Kagombe Central Forest Reserve, Kagombe Central Forest Reserve is a 301-square-kilometer reserve established in 1932.
Kagombe Central Forest Reserve is a woodland area in Kibaale District with dense patches of trees and more open sections where sunlight filters through. The landscape is crossed by narrow footpaths that connect different parts of the reserve and provide habitat for monkeys, birds, small antelopes, and various plant species.
The reserve was once larger but has shrunk over the past decades due to farming and settlement expansion. Recent restoration efforts by organizations including the WWF now focus on planting trees and preventing illegal clearing to recover lost forest cover.
The forest holds deep meaning for local communities as a source of livelihood and cultural identity. People gather medicinal plants, firewood, and food from the forest, practices that connect them to the land and have been part of their traditions for generations.
Early mornings are ideal for visiting when the forest is most active with bird calls and wildlife movement. Check local conditions before arrival and consider hiring a local guide, as footpaths may vary in accessibility depending on recent weather and maintenance.
The reserve visibly shows the tension between human needs and conservation, with cleared patches next to intact forest sections. This mixed landscape tells the story of local communities learning to balance survival with protecting what remains for future generations.
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