BUDONGO FOREST
Budongo Forest is located inside Murchison Falls National Park approximately 300km (186mi) north of Kampala. The drive takes at least four (04) hours. The forest is home to well-over 360 bird species, some 290 butterflies, 130 moths, 465 trees, and 24 mammals, of which 09 are primates.
Chimpanzee tracking is the most common activity done inside budongo Forest. For travellers keen to spend more time around the chimpanzee can consider doing Chimpanzee habituation. However, chimpanzee Habituation in Budongo Forest is only done in the low season months of March, April, May and November.
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN BUDONGO FOREST INSIDE MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Chimp Tracking in Budongo.
Budongo Forest is an excellent spot to track chimpanzees while visiting Murchison Falls Park. There is morning and afternoon chimpanzee tracking and for those visiting Murchison Falls National Park, this can be done on the way in or out of Murchison Falls National Park. Our recommendation is to stay overnight at the environmentally-friendly Budongo Ec-co Lodge and also do a forest walk while at Budongo Forest.
Chimpanzee Habituation in Budongo
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience which is an all-day activity can be done here during off-season months March, April, May and November. This activity is done with researchers and others – a process which takes up to two years.
The Chimpanzee Habituation experience cost in Budongo Forest is considerably lower here than in it is in Kibale Forest – however, there the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience – CHEX can only be done in the low season months of March, April, May and November
Guided Nature Walks
Guided nature walks can be taken here through woodland and savanna terrain.
Often one sees wildlife licking salt in the forest clearings. Large mammals also wander into this part of the park such as Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes and Leopards. A guided nature walk does not endanger you in any way, no one has ever been hurt here.
Guided Birding Watching – Kaniyo Pabidi
Budongo Forest is one of the top areas in Uganda for those interested in birding. Birders will find Budongo literally a paradise with its 360 plus species of birds. Bird watching walks are full or half-day in length led by knowledgeable guides.
Certainly one must take the time to go and see the famous for birding “Royal Mile” which is a short distance in the Busingiro area of Budongo.
Spot some of the following species to name a few – remember that there are 360 plus species of birds found here – Sabine’s spine tail, Cassin’s spine tail(rare), Pygmy crakes, Kingfishers( Chocolate backed, blue breasted, dwarf), White-spotted fluff Tail, Ituri Batis, Pulvus Illadopsis, Brown twin Spot, Cameroon Somber, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Forest Robin, Little green Sunbird, Grey-headed Sunbird.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BUDONGO FOREST
While chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest can be done throughout the year. The best time to visit (in our opinion) is in the drier months of December to March and June to July. Although the park is open all-year-round, travel in the rainy season can be somewhat challenging as the forest trails can get really muddy and slippery making it difficult to walk on your chimp tracking or Birding safari.
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING FOR A TRIP TO BUDONGO FOREST
Clothes to wear on your trip to Budongo Forest:
- Sturdy shoes.
- Long trouser.
- Comfortable shirt (short or long-sleeved).
- A Hat to protect you from the sun.
- Rain jacket in case it rains.
Things to bring On your trip to Budongo Forest:
- A camera (incl. extra batteries and memory sticks).
- Binoculars.
- Repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Drinking water.
- A Snack.
- Day Pack to carry all your items.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUDONGO FOREST
Bundongo eco-Lodge located at the Chimpanzee tracking briefing point is the most convenient place to stay overnight in Budongo Forest. However, this lodge is best suited for the purpose but may not appeal to travellers seeking sheer comfort. To cater to the group of guests that prefer an upmarket lodging, we recommend staying at Bakers Lodge an affluent safari lodge well-placed along the Northern bank of the Nile. The drive from Bakers Lodge to Budongo forest will cost you 01 hour or 2 hours return trip.
