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Budongo Forest Travel Guide

Located approximately 3 hours drive from the northwest of the capital city of Kampala, Budongo Forest is a popular tourist attraction in Uganda for all kind of travelers. If you are an animal lover, Budongo forest is an ideal destination where you can spend your day amongst the nature as well as other animals. This forest is considered to be the biggest Mahogany forest which is found in the whole of East Africa. The forest is well known because of its largest number of chimpanzees which can be seen in the entire region of the Budongo forest. The forest lies in the Murchison Falls National Park which is the prime Uganda safari destination garnering tourists from all across the globe. This famous forest of Uganda is essentially made up of 3 main areas-the woodland forest, the high forest and the grasslands, which has encouraged a wide diversity of wildlife among the locals as well as the enthusiast tourists. The forest houses up to 360 species of birds, 95 mammals and 29 species of amphibians making it a popular site to view these endangered species. Known as the biggest Mahogany forest, the forest has a fascinating tree that has become one of the iconic features of this Budongo forest. Apart from the main hub for chimpanzees, the forest is a safe haven for the lions, leopards as well as buffaloes. If you want to explore the forest, early in the morning is the ideal time that will allow you to get a closer view of the animals in their natural habitat. The lush greenery and picturesque backdrop, Budongo forest has lot to offer to the avid travelers as well as the locals. Experienced guides will escort you in the forest and give you an insight about the place as well as animals residing in there. When in Kampala, you cannot miss to visit this beautiful forest which has lot in store for the tourists.

Best Time To Visit Budongo Forest

The best time to visit Budongo Forest is from the month of October to January. This is the time when you can indulge in chimpanzee tracking and get to know more about the region. Rainfall is less during this time and you can easily spot the animals in their natural habitat. If you are a nature lover as well, you can head to Budongo forest during this season and make the most of your trip. 

Things To Do In Budongo Forest

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking

Budongo Forest is home to abundance of Chimpanzees where you can spot them in their natural habitat. The forest provides two chimp tracking sessions, one in the morning and other in the afternoon. You can choose whichever session you want and get to know more about these giant creatures. For those who wish to go to the Murchison falls can spot these chimpanzees in their natural surroundings, playing and eating.

Chimpanzee Habituation at Kaniyo Pabidi

Chimpanzee Habituation at Kaniyo Pabidi

When in Uganda, you must try the chimpanzee habituation experience which allows you to stay with the chimps for the entire day instead of an hour. The best time to experience this habituation is during the off season when there is less tourism in Uganda. Set out early in the morning to witness the chimps de nest and then get to know more about them and their natural environment. You will be escorted by professionals who will give you knowledge about the chimps and their living behavior.

Guided Nature Walks at Kaniyo Pabidi

Guided Nature Walks at Kaniyo Pabidi

For nature lovers, nature walks at Kaniyo Pabidi is a unique experience where you will explore the area and get knowledge about the place. You will be taken through the woodland and savanna terrain where you will come across wildlife reserves and lush greenery. If you are lucky, you can spot the wildlife licking salt in the forest clearings and other animals as well who come for a short walk. Animals like elephants, lions, buffaloes and leopards can be seen roaming around freely inside the forest.

Bird watching

Bird watching

Budongo Forest is home to 360 species of birds and can be seen inside the forest itself. This forest reserve is one of the famous birding destinations in Uganda attracting tourist from all walks of life. It is also famous for its popular birding trails known as ‘Royal Mile’ where you will be guided by professionals and get to know more about the region and birding experience. You can spot Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Nahan’s Francolin, Black-winged Pranticole, Brown Twinspot, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Black-eared Groundthrush, Ituri Batis, Pygmy Crake, White-thighed Hornbill, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Dwarf and Kingfisher among others.

How to Reach Budongo Forest

Budongo forest is situated north of Kampala and drive from the city to the forest takes about 4 hours. You can fly to Pakuba airfield in Murchison Falls national park from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi Airfield which is near Kampala. If you are visiting Kaniyo Pabidi which is the main hub for chimp tracking, you can visit this place enroute to or from Murchison Falls National Park.

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