Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest is the only largest natural forest that has survived for centuries in Uganda covering an area of over 826 square kilometers. The forest hosts various colorful birds, tree species, chimpanzees and it is part of Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo forest is bisected into three major tourism sites such as Busingiro, Kaniyo Pabidi and Sonso sectors. The forest features four beautiful rivers that flow from it to Lake Albert such as Waisoke, Sonso, Kamirambwa and Siba.

Wildlife species in Budongo Forest

The forest is one of the strongholds of natural beauty and wonders featuring a wide range of mesmerizing animal species, the amazing ever green vegetation, wonderful tree species, colorful bird life to mention but a few.  Over 600 chimpanzees are also found in Budongo forest apart from Kibale National Park whereby a small group has been habituated and ready for tourism. Other 9 types of primates include; grey cheeked Mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys among others. Budongo forest is as well popular home to mahogany trees that can grow up to 21 meters in diameter and 85 meters long. Besides mahogany trees, encounter over 464 different tree species 300 butterflies, 24 mammal species among others. While in Budongo forest, delight in an opportunity of encountering large mammals like leopards, buffaloes, lions among others in this all-natural forest. The forest is a great birder’s paradise with over 355 species for example; black and white Casqued hornbills, African shrike flycatcher, blue throated roller, cassin’s hawk eagle, crowned eremomera, dusky long tailed cuckoo to mention but a few.

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Activities done in Budongo forest

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is the commonest and most thrilling activity carried out in Budongo Forest. Apart from Kibale National Park the “primate capital of east Africa,” chimpanzee trekking is as well carried out in Budongo forest home to over 600 chimpanzees and other primates that include olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys among others.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest usually takes like three hours to locate them and only one hour to spend with them in this, feel free to take pictures and videos. It should be noted that during the dry season, there is scarcity of food therefore this makes it hard to spot them however you get to find them with time. If at all you are interested in chimpanzee trekking, make sure you are well physically because it is really tiresome, be in good health since chimpanzees are prone to human diseases, below 15 years of age are not allowed to do chimpanzee trekking.

Cost of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest

The chimpanzee permit in Budongo forest is $130 if at all the ticket is bought from the Budongo offices or the park. Chimpanzee trekking here can also be combined with game drives.

Bird watching

In Budongo forest, bird watching is one of the most interesting activities since it is blessed with over 360 east Africa’s rarest bird species both residential and migratory. For bird lovers, Budongo forest is paradise and can go for either half or full day. In a day, you encounter multiple colorful bird when at the Royal mile located within Busingiro sector, this is arguably the best birding site in Budongo forest. Rare species in Budongo include; yellow footed fly catcher, parmoptilla, pitta reichenowi, guinea Congo forest-Biome, parmoptilla woodhousei, illadopsis puvels and so much more.

Guided Nature Walks

This is yet another activity to delight in while at Budongo forest. You should visit Kaniyo pabidi eco-tourism. On nature walks in Budongo forest, enjoy several wild creatures that lick salt from fallen trees, venture around the savannah woodlands and plains and encounter big animals like leopards, lions, elephants and buffaloes. On a nature walk in Budongo forest, you are guided by an armed ranger guide to be safe.

How to get to Budongo forest

The forest is situated in the south western section of Murchison Falls National Park. To arrive at Budongo forest from Kampala it takes three hours and from Masindi town it is only one and a half hours (30km). you can reach Budongo forest through Kichumbanyabo gate situated in the southern part of the park and entrance is only $40 per person.

Accommodation in Budongo Forest

Budongo forest is equipped with suitable and fine lodges for travelers who come to visit depending on your budget. Lodges are located in the forest reserve, in Murchison Falls National Park and further more in Masindi town. Travelers who love out door camping, it can be organized in the forest reserve and the you can as well get very affordable rooms at the Research Centre in Budongo Forest.

Budongo Eco lodge

This is a beautiful budget lodge located within the Forest Reserve and 30 km from Masindi town. Budongo Eco Lodge gives special offers with comfortable cabins, dormitory rooms with balconies. The rooms are comfy having spacious equipments like bathrooms, beds among others. The restaurants are available where you can order both local and international foods.

All in all, Budongo Forest Central Reserve is a great place you should not miss out while on a Uganda Safari. Many travelers on a Uganda Safari to Murchison falls National Park love to experience chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest and this is the star attraction in the park. To book chimpanzee trekking safari in Budongo forest, contact out travel experts on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.