Wonders of Kyambura Gorge:

Wonders of Kyambura Gorge:

Wonders of Kyambura Gorge:

Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park is an underground tropical forest. The Gorge is around 100 meters deep and 1 kilometer long. It is an expansion of the Kyambura Game Reserve in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A lush tropical rain forest that is home to numerous birds, monkeys, and animals like elephants and hippopotamuses is what defines the Kyambura Gorge. Huge summer meadows round the Gorge on all sides, and nearby are human settlements and crops.

The gorge itself remains relatively chilly because of the tall trees that obstruct direct sunlight, but the adjacent Savannah receives an abundance of sunlight. A significant water source that runs right through the center of the forest and gives year-round water to both plants and animals is the River Kyambura. The boulders surrounding the gorge provide the Kyambura River with most of its water supply during the rainy season.

Kyambura Gorge, which leads to the Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, passes through a sizable marsh or wetland. There was a time, so the locals tell us, when heavy rains in the area caused massive floods that swept away many people and their belongings. When the rains stopped and the floods subsided, people ventured outside to search for missing loved ones and belongings, but their efforts proved fruitless.

Everyone came crying back, calling it “Kyambura,” which translates to “lost” or “couldn’t find it.” The region and gorge became known as Kyambura due to the extensive property damage and human disappearances.

What caused the Kyambura Gorge to form?
Scientists have put forth theories to explain the origin of this incredible natural phenomenon. According to one school of thought, the Kyambura River’s continuous erosion is what created the gorge. This school of thought holds that the river that flowed down the gorge was once a huge, rapid river that, when the waters subsided, left behind a valley.

A more credible theory connects the gorge’s growth to the East African Rift Valley’s genesis. The earth’s crust was stressed by compression forces, which raised some regions of the planet and created a sizable valley in the process.

This is how the East African Rift Valley came to be. Subsequently, the floor of the East African Rift Valley experienced secondary faulting. Other valleys were created by secondary faulting, such the Kyambura Gorge.

The small population of chimpanzees and other smaller monkeys who call the Kyambura Gorge home has earned it the moniker “Valley of Apes.” Because Kyambura Gorge’s chimpanzee population is habituated, it’s the only place in Queen Elizabeth National Park where visitors can watch the primates.

Attractions in Kyambura Gorge

chimpanzee observation

Certainly the most exciting pastime in Kyambura Gorge is tracking chimpanzees. They are much smarter than most monkeys and are the closest cousins of humans. Though they prefer to use all four limbs, they can move for short distances on two legs. Chimpanzees typically live in groups of 30 to 80 people. Before dusk, big groups disperse into smaller ones for individual meals before joining the bigger group again.

They build nests atop trees to rest in the afternoon and at night. In order to swiftly create a comfortable chimp couch, many tree branches are bent together to form the nests. In the morning, monkeys spend most of their time outside their temporary nests. In the morning, they start off picking fruit at random, but as the afternoon wears on, they progressively get pickier. Because they are so intelligent, chimpanzees will utilize stems to fight against anyone, including humans. Termites can be drawn out of their burrows using the same stems.

Chimpanzees consume primarily fruits, although they will also kill small antelopes and other primates to survive. The poor victim is pursued, corned, and consumed during the organized hunt in groups.

observing primates and other animals

In addition to chimpanzees, Kyambura Gorge is home to baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and Colobus monkeys. You can see birds and monkeys feasting on the valley below from the gorge or while you’re still on the Savannah. The view from the Savannah’s surroundings is stunning. To observe the vista below, visitors can just stroll along the gorge’s walls rather than descend into the valley. If you choose to continue down the valley, you can expect to observe a variety of woodland animals, such as hippos, antelopes, and elephants. The gorge is also frequented by lions, hyenas, buffaloes, leopards, and other wildlife.

Walks in the forest and in nature

Exploring the Kyambura Gorge is highly recommended. Many people who visit Queen Elizabeth National Park concentrate on the wildlife and the Savannah. They are unaware that they are watching nature’s magnificent miracle in action. In addition to its inherent beauty, you get the feeling that you are in an exciting and fascinating parallel universe. Walking-guided nature treks to see forest animals such as giant forest hogs, red-tailed monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and hippos can be done in conjunction with chimp tracking or independently.

Hiking

Hiking in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve’s natural areas might take you to another world. The cool underground jungle with stunning tree canopies and fascinating species replaces the hot Savannah that envelops the canyon. Your guide will provide you with extensive information on the valley’s wildlife, history, and birdlife. There are two shifts for the nature walks: morning and afternoon. Nature walks start at eight in the morning and hikes start at one in the afternoon from the fig tree camp. Only two groups are allowed to take part in the nature walks during each session. There are typically four members in each group.

Bird watching

For birdwatchers, the Kyambura Gorge is a haven. Birds swarm to the gorge because of its lush surroundings and plenty of trees. The birds love the fruits and insects that the trees bear in abundance. While many of the birds are forest dwellers, many others visit the gorge for food before heading back to their nests in the Savannah or the marshes surrounding Lake Albert and George. African finfoot, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, African skimmers, White-tailed Lark, Bar-tailed Godwit, black-headed bee-eaters, Shoebill storks, Corncrake, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Chapin’s Flycatcher, papyrus gonolek, African broad bill, Martial Eagles, falcons, and flamingos are among the common species.

Directions to Kyambura Gorge

The distance between Kampala and the Gorge, via Mbarara town, is about 420 kilometers. If you use the Kampala Fort Portal route, the distance is 410 kilometers. It takes about six hours to drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Guests can charter a flight from Entebbe International Airport to the Mweya airstrip to avoid the tiresome journey.

The flight takes about sixty minutes. Your travel company or hotel may arrange for a private vehicle to transport you from the airport to the Mweya visitors center. Once your tickets are purchased in Mweya, you will be taken to Kyambura Gorge. The Mweya Visitors Centre is located 30 km away from the Kyambura Gorge. Situated just beyond the gorge at Fig Tree Camp, there is a small visitor center dedicated to the Kyambura Gorge.



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