Birding Safaris in Budongo Forest
Birding Safaris in Budongo Forest Reserve | Uganda Bird Watching
Birding safaris in Budongo Forest is a perfect addition to numerous wildlife experiences in Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest is one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Uganda, home to over 360 bird species.
Budongo’s diverse bird species include over 60 West & Central African species. Budongo Forest is home to the rare birds that do not exist anywhere else in East Africa and include Puvel’s illadopsis.
During a birding excursion in Budongo, the key spots to explore include Kaniyo-pabidi and Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is most popular for birds such as white-thighed hornbills, African dwarf kingfishers, yellow-footed flycatchers, and chocolate-backed kingfishers.
Budongo’s Top Bird Species
The bird species to explore during birding safaris in Budongo include the crested guineafowl, African dwarf kingfishers, Cassin’s spine-tail, black-eared ground thrush, Cassin’s hawk eagle, and blue-breasted kingfishers.
Birds in Budongo include crowned eagles, Abyssinian ground hornbills, little green sunbirds, Ituri batis, Sabine’s spine tail, yellow-crested woodpeckers, and plain greenbul.
Budongo Forest also supports birds such as olive-breasted greenbul, African pied hornbill, slender-billed, grey-headed sunbirds, black and white casqued hornbill.
When to go for Birding in Budongo Forest
Budongo can be visited all year round for birding safaris. But the ideal time to go there for you to experience the best of Budongo Forest bird watching tours is during the peak dry months, June to September, or December to February. These are peak months with low rainfall and provide favorable conditions for birders to enjoy guided walks as they search for birds in Budongo Forest Reserve.
Wildlife to see in Budongo
Besides birds, Budongo Forest is endowed with a myriad of primates and mammals. They include the red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, galagos, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and pottos. Within Budongo, expect to also find the elephants, tree hyrax, squirrel, and tree pangolin.
Additional Activities to do in Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee trekking
About 800 chimpanzees reside in Budongo, and a good section of them have been habituated for tourism purposes. Budongo is such an amazing spot for you to explore chimpanzees in their natural wild with an expert. In addition to normal chimpanzee treks, you can also engage in chimpanzee habituation.
Nature walks
Nature walking in Budongo Forest takes you deeper into the vibrant natural forest. Expect to search for diversity of wildlife/primates, and birds plus some colorful butterfly species.
Where to Stay During Birding Safaris in Budongo Forest
Accommodation options to book for an overnight stay during birding safaris in Budongo Forest include Budongo Eco Lodge, Pabidi Lodge, and Boomu Bandas.
How to get to Budongo for your Birding Safaris
Budongo Forest can be accessed on the Kampala-Gulu Highway, but you branch off to Masindi town. Drive to Kichumbanyobo gate, which is found in the Southern end of Murchison Falls National Park. This gate offers easier access to Budongo Forest. Using a well-mechanized safari car, preferably a 4×4, expect to spend at least 4 to 6 hours to reach Budongo Forest.
Accessing Budongo from Masindi takes 1.5 hours as you drive to the Kichumbanyobo gate. By air, you can opt for the domestic flight starting from Entebbe Airport, and you land at Pakuba Airstrip.
Conclusion: Budongo Forest Reserve is a popular birding safari destination. Do you plan to go for a wildlife tour in Murchison Falls National Park and also want to engage in birding/birdwatching? Book your birding safari with Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd to enjoy the best of the Budongo Forest birding expedition.
We have a strong team with vast knowledge about birding safaris in Uganda and East Africa at large. We are the trusted company for you to plan and secure your birding safari experience.