Updated
Kigezi Wildlife Reserve lies on the southern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park in south-western Uganda, next to the Ishasha sector. It acts as a buffer between the park and farmland, protecting savannah and woodland used by animals moving between Queen Elizabeth and the wider landscape. It is rarely visited on its own, but it forms part of the route to Ishasha and Bwindi.
Kigezi Wildlife Reserve
Wildlife
Uganda kob, topi, buffaloes, elephants and warthogs use the reserve, and lions from Ishasha range into it. Birdlife is similar to Ishasha’s, with savannah and woodland species.
Pressures
Being next to farmland, the reserve faces encroachment, grazing and conflict between wildlife and farmers, particularly crop raiding and livestock losses. Protecting it helps keep lions and other wildlife safer from retaliation.
Visiting
Most travellers pass Kigezi on the drive between Ishasha and Bwindi. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to the Ishasha tree-climbing lions, Queen Elizabeth, the topi and Uganda’s protected areas.
Frequently asked questions
On the southern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, near Ishasha.
It is a buffer protecting the park and wildlife movement.
Uganda kob, topi, buffaloes, elephants and sometimes lions.
Not usually; most travellers pass through on the way to Ishasha or Bwindi.
