Budongo Central Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest, Chimpanzee trekking and Nature walks

The Budongo Forest in Uganda is northwest of the capital city Kampala on the way to Murchison Falls National Park, and is located on the escarpment northeast of Lake Albert. It is known for its former abundance of East African mahogany trees as well as being home to a population of chimpanzees. An exceptionally large mahogany tree is still found here, and is more than 80 meters tall and some 20 meters in circumference. Busingiro eco-tourism site is found at Busingiro, about 40 km from Masindi at Butiaba road near the Budongo Forest Reserve, in Bujenje County.  Budongo has over 360 bird species, some 290 butterflies, 130 moths, 465 trees, and 24 mammals, of which 9 are primates.  The community eco-tourism site offers forest/nature and primate walks, bird watching and famous chimpanzee tracking and viewing in Budongo Forest Reserve. The “royal mile”, a road stretch constructed by one of the Bunyoro kings for leisure/nature walk, is a key attraction for visitors to the centre.

ACTIVITIES IN BUDONGO FOREST.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:

This is an all-day activity done here during off month’s Low season i.e.  1st March – 15th June and 1st October – 15th December mostly done by researchers and others. Therefore to participate in Chimpanzee Habituation Experience you are recommended for an overnight stay at the Budongo Eco-Lodge.

Budongo Chimpanzee Tracking:

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest is done either in the morning or evening for those tourists who visit Murchison Falls National Park. It will be either on your way to Murchison falls or from Murchison falls. This will act as extra safari activity for you.

Nature walks at Budongo-forest

Guided nature walks on Budongo forest where you will walk through the woodland and savannah terrain. Budongo Forest is part of the Murchison Falls Wildlife Reserve where you can spot wildlife licking salt in in the forest clearings.  Large mammals also wander into this part of park such as Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, giraffe and so many other animals at the park.

Birding Walks in Budongo Forest.

Morning or evening walks will give you an opportunity to sight a number of bird species in the Budongo Forest for those who are interested in bird watching. Some of the birds you will get an opportunity to see include; Sabine’s spine tail, Cassins spine tail, Pygmy crakes, Kingfishers( Chocolate backed, blue breasted, dwarf), White spotted fluff Tail, Ituri Batis, Pulvus Illadopsis, Brown twin Spot, Cameroon Somber, Cassins hawk Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Yellow crested Woodpecker, Forest Robin, Little green Sunbird, Grey headed Sunbird to name but a few. During the walk you may also sight primates such as; chimpanzees, monkeys etc.

Budongo Forest – 1-Day Chimpanzee Trekking

Wake up early for your breakfast and get ready for chimpanzee that will take like 3-5 hrs and you will be given one hour with this chimpanzee to enjoy watching them do their activities in the jungle. You will then go back to your hotel to have your lunch and then check out of the hotel. You will the leave for Kampala where you will have a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which will take roughly an hour before you proceed to Kampala where the driver will drop you off at the agreed place.