The valley of apes, “Kyambura Gorge.”
Often referred to as the Valley of Apes by many visitors, Kyambura Gorge is a breathtaking feature located in the extreme eastern corner of the well-known Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda.
The Kyambura Gorge is located 30 kilometers from Queen Elizabeth National Park‘s headquarters. It is 11 kilometers away and joins the stunning Kazinga Channel.
The Gorge is the longest ravine in all of East Africa and is known to be home to primates. It is surrounded by savannah above and tropical rain forests in the valley, which creates a whole other world within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kyambura Gorge attractions
The Gorge.
Kyambura Gorge offers one of Uganda’s most dramatic views. It stretches 100 meters deep and up to 1 kilometer wide along the Kichwamba Escarpment. Locals also call it Chambura Gorge.
The gorge hosts a rich variety of wildlife. You’ll find primates, tropical underground forests, and lush tree canopies. The Kyambura River cuts through the gorge, giving it its name.
The river’s powerful flow carved the steep valley walls over time. Along the riverbanks, dense riverine forests shelter many species. These include chimpanzees, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and numerous birds.
Primates
Primates, the main attractions in Kyambura Gorge, thrive in its dense tropical and riverine forests. The gorge supports a rich habitat that allows these species to flourish.
Kyambura Gorge is the only place in Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can find habituated chimpanzees. It is a popular spot for chimpanzee tracking. Other primates in the area include red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons.
Bird species
African Finfoot, blue-headed bee-eater, martial eagle, bar-tailed godwit, black-rumped buttonquail, African skimmer, lesser and greater flamingos, Chapin’s flycatcher, white-tailed lark, corncrake, pink-backed pelican, African broadbill, papyrus canary, and white-winged warbler are among the forest and avian bird species that call Kyambura Gorge home.
Activities in the Gorge of Kyambura
Tracking chimpanzees
Chimpanzee tracking is the main highlight in Kyambura Gorge, the only area in Queen Elizabeth National Park with habituated chimpanzees. To join the activity, visitors must book at the Mweya Visitor Information Center.
The experience begins early in the morning with a briefing on the rules and regulations for tracking. After the briefing, you head into the forest to search for the chimpanzees.
Although these chimpanzees are used to human presence, the forest offers more than just chimps. You may spot olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys leaping through the trees. The area also teems with birds and flowering plants.
Chimpanzee tracking allows you to spend one hour with the chimps once you find them. During that time, you can watch them play, swing, and interact in their natural habitat.
Observing bird’s
Bird watching is possible in the valley due to the presence of a variety of bird species that live in the riverine and tropical woods that make up the gorge.
With the help of an experienced birder guide, you can walk through the forests and see a variety of bird species, including the African Finfoot, blue-headed bee-eater, martial eagle, white-tailed lark, corncrake, pink-backed pelican, verreaux’s eagle owl, black bee-eater and many more.
Nature Hikes
The best way to explore Kyambura Gorge is on a nature walk safari. As you descend into the gorge, you’ll uncover dramatic scenery and thrilling views that offer perfect photo opportunities.
The walking trails reveal a rich mix of biodiversity. You’ll see various tree species, flowering plants, and primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys. Birdlife is abundant, including blue-headed bee-eaters, martial eagles, bar-tailed godwits, black-rumped buttonquail, African skimmers, lesser and greater flamingos, Chapin’s flycatchers, white-tailed larks, corncrakes, pink-backed pelicans, Verreaux’s eagle-owls, and black bee-eaters.
Accommodations in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge offers several well-known lodges for safari visitors. Options include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, Katara Lodge, Emin Pasha Lodge, and others. These range from luxury to budget-friendly choices, ensuring comfort for every traveler.
How to Get to Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge sits 410 kilometers from Kampala and is accessible by both road and air.
You can drive from Kampala via the Mbarara–Fort Portal road, which takes about six hours. Alternatively, fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Mweya Airstrip. From Mweya, it’s just a six-minute drive to the gorge
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