Overview
Budongo Forest is a significant tropical rainforest in Uganda, renowned for its rich biodiversity situated in the northwestern part of Uganda near Masindi. The Forest is a large part of Murchison Falls Conservation Area seating at 825km2 with the biggest mahogany forest and is one of the most significant birding sites in East Africa. Also known for having the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. The forest is divided into three sectors which are Kaniyo Pabidi, Busingiro, and Sonso with four main rivers flowing through namely Rivers Ramirambwa, Waisoke, Siba, and Sonso.
Budongo Forest has a rich history that intertwines with the region’s cultural heritage, scientific research, and conservation efforts. The area around Budongo Forest has been inhabited by various ethnic groups for centuries, including the Banyoro people. The forest has traditionally provided resources such as food, medicine, and materials for these communities and has also held spiritual significance, with certain trees and areas within the forest considered sacred. Budongo forest is one of the few strongholds for chimpanzees left in Uganda Vernon Reynolds was the first person to study chimpanzees in 1962 and the project started with 50 chimpanzees, though habituation was a long process after the chimps had lost their mothers and were scared of humans however now the number has increased greatly with support from the Edinburgh zoo in 2005 to ensure proper conservation.
Budongo Forest is home to over 24 mammals, 130 moth species, 260 butterflies, 450 tree species, and 360 bird species, including some rare and endemic species with the perfect ecosystem that enables the forest to be called home by the various avian life present within and around the forest including the conservation area. With trails like the Royal Mile, Kaniyo Pabidi, and Sonso offering more than 100 km for bird viewing. During the different times for birding expect to see birds like helmeted guineafowls, nahan’s partridge, crested francolin, pigeons, doves, black-bellied bustard, great blue turaco, eastern plantain-eater, red-chested cuckoo, nightjars, spine tails, swifts, white-spotted flufftail, grey crowned-crane, lapwings, African jacana, sandpiper, African openbill, African woolly-necked stork, shoebill, hamerkops, African darter, heron, ibis, black-winged kite, African harrier-hawk, bateleur, martial eagles, hooded vultures, crowned eagle, African fish eagle, narina trogon, Abyssinian ground-hornbill, kingfishers, bee-eaters, barbets, honeyguides, gray parrot, red-necked falcon, green breasted-pitta, orioles, papyrus gonolek, flycatchers, warblers, cisticolas and many more.
Whether birding, chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation, guided nature walks, or community walks tourists can be certain that there is enough avian life for them to feast their eyes on. With a guide who is well-rounded in regards to information about the bird species, their nesting habits, their calls and common spots to be viewed; a tourist or bird enthusiast will have quite the experience as availed at the forest. Also away from the beautiful avian life, one can expect to see chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, pottos, galagos, buffaloes, elephants, lions, and some rare bird species like the grey-backed camaroptera, African paradise flycatcher, yellow-billed barbet, white wagtail, little crake and more.
One can go birding any time throughout the year, however, the best times to go birding are during the dry seasons of February to April and September. June to September is the main fruiting season, so with food in abundance, many birds are in their breeding season which also increases the number of birds viewed as the weather is more predictable with clear skies and less rainfall making it easier to explore and spot birds. Not forgetting the migratory birds that are present in the forest from November to April. During the dry seasons, the forest trails are less muddy and slippery making it easier to explore different areas and many bird species are more active making it a better time for spotting and picture-taking.
Budongo Forest offers a rich and rewarding experience for birders, with its combination of rare species, beautiful forest scenery, diverse wildlife, lush landscapes, and opportunities for adventure and discovery.