Park
The main activity in at Kyambura Gorge is chimpanzee tracking. Approximately 15 chimpanzees remain in the gorge area, and due to their habituation, they are accustomed to being around groups of people. The cost of chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura is US$ 50 for foreign non-residents and 30,000 shillings for Ugandans.
The tracking process entails traversing the gorge, which may necessitate descending into the valley and subsequently ascending back up. Although it is a unique experience, it requires physical fitness. Furthermore, visitors have the opportunity to partake in nature hikes, allowing them to discover the concealed flora and wildlife nestled inside the depths of the reserve.
Several primate species, including the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, vervet monkeys, and baboons, will be visible to you. Ensure you do not overlook the diverse range of avian species, including falcons, African Finfoot, blue-headed bee-eater, Martial Eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, and black-rumped Buttonquail, among others.
Three saline crater lakes exist, which attract a substantial population of exquisite flamingos. These numbers are unique to Uganda and cannot be found in any other location inside the country.
How to get to kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The distance between Kampala and Mbarara via Bushenyi is 420 kilometers, but the distance between Kampala and Kasese via Fort Portal is 410 kilometers. Charter flights are also offered from Entebbe International Airport to Mweya airstrip, located in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Typically, flights have a duration of under 60 minutes before reaching their destination.
The journey from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, typically takes approximately six (6) hours by vehicle.
Tourists who visit Queen Elizabeth National Park often enhance their experience by participating in a gorilla trekking excursion in the neighboring Bwindi Forest National Park or a chimpanzee trekking expedition in Kibale National Park. Alternatively, certain people may choose to embark on a boat excursion along the Victoria Nile leading to Murchison Falls.