Key Attractions
- Combining a forest adventure with stunning scenery Kasyoha Kitomi forest offers the visitor a memorable experience. The forest is set in a beautiful landscaped setting overlooking the Albertine Rift Valley and nestled amongst the picturesque hills and crater lakes of the south west region.
- Kasyoha Kitomi is a supberbly rich forest supporting a huge biodiversity of forest species. In conservation terms it ranks second in the country and offers visitors a chance to encounter a fabulous array of forest life with five species found in no other Ugandan forest.
- The visitor center and camp site are beautifully situated on a ridge overlooking the twin crater lakes Chemo and Mweru . Just 1.5 kilometers from the main Mbarara to Kasese highway the site is readily accessible to visitors travelling to Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori, Semuliki and Kibale National Parks and makes it a stunning overnight stop or perfect spot for a picnic.
- The ‘Transparent’ lake Kamunzuku, a beautiful clean and clear crater lake lies further into the forest reserve. Visitors can enjoy swimming , fishing or bird viewing from the lake edge or explore the caves surrounding the lake.
- A 17 kilometer trail system leads from Lake Kamunzuku along which visitors can explore the gorges and waterfalls of the Kyambura river. The trials journey through intact tropical high forest , tall ‘elephant’ grasslands and along hilltops and ridges offering wonderful views over the forested river valleys.
- Chimpanzees are common in the forest and are regularly heard as you travel along the forest trails.
A project is underway to habituate the chimps, getting them used to human presence so that visitors can enjoy viewing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Facilities
Visitor Center
First stop is the visitor and education center, a locally built and traditionally styled building housing interesting displays on the forest and the local area and a library for further research.
Here visitors will meet one of the five experienced local guides who will provide further information on the options available to visitors and help you devise a programme suited to your time scale and fitness level.
Camp Site
On a rise behind the visitor center a small area has been cleared for camping. Three tents can be pitched here and campers will enjoy the spectacular views looking down over the crater lakes. Pit laterines are and a water tap are located near the visitor center.
An alternative camp site is being developed further into the forest on a rise above Lake Kamunzuku this will accommodate more tents and offer visitors a real get away from it all experience.
Campers should be self sufficient as there are limited facilities on site. Water , firewood and basic meals can be organised with advanced notice via the guides and basic foodstuffs brought at Nyancasharu trading center 1.5 km away on the main highway.
The nearest alternative accommodation is a small hotel at Nyakasharu which has 9 single beds, the Homeland Hotel in Ishaka (tel 42226) some 35 km away.
The Forest Trails
The trail head is 3.3km from the visitor center. Visitors in their own vehicles can drive to a parking area near to start of the trail network. Visitors without transport can take a boda boda or enjoy the scenic walk along a quiet murram track overlooking swampy wetland areas.
The trail head leads through matoke plantations out into butterfly and bird rich grasslands and over a ‘tree bridge’ into the forest reserve. It is a 1.5 km journey which builds up your expectations as to what you might find in the forest beyond.
Three forest trails have been developed which meander around the Lakes and along the rivers of the forest reserve. The trails are not advised for young children . The trails all involve some clambering and venturing over hilly terrain. Advice on the fitness levels required for each trail can be obtained from the local guides.
The Lakeside Trail
The gentlest 1 hour walk takes visitors on a 3km trip around Lake Kamunzuku. It is a transparent lake formed by volcanic activity. Sacrifices have always been offered around the lake to African gods. The beautiful clear waters create stunning reflections of the forest canopy and surrounding hills. Local fishermen can be seen casting their nets for fresh water fish, and a wide range of water birds and ducks enjoy these clean and peaceful waters.
The path allows visitors to explore two sedimentary rock caves formed by lava during volcanic eruptions. They are used by hunters and fishermen for shelter and local people used to grind stones from the rock and mix it with clay to make pottery.
Two beached areas allow access for swimming or boat trips with local fishermen.
The Waterfall Trail
A 2 kilometer one way trail leads north of the lake past the fishing cave and through the forest towards a spectacular waterfall on the Lubale river. Red tailed monkeys are a common site in this section of the forest A visit to the waterfall can be combined with the lakeside trail to extend your walk.
The Kyambura River Trail
The hike to the Kyambura gorge is a more serious affair and can take a whole day. On this trail visitors will enter deep into the forest and maximise their chances of viewing some of the more elusive forest species. Chimpanzees inhabitat this area of the forest, visitors should listen out for their distinctive calls.
The trail leads to the river valley where it crosses the river and loops past waterfalls, rapids and rock islands. These are huge rocks stationed in the middle of the river, brought thousands of years back by heavy floods. These amazing features can be used by the adventurous to cross the river.
Rurama Hill Trail
A trail to Rurama Hill is in the early stages of development. This is an area popular with chimpanzees and will offer good chances of viewing chimps after the habituatio programme is complete.
How to Get There
The visitor center is 1.5 km off the main highway between Mbarara – Kasese . Travelling from Mbarara the eco tourism site is 35km west of Ishaka past the picturesque Rwenzori tea plantations. On reaching Nyancasharu trading center look out for a sign on you right directing you towards the forest visitor center. Travel 1.5 km along this murram road until you reach the center set on raised ground between two crater lakes.