Uganda Parks
By Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and frequently visits Uganda. She and her husband are a travel photography/writing team with many Africa guidebooks under their belt, including the Bradt guide to Uganda.
Budongo Forest is home to two ecotourism sites: Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro. Kaniyo Pabidi is en route to Murchison Falls and offers excellent chimpanzee trekking. Busingiro is home to the Royal Mile, one of the top bird-watching tracks in the country. The forest is also a good place to see other primates including black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkey. Birds and butterflies are abundant.
Pros and Cons
- Chimpanzee trekking and full day habituation experience available
- Accommodation available at Kaniyo Pabidi or nearby Murchison Falls NP
- Lower fees for chimp trekking than in the more popular Kibale NP
- Excellent birding available
- Pristine forest
- Busingiro is remote and has no accommodation facilities or activities available
Wildlife
Many primate species are easily encountered. Aside from chimpanzees, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, black-and-white colobus and olive baboon can be seen. Nocturnal creatures include potto and several galago species. Also of interest are the high number of birds and butterflies recorded. Herds of buffalo and elephant also visit the park from neighboring savannah reserve, Murchison Falls. Although you might see their tracks, they are seldom encountered.
Scenery
This pristine forest reserve has an amazing number (465 in total) of plant species recorded. Most notable are the impressive giant mahogany trees up to 60m high. Other beautiful trees to look out for are the spiky Fagara trees, parasitic strangler figs and iron wood trees. The latter is regularly used by chimpanzees for communication by drumming on their trunks.
Weather & Climate
Throughout the year, maximum daytime temperatures in Budongo Forest hover around 31°C/88°F, thanks to its position near the equator. In the Wet season (March to October), the rain eases off a bit during June and July. The precipitation practically disappears in the Dry season (November to February), providing a welcome break from the tropical humidity.
Best Time to Visit
The wildlife watching is good in Budongo year-round. However, it is at its best in the Dry season (November to February), and in the middle of the year when the Wet season rains temporarily lighten (June and July). The drier tracks at these times make chimpanzee trekking and birding that much easier.
