The Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a wildlife wonder. The place is encased with jagged rocks, running water streams, numerous tree species that form a green canopy in the gorge and unique pieces that make the beauty of this gorge just off the shelves.
The gorge is located in the north eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gorge is popularly known as a buffer zone between the park and encroachers hence it protects the animals in the park or rather keeps people out of the park.
The gorge is 100 meters deep and 11 km wide and has the Kyambura River, which runs through the Kyambura game reserve and joins the Kazinga Channel.
This Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is known majorly for being home to the famous primates the chimpanzees. And usually people who visit this gorge are only going to the gorge to trek chimpanzees. But the gorge offers more than just chimpanzees and you can do more in it than just trekking the chimpanzees.
Its home to numerous bird species and tree species and some other primates. The gorge also has spectacular spots that are just exquisite for unwinding and picnicking.
A visit to this gorge gives an opportunity to engage in a number of activities that include:-
- Chimpanzee trekking
This is the main activity done in this gorge. The gorge is one of the habitats of chimpanzees in Uganda. That’s why most visitors at the gorge to have a chimpanzee trekking experience. Chimpanzee trekking is done all year round any time of the day at the gorge, however you should be aware that the number of chimpanzee individuals in this gorge are not many so you can actually go on a trek and not spot any. Also the other thing is, the chimpanzees in this gorge are not habituated so they may run from you when you find them. Nonetheless, you should try the trekking experience in the gorge.
If you are lucky and you find the chimpanzees you will spend time in their presence for as long as you wish. This is the up side of trekking in this gorge, you trekking is not limited to one hour. However all the other chimpanzee trekking rules apply.
The trek unlike in Kibale where it starts with an ascent, here it will start with a descent down the gorge and then a 2 to 3 hour trek through the thick vegetation. When you find the chimpanzees you will stay with them and after trek and ascent back to the park.
This trekking also begins with a briefing at the park headquarters.
- Bird watching and Nature Walks
This gorge has a number of tree species, birds, butterflies and other forest creatures. A walk through the gorge with allow you to enjoy these things and more. Walks in the gorge are usually guided and can take as short as one hour or as long as 3 to 4 hours.
If you are bird lover you will be sure to sight a number of birds while on Uganda Birding Tours including the rare martial eagle and many more.
- Picnics
You can also take picnics in the gorge forest. It has beautiful spots when you can sit have a meal as you enjoy the sound of the birds, the tree breeze, the forest ambience and many things. The picnic is just another way to experience the wonder and beauty of this gorge. You can also watch birds at your picnic and of course you won’t miss the various species of butterflies passing you by.
