BIRD WATCHING EXPERIENCE IN BUDONGO FOREST RESERVE.

Bird watching in Budongo Forest! Budongo forest reserve is located on the southern fringes of Murchison Falls National Park and one of the preserved rain forests of east Africa. The reserve is predominantly known for chimpanzee trekking and one of the areas where big mahogany trees with over 80 meters tall and some 20 meters in circumference.

Budongo forest has a rich forming the basis for a perfect African safari. From birds, great apes, wildebeest herds and magical flora; indeed this is the home of safari. East Africa hosts some of the most unique birds’ species in the World and Uganda is among Africa’s top four countries in terms of highest birds’ species recorded per country; making them the top birding safari destinations in Africa. Indeed a birding tour in Uganda gives you the best treat of African birding.  We provide great birding tour packages with our own best professional guides

Bird watching is one of the activities done in Budongo forest near Murchison falls national park where a number of several bird species of over 366 of which 60 are central African bird species with other two key species which can’t be found elsewhere in East Africa which are; Pavel’s illadoposis and Yellow-footed Flycatcher. Other species such as Ceratogymna fistulator, Smithornis rufolateralis, Ixonotus guttatus, Neafrapus cassini, Sylvietta denti, Batis ituriensis and Zoothera camaronensis Other rare species in Budongo Forest include Pitta reichenowi and Parmoptila woodhousei, both with multiple recent records.

Best time for bird watching in Budongo Forest reserve.

Visiting is Budongo Forest reserve is no optional to a specific time period but entirely open throughout the year for birders however the country at large experiences different seasons characterized by both dry and wet months which all offer unique experiences and as well have their own advantage and disadvantages in regards to activities to be done.

Between the months of November to march and june to September the area is normally occupied with migratory birds making these months one of the best months for bird watching as plenty of bird species will be present in the forest. However other recommendable months for bird watching are June, July and August where there is plenty of fruits which attract birds to feed on and at the same time breeding.

Besides good birding, one is likely to encounter a range of chimpanzees which are the main tourist attraction in the forest reserve beside the gigantic mahogany tree species. More than 600 of these primates are found in Budongo forest and are protected by the local administration of Budongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS).

Optional activities to supplement bird watching experience in Budongo.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:

Chimpanzee habituation is a process where chimpanzees are taught to relate to human beings on an encounter to them in the forest, it’s one of the unique experiences you can have on your safari thus here clients enter the forest to meet chimpanzees before they wake up under instructions of an experienced guides who will be carrying out their daily program of habituating chimpanzees. You will proceed and follow them in their daily activities as they feed and move from one place to another as you learn about their way of life. The time spent with the chimpanzees here is very long (Full day) as opposed to the one hour of viewing in chimpanzee tracking. So be ready to enjoy with your packed lunch, camera as you will shoot many photographs and videos.

However a restricted number of only four people are allowed to habituate a single chimpanzee family per day which requires you to book early in time for the experience according to your planned schedule not to miss out.

Nature walks in Budongo forest.

Budongo forest reserve has well organized nature trails which will allow you explore more what is embodied in the area by close encounter with flora and fauna in the park, listen to the sweet melodies of birds, engage in nature walks through Kaniyo Pabidi which takes you via the woodland and savanna terrains where you can view wildlife species like elephants, buffaloes at a distance.

You may as well extend your exploration to Murchison falls just a short distance off Budongo forest as well as the park’s wildlife species while you are on game drives for more wildlife exploration and other optional activities.

How to access Budongo Forest Reserve on your bird watching tour.

Budongo forest can be accessed either by Road or air transport. Reserve can be accessed by road from Entebbe international airport/Kampla by road which will bate about 6 hours through Murchison falls main gate and as well scheduled flights operate from Entebbe International Airport/Kajjansi to Pakuba airfield in Murchison falls national park from where we arrange to transfer you in our 4*4 customised safari vehicle to Budongo Forest Reserve.

We as well work in collaboration with domestic chartered flights which operate to different national parks within the country and thus we can arrange for you a quick transfer to and from any given national park in the country for your safari.

Accommodation facilities in and around Budongo Forest Reserve on Your Safari.

There is a variety of lodging options in and around budongo forest reserve ranging from Budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation which will all offer you a safe and comfortable rest on your safari. Some of these lodges are found within Budongo while others are in Murchison falls and some of them are; Budongo Eco lodge, Para lodge, Red chili, Bakers Lodge, Pakuba lodge, Kabalega road among others.

Contact safari Vacations & Travel Service for your planned birding experience and as well tailor made safaris to Murchison falls national park for more exploration at affordable rates to attain your dream holiday.