The Kyambura Wetland Trail is one of the new products in Queen Elizabeth National Park, created by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) as part of its initiatives for conservation. This project started with the securing of over 45 acres of degraded wetlands, south of Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Development of Kyambura Wetland Trail
The wetland was literally destroyed due to illegal brickworks and other environmentally-degrading activities. But after being secured by VSPT, it is now tremendously regenerating back to its natural state.
The restored wetlands now attract more than 200 bird species, several mammals as well as a number of primate species especially the vervet monkeys and olive baboons. From this project, local community members have been trained in birding and guiding.
A total of over 500 indigenous trees have been re-planted along the banks of the Kyambura River in collaboration with safaris guests. The nearby local community has also been involved because their involvement is fundamental to the success and survival of the Kyambura Wetland Trail.
Given the continuous habitat destruction and human encroachment in the last two decades, lots of tree species along the banks of the Kyambura River were destroyed. This contributed to water pollution as well as soil erosion. The existing nursery tree aims at growing over 400,000 indigenous trees in the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust area close to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Conservation and local community development go hand in hand. Because of this, local guide training, as well as community outreaches, are provided all year round. This is done with the aim of creating a rich pool of experienced local tour guides who undertake/or lead the Kyambura wetland walks.
Attractions on the Trail
Travelers undertaking guided walks through the Kyambura Wetland Trail should be prepared to walk for 2 hours through the wetland. Some of the bird species sighted along this trail are the papyrus gonolek, the African broadbill, white-winged warblers, African skimmers, Martial eagles, Black bee-eaters, Papyrus Canary, and the Black-rumped buttonquail among others.
Besides the wetland trail, Kyambura Gorge is known for many other trails that include the Kyambura fig tree nature walk built by Volcanoes Safaris in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority. This trail starts from Kyambura Gorge Lodge and goes through the community elephant trench before crossing to higher elevations. As a result, this provides great views of Queen Elizabeth National Park landscapes and the Rwenzori Mountains as the backdrop. Lots of black and white colobus monkeys, birds, and elephants are sighted along this trail.
There is also the Kyambura chimpanzee tracking trail that allows visitors to search for the ‘lost chimps of Kyambura’. This activity is led by Uganda Wildlife Authority park rangers and lasts for about 1 – 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee community. Visit the 30-member chimpanzee community to learn about the unique lifestyle of mankind’s closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
Best time to explore the Kyambura Wetland Trail
June to September and December to February are wetland walks’ perfect seasons, yet all year round is a perfect time to explore the diverse and biologically rich Kyambura Wetland Trail. The dry months are marked by little or no rain hence making it easier to maneuver through the wetlands but the wet months come with heavy rains therefore the trail becomes muddy and slippery. However, the wet months are the birds’ nesting season hence different species will be sighted during these walks.
Other Activities
Besides doing Kyambura chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are also other places and national parks where chimpanzee trekking can be done. Still in Queen Elizabeth is Kalinzu forest.
Kibale Forest National Park is well known as a home for chimpanzees. There are more than 1,000 apes found within the park, which makes it the best place in East Africa to track chimpanzees. There are also more than 12 other primate species and a variety of birdlife.
Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park is the second great place to view chimpanzees in Uganda. You can add Semuliki National Park to your bucket list too.
Kyambura Chimpanzee trekking is the second most wonderful experience one can have in the forests of Uganda, after a gorilla trekking safari.