Many of the species of plants and animals in the reserve are unique to its wetland environment.

The reserve is approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi), by road, west of Kampala, Uganda's capital city.

The signposted junction for Katonga is Kyegegwa, which lies on Fort Portal Road, 42 km west of Mubende.

From there, a 40 km dirt road heads south to the entrance gate via Mparo and Kalwreni.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority maintains a camping site with guides and a restaurant within the reserve.