A national park in Western Uganda along the banks of River Katonga. The wildlife reserve was established in 1998. It measures approximately 211 square kilometres (81 sq mi). Many of the species of plants and animals in the reserve are unique to the reserve’s wetland environment.

Best explored on foot and by canoe, Katonga supports some 40 mammal and at least 150 bird species, many specific to wetland habitats.

Most visible are elephant, waterbuck, reedbuck, colobus monkeys and river otter.

This is one of the best places in Africa to look for the elusive sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope with webbed hooves that forages almost exclusively in swamps. The game reserve can best be explored on foot and by use of canoes. It supports 40 mammal species and 150 bird species. Among the more visible mammals are elephants, water bucks, reed buck and river otter. The Uganda kob, olive baboons and colobus monkeys can be found.

Only recently developed for tourism, the reserve protects a network of forest-fringed wetlands along the Katonga River.

Getting There
Katonga is three hours from Kampala, branching from the Fort Portal or Mbarara Road. Buses connect Kampala to Kabagole, a short canoe ride and walk from the entrance gate.

What to do
Day hikes, overnight hikes and canoe trips can be arranged.

When to visit
Any time of year.

Where to stay
The campsite, or a budget hotel in Kabagole.