Bird Watching in Budongo Forest
Bird watching in Budongo forest is one of the best done interesting activities in Murchison Falls National Park with a checklist of over 360 bird of which 60 are central African birds. To note Budongo forest is an eco-tourism site and is known as the largest natural wonder forest the second most important forest in Uganda to host species of the Guinea Congo forest region and two species of birds found in Budongo forest cannot be seen elsewhere in East Africa, such bird species include Yellow-footed Flycatcher and Pavel’s illadoposis. Since it’s among the top birding destination in Uganda it has got the best or rewardable location for bird watching that is Busingori, Kaniyo pabidi which offers the excellent forest birding and easier to be explored whereby the migratory birds are present from November to April.
However, Budongo forest is one of the largest forest in Uganda and in East Africa, covering a total area of about 825 square kilometres. The forest is positioned in the north-western part of Uganda approximately 4 to 5 hours by road transport. Budongo forest is found on the conducive environment of Murchison falls national park which is Uganda’s largest national park and the most visited on wildlife safaris. However, Budongo forest is a grassland forest which are divided into three major tourism sites namely Kaniyo pabidi, Sonso and Busingiro. Budongo forest is a natural wonder forest that inhabit the tallest mahogany tree species which cannot be found elsewhere in East Africa except here in north-western Uganda, 360 bird species out of total number of 1080 Uganda’s bird species, 0ver 260 butterflies, 130 moth species, 470 tree species, 24 mammals and other 9 species of primates like white and black monkeys, grey checked mangabey, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys blue monkeys among others.
Budongo forest is known as a haven for birders destination on Uganda bird watching tour. Birds to be spotted here are both residential and endemic species which can make your birding safari worthy to be encountered on Uganda safaris. Among the many bird species you should expect on your birding tour to Budongo forest include white-breasted, Sooty chat, Isabelline wheatear, Black lured and Brown babblers, Nubian woodpecker, Arrow marked, Barbets, Rollers, Harriers, Vultures, Eagles, Yellow-throated Greenbul, white-fronted Black Chat, Rufous chested Swallow, Nightingale, lesser striped swallow, Ethiopian swallow, Stripped, and many others.
Besides bird watching in Budongo forest their other thrilling activities to be carried out in this forest.
Chimpanzee tracking: The forest is home to over 750 individuals of chimpanzee where a number of visitors are seen almost on a daily basis habituating in one of the chimpanzee facilities. Chimpanzee trekking is truly a highlight activity to be carried out in this forest where visitors are led by a trained guide who knows the exact forest trailhead to habituate in chimpanzee families and once they are found trackers are given one hour to spend with them in the natural habitat.
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest starts early in the morning since there is two sessions morning session begins at exactly 7 am and afternoon which starts at 2 pm but after visitor’s briefing about the rules and regulation of chimpanzee while in the forest. There is a limited number of 8 people to engage in chimpanzee tracking and the activity can take 2 to 4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees because of they on moving from place to place in search for food. Once these great apes are found you’re given one hour to watch them while playing, grooming each other’s, feeding, breastfeeding as you take a number of pictures for your future remembrance. To participate in chimpanzee tracking you need to hold a chimpanzee tracking permit in order to allow you to track the chimps and the permits cost USD85 per person per day.
Guided nature walk: Nature walk in Budongo forest is best done with help of an armed ranger who leads you to forest trails through sharing information about Budongo forest and at the same time helping you to sightsee different bird species and wildlife species. During your guided nature walk in Budongo you will walk through the savannah terrains, kaniyo pabidi ecotourism where you will be able to view the tall mahogany trees, bird species, butterflies, animals such as buffaloes, lion, elephants, leopard, primates like blue monkeys, white and black monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys among others.
What is the best time to visit Budongo forest?
Budongo forest can be visited yearly but there is the best time which is in the dry season that begins in the months of June to September and December to February. The dry seasons in Budongo forest is good for nature walks when the forest trail head s are out of water source and trails are possible, good also for wildlife viewing because during dry season vegetation becomes shorter and roads to the forest are passable.
Wet season
During wet season which starts in the months of March to May and October to November the forest can be in plenty of food and fruits, in other words, these are the best months to do birding in Budongo forest, come along viewing of chimpanzees near the eco-lodge in Budongo compared to the dry season when there is scarcity of fruits which makes chimpanzee move from place to place thus becoming a challenge in tracking. The wet season is the best ideal for viewing migratory birds which make your Uganda birding safari rewarding and gorgeous.
Where to stay on your Uganda birding Tour in Budongo forest
The forest has got a number of accommodation facilities where travellers can spend their overnight stay during their safari to Budongo forest such as Budongo eco-lodge which is located in the middle of the forest with rewardable viewing of primates on your veranda, green environments, viewing of tall mahogany tree species, New court view hotel. Since the forest is found on the boundary of Murchison falls national park visitors can sleep in other lodges found in the park such as Pakuba lodge, Paraa safari lodge, Red Chill rest Camp and many more. All these lodges provide with comfortable beds, prepare delicious meal both local and international cousins, offers free internet I public places, swimming pools, beautiful gardens for relaxation thus making visitors feel at home while on Uganda safaris.
Accessibility
Budongo forest is located in the north-western part of Uganda in Murchison falls national park which can be estimated by either road transport and air transport.
Roar transport: Budongo forest can be reached by road transport from Kampala to Masindi and then to Budongo which takes about 3 to 4-hour drive.
Air transport: It requires you to book a domestic Airline known as Aero link which operates scheduled flight from Entebbe international airport or kajjansi airfield which takes 1hour and 10minute to land to pakuba airstrip.
On your visit to Uganda never forget to include on your tour package a visit to Budongo forest and get interested in great chimpanzee tracking and birding experience and end up having a memorable encounter with your closest cousin chimpanzee which share 98% DNA to that of humans.
