Ecuya Forest Reserve: A Treasure Haven for Biodiversity and Natural Splendor
Ecuya Forest Reserve is situated in Bufumbira County in Kisoro District and Rubanda County in Kabale District. The southern end runs along the northeastern border of Rwanda. The forest lies between 1’14’ – 1’21’ S and 29’47’ – 29’52’E, covers an area of 34 km, and has an altitudinal range of 2270 – 2570 m. It is situated on the high altitude range running between Lake Bunyonyi, 5km to the East, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, 13 km to the southwest. It is 11 km east of Kisoro and 15 km west of Kabale town. The main Kabale-Kisoro road passes through the northern end.
The forest lies at the heart of the biodiversity-rich Albertine Rift eco-region and is a site of global biodiversity importance and hence is categorised by BirdLife as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because of the high diversity of bird species, some of which are globally threatened and endemic like the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. The major bird species sighted in addition to the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler are the Rwenzori Turaco, blue-headed sunbird, Kivu grand-thrush, and Archer’s Robin-chat.
Muchuya Swamp
Muchuya Swamp is a birdwatching haven, it stretches approximately 7 km and is surrounded by high-altitude lakes of which Lake Kayumba and Lake Chahafi are to the southwest, Lake Bunyonyi to the east, and Lake Mulehe to the north. The swamp boasts a unique vegetation composition dominated by sedges, tussock vegetation and impressive giant lobelias. The swamp drains northwest into the Murindi River. The swamp is home to several bird species inclusive of the endangered Grauer’s Swamp Warbler where one can spot a number of pairs of this elusive bird.
Bamboo Forest
This forest is largely covered by bamboo, particularly the Yushania alpine species. The dense bamboo thickets create a magical ambience where one might encounter various bird species such as the Red-throated leather, Archer’s robin chat, Black-faced, Rwenzori and chestnut-throated Apalis, Abyssinian and Kivu ground thrush, Strange weaver, Red-faced woodland warbler, Regal sunbird, Dwarf honeyguide, Doherty’s bushshrike, Mountain yellow warbler, Slender-billed greenbul, White-necked raven, Yellow-streaked greenbul among others.
The Batwa in Ecuya Forest
The Batwa people commonly known as the pygmies are an endangered ancient tribe residing around the Ecuya forest reserve, Mgahinga gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable and Semuliki National Parks. Originally, the Batwa were forest dwellers, hunters and fruit gatherers in the Great Lakes region in central Africa. They were later evicted from the forests and relocated outside the protected areas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They no longer depend on the forest directly, however, the reserve remains significant for its bamboo resources used for building and crafts; the forest also holds cultural importance for the Batwa people who continually offer religious sacrifices to their gods. During the Batwa experience, expect traditional performances, storytelling, and hunting skills.
Best time to visit Ecuya Forest reserve
The best time to visit Ecuya forest reserve depends on your preferences and experience.
Dry season:
This is the best season for birdwatching and it’s usually between June to August and December to February. This is because the forest canopy is less dense making it easier to spot diverse bird species and less slippery.
What to Pack during birdwatching in Ecuya forest reserve
During birdwatching in the Ecuya forest, it is essential to be prepared with items that will enhance your birding excursion.
Rain jackets
Hat and sunglasses
Insect repellents
Hiking shoes (Waterproof)
Pair of binoculars
Field guidebook (birding, botany, butterflies, etc)
Camera and extra batteries
How to get to Echuya Forest Reserve
If travelling from Kampala, the Echuya forest reserve is accessible via the Kabale-Kisoro road. The drive from Kampala to Echuya forest reserve takes approximately 8 hours. However, the Echuya forest reserve is very close to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. Lake Bunyonyi, one of the top tourist destinations in southwestern Uganda, is also in proximity to the Echuya forest reserve. The drive time between the Echuya forest reserve and Kigali, Rwanda, is approximately 4-5hrs. by air; you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to one of Kisoro Airstrip or private airstrips within the radius (Approximately 1-2hrs flight) before you are transferred by road to Ecuya Forest Reserve that is approximately 30-50minuts drive
Accommodation at Echuya Forest Reserve
The accommodation closest to Echuya Forest Reserve can be found at the lakes of Mulehe, Kayumbu, and Bunyonyi as well as in Mgahinga, and Kisoro town. From there, travellers can undertake day trips to Echuya given that you’re not going to spend a night there.
