Birding in Budongo is an activity of Murchison Falls National Park for birders to explore numerous bird species of Uganda. Budongo forest is composed of majorly Mahogany tree species that are habitat to about 360 bird species that became known in 1932. This was after the forest was gazetted as a central forest reserve covering up to 825 square kilometers. The forest has ever-green tropical savannah grassland and woodlands, which receive an average rainfall of 1200-2200 meters over the year. Budongo forest is located in the northwestern part of Uganda, an area with vast birding scenery. The forest is also famous for being the largest natural forest with unique bird species that cannot be found elsewhere in East Africa. For example, the Yellow-footed flycatcher and Pavel’s Illadoposis.
Bird watching in Budongo forest.
Budongo forest is located in northwestern Uganda a 4-hour drive from Kampala, the capital covering an area of 825 square kilometers. The forest hosts over 360 bird species nesting all around the trees as they play mind-relaxing free music that releases from the world’s stress. Budongo has very unique species, only found in the forest of Budongo and not anywhere else in East Africa. These include the Yellow-footed flycatcher, Guinea-Congo forest Biome, and Illadopsis puveli.
Budongo forest is also a haven for the African pied wagtail, Neafraspus Cassini, Pitta reichenow, parmaptila wood house, fork-tailed drongo, zoothers Camaronesis, and Sylvietta dentist, among other special birds that make Budongo the best birders destination. In addition to the rare species, Budongo hosts Brown twin spots, Chocolate-backed kingfisher, black-eared ground thrush, Cassin’s hawk-eagle, Olive-breasted greenbuls, Crowned eagle, Grey-headed sunbirds, Sabine’s spine tail, Ituri Batis, Forest Robin and many more.
All the birds in Budongo forest are beautifully colored with extra-ordinary sounds produced all over the woodlands. Budongo Forest has been launched among the best birding destinations in Uganda. It is easier to penetrate since it is divided into 3 major spotting sites, for example, Sonso, Kaniyo Pabidi, and Busingiro. This makes it so easier for the birders to meet their favorite bird species. The forest is found on the foothills of Murchison Falls National Park which is the largest national park in Uganda. This gives birders the advantage of visiting Murchison Falls National Park en route to Budongo Forest National Park.
What to do in Budongo forest apart from Bird watching?
Chimpanzee trekking
Budongo forest is home to an estimated 750 chimpanzees attracting tourists almost on a daily who come to track chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking always takes place in the morning and afternoon. This is always after a pre-briefing at around 7 am and 2 pm. Chimpanzee trekking takes about 1-4 hours depending on how far the chimpanzees are. Clients are given an hour in the presence of the primates upon their location. You will be impressed to see how the chimpanzees breastfeed their young ones, and how they socialize, young ones will be swinging in the tree brunches.
Guided Nature walk in Budongo Forest
A guided nature walk in Budongo is an amazing experience that draws you closer to nature. Here a ranger guide is offered to protect the visitor from dangerous wild animals and also to give clear directions for your walk. On this great activity, expect to encounter birds, buffaloes, monkeys, butterflies, olive baboons, red red-tailed monkeys among other animals.
What is the Best birding season in Budongo?
Safaris in Uganda are open year-round and unstoppable in the dry season which makes it so awesome. The dry season is the peak time in Uganda running from July to August when fruits are ripping and the grass is dry for birds to feed and make nests.
