Budongo Forest Reserve ; Whether you are travelling on a budget, love the outdoors, or just don’t want to stay home in the holiday time Uganda is with a full set of fun moments to catch up with for u this holiday season, Uganda safari has a great exciting moment for you at one of the largest forests rich of mahogany trees and chimpanzees not forgetting birds for you spend time with all this season, with catchy moments of fun and enjoyment education inclusive. Budongo forest reserve is the place for you and your entire family to visit.
This forest is located in the northwestern region of Uganda, within Murchison falls national park. The forest consists of woodland, and grassland vegetation, divided into three distinct tourism sites; Sonso, Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro.
Is, one of the largest forests in Uganda and the East African region. Of over an 825 square kilometer radius and is well known for having a large collection of mahogany forests.
Budongo forest is an eco-tourism destinations in Uganda and is famous for chimpanzee trekking activities due to the high numbers of chimpanzees in it, the forest is an ideal spot to be for any bird lovers out there. Bird watching activities in Budongo forest gives visitors an opportunity to sight unique bird species of different category and all these will leave your eyes full of satisfaction.
Brief history about Budongo central forest reserve.
During the 1970s and 1980s two major civil wars raged in Uganda, with a complete breakdown of law and order across the country. In 1988 Prof. Reynolds read a report in Ugandan newspaper, about the effects that chimpanzee infants were being captured in Budongo Forest, taken to Entebbe airport, and smuggled out to Dubai and other places. After a year seeking funds he returned to Uganda in together with Chris Bakuneeta, who had recently obtained an MSc in Forestry at Makerere University, and they established a base at Budongo from which to discover whether there were still chimpanzees in the forest.
Best Time to Visit Budongo Forest.
Any time of the year one can visit the forest. But, the best time for visiting the forest is between the months of June to September and December to February. These months are dry and it is much easier to hike in the forest and view the different wildlife species in the forest. Most rain falls between March and May and between September and November with a dry season between December and February. At this time, the daytime heat can be substantial, food supply is low, and chimpanzees spend much time on the forest floor in deep shade.
What to do in Budongo Forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking: tracking chimpanzees through the tall, tangled scrubs and ancient trees that carpet rainforest demands you carry a bucket load of patience and a wild sense of humor though yet it is the best episode of this forest, Local trackers who lead the chimpanzee trekking excursions track the chimps by following a trail of knuckle prints, dung, and half-digested fruit. Budongo forest at the Kaniyo Pabidi section in Murchison falls national park offers a rewarding chimp trekking experience. And trust a Uganda safaris tour to give you this lovely excitement.
Birding: once at Budongo forest be sure to watch over 360 species of birds and all these lovely birds are all over the forest so hard to move around and to at least sight a few of the birds in the area and some of these birds include: crested guinea fowl, African pied watt Gail, olive breasted green gull, black kite and many more and all these are easily sighted while on a move to nature walks in the forest.
Nature Walks: guided nature walks in the forest, are accompanied by knowledgeable armed rangers, who escort visitors through known trails with beautiful attractions. As on the guided nature walks in the forest, tourists can view amazing animals such as; buffaloes, elephants, monkeys, and leopards among others. Leopards and lions reside in the forest, but rarely seen. You’re more likely to sight antelopes, waterbucks, and duikers down by the water.
Visit other parts of the Murchison Falls National Park: Budongo forest reserve is part of the Murchison Falls National Park and offers opportunities to do activities like visiting the top of the falls, going for game drives, boat cruises and a cultural visit to the Boomu Women’s Group to see how life goes by in a rural African village. By the end of your tour of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo forest and the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you would have spotted all the big 5 mammals.
How to get to Budongo Forest.
Visitors can access Budongo Forest from Kampala City. The forest is located about 3 hours’ drive northwest from Kampala city. Visitors can also visit Budongo forest after a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, and this can take about an hour’s drive, covering a distance of approximately 42.7km. And with the help of a Uganda safari a pleasant tour can be arranged.
Accommodation in Budongo Forest.
Visitors looking to spend two or more nights in the forest can find accommodation in the following facilities; Budongo Eco Lodge, New Court View Hotel and other hotels and lodges near the forest such as; Pakuba Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge and Red Chilli Rest Camp in Murchison Falls National Park. And all these offer great services and can as well keep you and your stuff safe and sound because the security is great.
What to carry on a safari to Budongo forest.
On each and every tour mostly when one is planning to visit a forest there are things one should consider to carry with them in order to avoid disturbances and other issues and below should be your first packing list items.
Outdoor journal with pen/pencil, Headlamp or flashlight, Extra batteries, Wicking T-shirt, Wicking underwear, Quick-drying pants or shorts, Long-sleeve shirt (for bugs, sun), Sun-shielding hat, Insulating fleece jacket or vest, Bandana or Buff, Mosquito net clothing, Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt, Wicking long underwear, Hat, cap or headband , Gloves or mittens, Boots or shoes suited to terrain and lots more in order to have the best camping time in Budongo forest reserve.
