The Budongo Forest Reserve in Uganda’s Masindi District is the largest natural forest in the country, measuring approximately 826 square kilometers.
In Uganda’s Masindi District, the Budongo Forest Reserve is a section of Murchison Falls National Park. Being 826 square kilometers in size, it is Uganda’s largest natural forest.
This woodland is unaltered on half of it. The Kaniyo Pabidi, Busingiro, and Sonso parts of the forest are the three main tourist destinations.
Polish refugees took safety in this vast forest during World War II. The only trace of their brief presence in this forest is a deserted catholic church.
Through the forest, four rivers empty into Lake Albert. They are Waisoke, Siba, Kamirambwa, and Sonso. Chimpanzees in huge numbers can be found in the Budongo forest, which is also home to mahogany trees.
Chimpanzees and mahogany trees are two important features of the Budongo forest that are well-known. Up to 85 meters long and 21 meters in diameter, mahogany trees can reach their full potential.
Over 464 other tree species, 24 animal species, 300 butterfly species, and 9 other primates exist in addition to mahogany trees.
Here, going on nature hikes and chimpanzee treks are the two most popular activities. This vast woodland is home to around 600 chimps. Tourism has been established in a little village.
Following a long (114 km+) nature walk will allow visitors to see chimpanzees, other primates, and birds. Blue Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and Blue Monkeys are among the other primates.
Tourist activities to do in the Budongo Forest Reserve
Guided Nature walks
Tourists are welcome to take nature excursions in the heart of the forest. It is highly advised to visit the lovely Kaniyo Pabidi eco-tourism Center.
The tall Mahagony trees at the Center are more than 70 years old. You will come across a variety of wild animals on nature walks as they come to lick salt off downed trees.
You can also travel to the savanna grasslands and woodlands that connect to the plains of Murchison Falls National Park after you’ve had your fill of the forest.
Some of the larger creatures, like buffaloes, elephants, lions, and even leopards, may be visible here. These big creatures frequent the forest itself frequently. For your protection, armed rangers will be with you at all times.
Bird Watching
One of Uganda’s top locations for bird watching is the Budongo forest. Birdwatchers can decide whether to go for a full or half day of birdwatching.
Possibly the best location to visit if you want to see the majority of the species in a day is the Royal Mile in the Busingiro area.
The Royal mile runs from the primary research facility up to a local forestry college. Watch out for the Guinea Congo forest-Biome, Pitta reichenowi, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Illadopsis puveli, and Parmoptila woodhouse unusual species.
Chimpanzee Habituation
The process by which chimpanzees are made accustomed to having people around them is known as chimpanzee habituation. It takes roughly two years to complete.
Visitors are also given the chance to participate in the chimpanzee habituation process in Budongo Park, especially during times when there aren’t as many people visiting the forest.
Under the supervision of professional researchers and trackers, participants in the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience observe and learn about a group of chimpanzees. Because it lasts a whole day, it differs from typical chimpanzee trekking.
More time is allotted for visitors to spend with the chimps. Good hiking boots, hand gloves, long sleeve shirts or pants, sunglasses, and a cap are required for the greatest chimpanzee habituation experience.
The Budongo Forest chimpanzee habituation experience cost $160. (Price may be different as a result of a recent change in management). This price is less than what Kibale National Park charges.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is the main attraction that brings tourists to the area. One of the greatest areas in Uganda to search for chimpanzees is Budongo Forest Reserve. At Kaniyo Pabidi, which is south of Murchison Falls National Park, the majority of tracking is done.
The information center at Budongo Eco Lodge will provide a briefing before the commencement of a gorilla hike in Budongo.
Well-maintained routes in the forest enable tourists to see chimpanzees, as well as other smaller primates and birds. The two shifts for chimpanzee trekking are morning and afternoon.
Most days of the year, the chimpanzee communities roam extremely near the Budongo Eco resort. But there are times of the year when they stray in search of fruit and water.
Finding them is not always certain during these times of food scarcity. The only national park that has a higher success percentage of seeing chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.
In Budongo, chimpanzee treks often last three hours. Once the chimp community has been located, visitors are only permitted to spend an hour with them.
Tourist attractions in Budongo Forest Reserve
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park’s Budongo Forest Reserve offers options for activities including viewing the top of the falls, going on wildlife drives, boat cruises, and cultural excursions to the Boomu Women’s Group to observe daily life in a rural African village.
There you’ll be able to see some of the big five mammals once your trip around the park is over.
There are over 75 different species of animals in addition to numerous crocodiles. Lion, leopard, giraffe, elephant, waterbuck, hartebeest, buffalo, hippopotamus, and chimpanzee are a few of the larger and more well-known wildlife species.
How to get to Budongo Forest Reserve
Northwest Uganda is home to the Budongo forest. From Kampala, the reserve can be reached in three hours.
Before traveling to the forest reserve from Kampala, one must first drive to Masindi town. Each participant must pay $40 to enter the Budongo Forest Reserve.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing that Budongo Forest Reserve is famous for is its chimpanzee population. It is feasible to go chimp trekking here, and there’s an 80% chance for sightings.
The optimum times to travel there are between December and February and again from June to September, which is the dry season.
Apart from seeing the chimps, tourists can enjoy birdwatching, nature walks, wildlife viewing at Murchison Falls National Park and so many others. And, if you want to see a real tropical rainforest, Budongo Forest Reserve is the one.
