The “Valley of the Apes” in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Within the sprawling savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge offers an exhilarating contrast to the surrounding plains. Known as the “Valley of the Apes,” this 13-kilometer-long rainforest canyon plunges up to 100 m below the savannah rim, creating a hidden world of lush flora, rushing streams, and rare wildlife. Here’s everything you need to know to experience Kyambura’s magic—from getting there to what you’ll see and do.
Kyambura Gorge is an ideal complement to the classic savannah safaris of Queen Elizabeth NP. Its rainforest depths provide a thrilling contrast—where chimpanzees reign and rare birds flourish. The nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuaryand Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions further enrich your journey, all within easy reach.
Ready to Explore Kyambura’s Hidden Realm?
Contact Back to the Source Tours to craft a custom safari that includes this enchanting gorge—and discover why Uganda’s least-traveled corners often hold its greatest wonders.
Must-Do Activities in Kyambura
1. Morning Chimp Trek
Duration: 3–5 hours total
Begin at dawn with a ranger briefing, then descend into the cool forest. The trek is moderately strenuous but richly rewarding, culminating in a face-to-face hour with chimpanzees.
2. Guided Birding Walks
Duration: 2–3 hours
Slow-paced walks along the gorge rim and floor reveal rainforest and savannah edge species. Expert birding guides point out endemic and migratory species, making this a hotspot for twitchers.
3. Evening Nature Walk & Night Safari
Duration: 2 hours
As daylight fades, explore the rim trails for signs of nocturnal life—bush babies, civets, and owls—under the glow of your headlamp, guided by experienced rangers.
4. Community & Cultural Encounters
Duration: 2–4 hours
Visit nearby Katunguru Village to meet local families, learn traditional crafts like basket weaving and bark cloth making, and share stories around a fire. Proceeds support village schools and health initiatives.
5. Tea & Coffee Farm Tours
Duration: Half-day
Tour hillside plantations where you pick fresh tea leaves or coffee cherries, learn processing techniques, and sample brews. This hands-on experience highlights sustainable farming practices.
6. Top of Kyambura Viewpoint
Duration: 1–2 hours
For vistas that rival the Serengeti plains, drive or hike to the rim’s lookout point. Witness the gorge’s narrow green ribbon cutting through golden grasslands—especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Wildlife & Wilderness Highlights
Chimpanzee Trekking:
Kyambura is home to one habituated chimpanzee community, numbering around 80 individuals. Guided by UWA rangers, visitors trek 2–3 hours through the gorge floor’s tangled vines and giant figs to spend up to one hour observing chimps in their arboreal playground—nursing young, foraging for fruit, and performing acrobatic leaps.
Other Primates:
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Red-tailed monkeys
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Black-and-white colobus monkeys
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Blue monkeys
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Olive baboons
Birdlife:
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Grey parrot
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African green broadbill
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Black-and-white casqued hornbill
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Great blue turaco
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Ruwenzori turaco
Mammals & More:
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Bushbucks, giant forest hogs, and sitatungas in the swampy sections
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Reptiles like monitor lizards and various chameleon species
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Butterflies numbering in the hundreds of species
Getting There: Distances & Transportation
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By Road from Kampala/Entebbe:
Drive west for approximately 360 km (6–7 hours) to Kasese via Fort Portal, then follow the park road south for 55 km to the Kyambura Ranger Station within Queen Elizabeth NP. -
Air Routes:
Charter flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi land at Kasese Airstrip (1 hour), followed by a 1 hour drive to Kyambura. Helicopter transfers can also deposit you directly at the Mweya Airstrip or park headquarters for a shorter overland route. -
From Other Parks:
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Bwindi Impenetrable NP: ~65 km north via Kisoro (3 hours by road)
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Murchison Falls NP: ~500 km northeast (charter flight recommended)
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Whether you opt for a scenic drive along the Rwenzori foothills or a quick charter hop, the journey to Kyambura sets the stage for adventure.
