Budongo Forest is situated approximately 3 hours drive northwest of the capital city Kampala on the way to the prominent Murchison Falls National Park. This is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa as well as habitat to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. The major tourist sites within this forest are: the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site, Busingiro Ecotourism site and Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site which are located at boundaries to Murchison Falls National Park and dominated by Mahogany and Iron-wood trees.
The 115 kilometer expanse is a remote chunck of the Budongo forest. Its isolation once in a while offers a safe haven for the Lions, Leopards as well as Buffaloes. Early in the morning is the ideal time to set out touring because then you will have an opportunity to find a number of the forest inhabitants licking salt by the forest glades. River Waiga offers refreshment to the various Uganda Safari wildlife species within this forest.
The Chimpanzee Tracking experience: is the number one priority here. Starting in October up to January, the time when the fruits are shorter in supply, the chimps move a lot covering a wider area so the success of seeing them drops to about 50% rate. Fortunately there is a diversity of Accommodation facilities available from where you can base to enjoy the tours Chimpanzee trekking as well as the exciting forest walks
Birding; the forest is among the most ideal places in Uganda to have a guided bird watching tour by the Royal Mile that extends from Nyabyeya Forestry College to the research station. Among the various bird species that have been recorded in this forest are more than 360 species that will certainly reward you with a very amazing birding safari experience in this great forest in Uganda. in addition there are 290 butterflies species, 130 Moths species, 465 tree species, as well as 24 mammals nine of which are actually primates.
Nature Walks: In the company of armed rangers, tourists can go for nature walks deep in the forest. Visiting the beautiful Kaniyo pabidi eco-tourism Centre is highly recommended. The Centre has tall Mahagony trees that are over 70 years old. During the nature walks, you will encounter a variety of wild creatures that come to lick salt from fallen trees. After seeing enough of the forest, you can also venture out to the savanna plains and woodlands that connect to the plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Here you might see some of the larger mammals like buffaloes, elephants, lions and even leopards. In fact, these large mammals visit the forest itself frequently. You will always be in the company of armed rangers for your protection. Do not forget to carry drinking water or packed lunch
Budongo forest is found in North-western Uganda. It takes 3 hours to reach the reserve from Kampala. From Kampala, one needs to first drive to Masindi town before heading to the forest reserve. Entrance to Budongo Forest person
Accomodation in Budongo Forest
Visitors to Budongo forest reserve have plenty of options for accommodation. The final choice of accommodation depends on one’s budget. The lodges and hotels can be got within the forest reserve, in Masindi town or further at the Murchison Falls National Park. For those who love outdoor camping, it can be arranged within the reserve. The Research Centre in Budongo forest also offers simple rooms at affordable rates:reserve costs $40 per person
Nkwanzi Travels is a team of adventure enthusiasts who love everything about Uganda we have travelled it back and forth, making sure that all of its best destinations are included into our tours.