Attractions in Kyambura Gorge

Discover activities and attractions in Kyambura Gorge with Maranatha Tours and Travel. Often referred to as the “Valley of Apes, the Kyambura Gorge is home to almost 10 primate species, including between 25 and 30 chimpanzees. Surrounded by a vast, open savannah grassland dotted with Acacia, creating a sheer contrast with its deep, forested floor, spotting animals on a Kyambura safari is life-changing. Kyambura gorge is one of the common destinations in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda’s second largest and popular park

This ancient Gorge was formed through repeated secondary faulting during the formation of the East African Rift Valley. Within the Gorge are deciduous thickets and savannah grassland, and the Kyambura River that drains through its landscape into the Kazinga Channel. Home to over 10 primate species, Hippos, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and several antelope species, as well as forest and water birds, the Kyambura Gorge is among the best places in Queen Elizabeth National Park for enjoying unforgettable experiences.

The Attractions of Kyambura Gorge

Extending 11 kilometers long and 100 meters deep at the Kichwamba Escarpment, the Kyambura Gorge supports astonishing species diversity. This Gorge is part of the Reserve, which extends for 157 square kilometers, bordering the southeastern side of Kazinga Channel and the southern shores of Lake George.

The Gorge is surprisingly home to buffaloes, Hippos, lions, elephants, primates (chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and the black and white Colobus monkeys, among others), several antelopes, and other small ungulates.

The birdlife in Kyambura Gorge boasts over 100 bird species, with waterbirds featuring prominently along the banks of Kyambura River. Species to look out for include Martial Eagles, Black bee-eaters, Papyrus gonolek, Verreaux’s Eagle owl, Blue-headed bee-eater, African finfoot, and white-tailed larks, among others. Interestingly, there are occasional visits by the lesser flamingos, hence creating unforgettable birding experiences.

Activities in Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee tracking

For those who want to experience chimpanzee tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kyambura Gorge is the perfect place to be. There are over 30 chimpanzees in this Protected Area, and booking this adventure makes it possible to learn about the behavior and daily routines of mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge (or any other destination it is done in Uganda) is for 12+ year olds and requires permits- $100 per person for foreign non-residents, $80 per person for foreign residents, and Shs. 50,000 for East African Citizens. These rates include Ranger fees but exclude park entry fees.

Guided forest walks

Guided forest walks are a wonderful way to get in touch with Kyambura Gorge’s natural environment and understand the terrains that wildlife live in. While this usually seems like a hair-raising tour, seasoned Ranger guides will never put visitors in danger. These Rangers will always make sure the area is safe from predators as you enjoy sighting different wildlife and bird species.

Bird watching

With over 100 bird species in Kyambura Gorge, it is one of the perfect places to watch birds because there are chances of spotting more than a few rare species. Look out especially for the African finfoot, Blue-headed bee-eater, Black bee-eaters, Martial Eagles, white-tailed larks, Papyrus gonolek, and Verreaux’s Eagle owls, among others. The best time for bird watching in the Kyambura Gorge is during the wet season, from March to May, and then from October to November, as most of the birds stay close to the water sources, hence making them easier to spot. This is also when migratory bird species arrive in the Kyambura Gorge.

Other activities around Kyambura Gorge

Since Kyambura Gorge is within Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are opportunities of enjoying other interesting activities that include;

Game drives

Get close to the countless variety of animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park by experiencing a game drive led by an experienced safari guide. The guide will provide you with information you just can’t find anywhere else.

Boat safaris

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat safaris are yet another incredible way to see wildlife and birds. These safaris are almost certain you will encounter elephant herds, hippos, buffaloes, and antelopes bathing and drinking along the banks.

Best time to visit Kyambura Gorge for a safari

There are perks to exploring Kyambura Gorge in all seasons, hence picking the right time for you depends on what you most want to experience. Most visitors prefer the dry season over the wet/rainy season.

The dry season is a lot more comfortable, and it is also easier to catch sight of animals that remain near the few water sources available. Mornings and evenings are typically cold, sometimes reaching lows of 16 Degrees Celsius, while midday temperatures rise to a warm, but comfortable 25 Degrees Celsius. The dry season is the prime time for most activities (chimpanzee tracking and guided forest walks) as they are at their best, offering exceptional perspectives of the Gorge’s wildlife and scenery.

However, the dry season, which coincides with the peak season, attracts higher rates and more visitors, hence advance bookings are essential.

The wet season spans March through May, and October/November, and is colder than in the dry season. It is also likely to rain most of the day, although downpours are intermittent. The wet season is a wonderful time for bird watching, as migratory bird species arrive and flora blooms, hence favoring bird breeding. The season is also ideal for photography and enjoying the verdant landscapes.

Rains are important in sustaining the delicate ecosystem of the Gorge, as the onset of rains transforms the area into a lush Paradise. The area is verdant, and is when it is where many young animals live, hence making it a wonderful time to witness the onset of life cycles as well as predator-prey interactions.

The wet season is also the low season for Kyambura Gorge tours, which means a substantial reduction in tour package prices (resulting from discounted accommodation rates), and great news for visitors on a budget. However, some areas of the Gorge may be inaccessible due to muddy conditions and animals dispersed due to the abundance of water and vegetation.

Where to stay in/around Kyambura Gorge

Some of the accommodation options for Kyambura Gorge visitors include Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge, the Honey Bear Bush Cam, and the River Station. Others include Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite, Euphorbia Safari Lodge, and Katara Lodge, among others.