Budongo Forest Reserve Guide, Map, Lodges and Best 3 Activities

Budongo Forest Reserve is one of the best places to find huge concentrations of primates including chimpanzees. Budongo Forest is both moist and semi-deciduous tropical rainforest, and is classified as a Central Forest Reserve in Uganda.

Location, formation and size;

Budongo Forest Reserve lies along the Albertine rift area, Northwestern Uganda and makes up part of the vast Murchison Falls National Park/Conservation Area. This beautiful natural rainforest lies in Masindi District within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest covers the land area of 825sq.km and was designated as a Central Forest Reserve in 1932.

Budongo lies at the medium altitude of about 1100m and is home to significantly diverse species of tourist interest while on Uganda safaris. It is the best place for anyone in search for unbeatable serenity and calmness of being close to nature. This central forest reserve is well-preserved and managed by the National Forestry Authority.

Budongo Central Forest Reserve exists in 3 different zones including the Strict Nature Reserve which is the oldest zone in Uganda, Buffer zone which supports eco-tourism and research and lastly, the Production zone which supports commercial activities. At Budongo, there are also 2 key eco-tourism sites including the Kaniyo-Pabidi and Busingiro Reserve.

Tourist Attractions in Budongo Central Forest Reserve:

Budongo supports diversity of tourism attractions including fauna and flora. This scenic natural forest protects over 300 butterflies, 370 bird species, 30 mammals, and 500 tree species. These make up the key attractions in this lush rainforest.

Wildlife/faunal species.

A significant population of faunal species survive within the different habitats of Budongo Forest Reserve. They include 9 primate species which among others over 800 chimpanzees, the blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys.

There are also nocturnal species like the forest galagos and pottos.

Birds.

Budongo Forest is with no doubt a birder’s haven. This spectacular rainforest reserve protects over 370 species of birds and the ideal birding sites include Kaniyo-Pabidi, the Royal mile, Sonso and others.

The diverse bird species worth looking for on a birding trip in Budongo Forest include Lemon-bellied crombec, Puvel’s illadopsis, black-headed paradise flycatchers, chestnut crowned eremomera, western black headed oriole, dusky long-tailed cuckoos, emerald cuckoos, yellow browned carmoroptera, grey long bill, yellow manted weaver, white thighed horn bill, black winged kite, black and white casqued horn bill, African pygmy kingfishers, yellow-crested woodpeckers,

Speckled pigeon, ring0necked dove, scaly spur fowl, red chested cuckoos, pennant winged nightjars, fiery necked nightjars, African swift, mottled spinetail, cassin’s spinetail, white rumped swift, African palm swift, long crested eagles, Eastern chanting goshawk, African goshawk, little sparrow hawk, and others.

Floral species in Budongo Forest.

Budongo Central Forest Reserve contains highest concentration of mahogany tree species, and ironwood trees. This forest also features a swan-forest mixed trees and fruit trees which primates depend on. In some parts of the forest, there is savanna vegetation, this is especially in the Kaniyo-Pabidi which is located northeast of this forest reserve.

Activities to do in and around Budongo Forest Reserve:

Chimpanzee tracking.

Budongo Forest protects a significant chimpanzee population and some of them have undergone habituation. The habituated chimpanzee communities are open for tourism and this is especially around Busingiro side, the Kaniyo-Pabidi community also underwent habituation process. The Kaniyo-Pabidi chimp community was habituated by the Jane Goodall Institute and currently, it is under the management of Budongo Eco-Lodge.

Chimpanzee trek involves on-foot walk through Budongo Forest in search for already habituated chimp communities. This primate adventure is done with an experienced guide accompanying guests and once you locate chimpanzees, you can be allowed to spend a maximum of an hour face-to-face with them and taking pictures.

There is also an option of embarking on chimpanzee habituation experience while on a trip in Budongo Forest. This is done especially around the low or off months/season of the year. Visitors embark on a search for chimpanzee communities still undergoing habituation process. The intention is to make these primates get used to presence of humans in the wild before they are opened for tourism. It is conducted mainly by researchers and can take the entire day.

Essentials to have on your chimpanzee safari in Budongo Forest Reserve include chimpanzee permit which your tour operator can book prior your visit, waterproof hiking boots, daypack, a rain jacket, a sweater, long trousers, and others.

Birding.

Budongo is one of the most treasured birding destination in Uganda. With an experienced guide, expect to look out for diversity of birds that live in this lush tropical rainforest.

Birds of interest in Budongo include the Guinea-Congo forest biome, yellow footed flycatchers, pitta reichenowi, Puvel’s illadopsis, yellow footed flycatchers, Wahlberg’s eagles, lemon bellied crombec, chocolate backed kingfishers, and grey long bills.

Other birds in Budongo Forest include brown twin spot, Sabine’s spine tails, pygmy crakes, Cameroon somber, grey headed sunbird, white spotted fluff tails, forest robins, to mention but a few.

Forest/nature walks.

Guided forest walks are a perfect way for you to have a deep immersion into Budongo Forest. While on forest/nature walks, expect to search for different bird species, flora and diverse primate species. This is best done with company of an experienced guide and can take you from 1 hour to even 2 hours.

While on Budongo forest, you can also incorporate game viewing experiences in Murchison Falls National Park. On a game drive in Murchison Falls Park, you can have a chance to see African bush elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, and plenty of birds.

Besides game drives, you can also go for a boat cruise to the base of the falls. This water sport excursion gets visitors exposed to different aquatic life like hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds with a great chance for them to take pictures of one of the world’s powerful waterfalls –Murchison Falls.

Visitors can also combine their primate adventures in Budongo Forest with community visits in the nearby local communities like Boomu. Boomu Women’s Group should be a must-visit for first-hand experience on how locals live, and also engage in craft making and so much more. This group also has a good number of bandas for visitors to consider a night stay.

When to visit Budongo Forest?

Budongo Forest records annual rainfall amount of 1200 and 2200mm. Visitors can explore this reserve at any time of the year although the dry season is notably the most preferred time, especially for visitors interested in trekking chimpanzees.

The dry months of the year in Budongo run from June to August and December to February. The rest of the months (March, April, May, October, and November) are wet months of the year and they are characterized by heavy rains.

Where to stay?

Budongo Eco Lodge –This is where most visitors spend a night while on a tour in Budongo Forest. It is a perfect eco-friendly facility with 5 eco cabins all set in the forest.

How to get Budongo Central Forest Reserve?

Getting to Budongo Central Forest Reserve is possible starting from Entebbe or Kampala, then you connect via Luweero-Gulu highway. The Southern gate –Kichumbanyobo gate offers easier access to Budongo Forest.

Driving time from Kampala to Budongo is about 5-6 hours. En-route, visitors can as well branch off to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to enjoy a walk with rhinos in the wild then proceed to Budongo Forest Reserve via Masindi town.