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February 21, 2020

Budongo Forest Reserve

Published by Acacia Safaris Ltd

Why Uganda is referred to as the primate capital

Black-and-white colobus monkey

Budongo Forest Reserve Uganda Chimpanzee Tracking Destination

Budongo Forest Reserve is a moist and semi-deciduous tropical rain forest located at the top of the Albertine Rift northwest of the capital city, Kampala on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. It is particularly famous for its former abundance of Mahogany trees.

The Forest is rich in a variety of bird species, butterflies, moths, plant species, and some mammals. This specific forest is 435 km2 which is quite big according to Uganda’s standards.

History of Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo has always been a primate-rich area. During the 1970s and 1980s, two major civil wars raged in Uganda and wealthy men in foreign countries such as Dubai and other places imported Chimpanzee infants from Kampala as pets. This reduced the number of Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest.

In 1990, Reynolds returned and did research on the Chimpanzees in Budongo and realized that they were still quite a number. The numbers have been increasing since 1995 and are still rising until today. Currently, the forest is known as the Budongo Conservation field station which aims at generating world-class research on primates and Tropical forest ecology.

Wildlife in the Forest

It is recorded that Budongo forest has over 360 bird species, 290 Butterflies, 130 Moths, about 465 trees 24 mammals such as Chimpanzees, the African monkey, and an occasional visit of Elephants and Buffaloes.

Activities are done in Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo forest is definitely the birders’ paradise. With its abundance of birds, birders are able to spot a wide variety. African pied wagtail, Black kite, Crested Guineafowl, Fork-tailed Drone, and a variety of other birds can all be seen here.

In addition, Tourists are able to go on a mind-blowing experience of Chimpanzee tracking in the forest of Budongo as they learn their way of life and behaviors that are similar to man. The chances of meeting a chimpanzee family are really high.

The forest also offers nature walks and hiking where you will move through the forest enjoying the natural plants and other animals. You will be able to spot wildlife as they lick salt and a few large animals such as the elephant if you are lucky.

Since Budongo forest is near a variety of places, you can take the opportunity to visit Uganda’s oldest national park also known as Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, and Boomu women group where you will have a fascinating experience.

Accommodation at the forest

While at this forest, your comfortable stay is guaranteed at Budongo Eco lodge, Saitek Forest Cottages, Murchison Backpackers and campsite, and other magnificent hotels in the area.

How to get to Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo forest is a 4-hour drive from the capital city of Uganda, Kampala or you can take a flight from Entebbe airport to Pakuba Airfield in Murchison Falls National park.

Budongo Forest is the ideal serene and calm place to spend a day away from the world to take a breath of fresh air surrounded by wildlife.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve

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