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.

Adventure in the wild Safaris

Budongo Forest Reserve

October 12, 2022
Adventure in the wild Safaris

Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest Reserve | Murchison Falls National Park contains the Budongo Forest Reserve. The majority of the chimpanzees in Uganda reside there, in a mahogany tree-lined habitat.

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Budongo Forest Reserve at a glance.

The terrain in the forest might vary greatly depending on where you are, shifting from savannah, riverine marshlands, and woodland. The ground slopes from the southeast to the northwest, and the forest is located at a medium elevation of 1,100 meters. Famous for its chimpanzee population, the Budongo Forest. It is feasible to go chimp trekking here, and sightings are typically 80%.

The optimum times to travel are between December and February and again from June to September, which are the dry seasons. The year-round average temperature ranges between 19 and 32 °C.

Budongo Forest Reserve is less than a 4-hour drive from Kampala and is located on the southern border of Murchison Falls National Park. Masindi is the town closest to the forest, and a large portion of the territory is home to residences, stores, and educational institutions.

The history of Budongo Forest Reserve.

At 1962, researcher Vernon Reynolds arrived in the Budongo Forest Reserve to begin his chimpanzee research.

Two civil wars broke out across the nation in the 1970s and 1980s. Chimpanzee moms were killed at this time period in order to steal their young and transport them to Entebbe airport. They were then smuggled out to affluent people.

Reynolds was able to go back to the forest in 1990 after raising money. He created a facility to look for chimpanzees with Chris Bakuneeta’s assistance and changed the name of the Budongo Forest Project to Budongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS). The Jane Goodall Institute provided funding, enabling Reynolds to recruit trail cutters and field assistants to look for any remaining chimps.

At least 50 had been discovered by 1995, but it took time for them to become accustomed to people because they were, understandably, scared of them. Chimpanzee populations have increased steadily since 2000, and in 2005, Edinburgh Zoo provided funds to BCFS.

Travelers are not permitted in the very small number of visitors allowed at the real field stations.

What Can I Do at Budongo Forest Reserve?

Kaniyo Pabidi.

You can go on chimpanzee treks through Kaniyo Pabidi, which is located on the northeastern edge of Budongo Forest Reserve. The majority of the trees in the forest are swan-forest mixed trees, and the primates select a plentiful supply of fruit. In some places, the woodland resembles a savannah. Ironwood and mahogany trees, which the chimpanzees and monkeys use for play, are further distinguishing features.

Busingiro.

In a similar vein, you may trek among chimpanzee families in Busingiro. You can see the rift valley escarpment and the blue mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from this woodland.

The ecotourism destination offers local schoolchildren an environmental education program to inform them about their surroundings.

Boomu Women’s Group.

The Boomu Women’s Group was founded in 1999 and now has 40 members. When farms had little to no produce to sell, the group formed. By giving parents the means to pay for their kids’ education expenses, they hoped to combat poverty and malnutrition.

Between Budongo and Murchison Falls, this amazing community tourism project got its start as an artisan collective. You can experience Ugandan culture firsthand while there by taking part in village tours, learning to prepare regional cuisine, and taking basket weaving lessons.

Chimps Share Environment With Others

Chimpanzees Are Our Closest Relatives in DNA

Ashy Red Colobus

Spend Great With Eye Sights On The Chimps

Red-Tailed Monkey

More Info About Budongo Forest Reserve

Wildlife at Budongo Forest.

The woodland is home to the most chimpanzees in Uganda—600–700 of them. Although the chimpanzees are the main draw, you can also occasionally see elephants and buffalo alongside the savannah.

Although they are rarely observed, lions and leopards live in the wild. Down near the lake, antelopes, waterbucks, and duikers are much more prevalent. The fauna is most active in the morning, when you may find various forest creatures licking salt along the forest glades.

Budongo Forest Reserve includes around 360 species of birds if you’re an avid birdwatcher. It’s one of the most important spots in Uganda to watch birds because you might encounter an extremely rare yellow-footed flycatcher or an illadopsis puveli, a new species that is unique to East Africa.

Playing in the treetops can also be seen by black and white monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons.

Accommodation at Budongo Forest.

Each of Busingiro’s two African bandas may house up to 5 guests. Since they are situated in a forest, you can doze off to the sounds of the forest.

Similar accommodations, including a campground, are available in Kaniyo Pabidi. You can stay in grass-thatched bandas at the Boomu Women’s group, which are encircled by gardens, butterflies, and weaver birds.

Budongo is typically just a part of a larger exploration of the national park, therefore the majority of visitors opt to spend the night at one of the lodges in Murchison Falls instead.