Birding Budongo Royal Mile – Birding Safaris Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Game park. Budget Birding Safaris in Uganda | Short Birding Safaris in Uganda
Birding Budongo Royal Mile. Budongo Royal Mile is located within Budongo Forest in northwestern Uganda, approximately three hours from Kampala via Masindi. The reserve spans about 830 square kilometers, with more than half of this area consisting of grassland. Positioned in the renowned Albertine rift corridor, it is an excellent location for birdwatching. In addition to chimpanzees, Budongo hosts various primates, including red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys. Visitors can also observe over 26 species of mammals, 300 types of butterflies, and 470 different tree species.
Beyond its chimpanzees and diverse tree species, the Royal Mile is recognized for its extensive variety of forest birds. You might encounter the African Dwarf Kingfisher, Black-white-casqued Hornbill, Fire-crested Alethe, African Fish Eagle, Grey-crowned Crane, Red-billed Firefinch, Orange Weaver, Yellow-billed Stork, Black-headed Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, yellow-footed flycatcher, Illadopsis puveli, and Purple-banded Sunbird. This region is a favorite haunt for bird enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable birdwatching adventure.
A birding journey along the Budongo Royal Mile takes you through the forest fringes and adjacent farmland, where you can find Heuglin’s Francolin, Brown Babbler, Copper Sunbird, African Firefinches, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Singing Cisticola, and many additional species.
Accessibility to Budongo Forest Royal Mile
Reaching the Budongo Forest Royal Mile for birding is straightforward. The Budongo Forest Reserve is situated in northwestern Uganda and is part of the southern region of Murchison Falls National Park.
By road
Most travelers make their way by road from Kampala, which requires about three to four hours. The journey passes through Masindi town, located 30 to 40 kilometers from major birding spots like the Busingiro Eco-Tourism Site and the Royal Mile. While public transport is available to Masindi, options become limited beyond that point. You will require a private vehicle or a tour operator to access the forest itself.
By air
Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba Airstrip near Murchison Falls and then drive to Budongo, which typically takes about one and a half to two hours. This option is convenient if you plan to incorporate Budongo into a larger safari within the park.
Best time for Birding in Budongo Royal Mile
Budongo Forest serves as a remarkable birding destination all year round, but the ideal time to visit for optimal birdwatching is during the wetter months, from November to April. During this period, both resident and migratory bird species are most active and vocal, leading to more rewarding sightings. The forest becomes lush and vibrant in these months, though the trails may be muddy, so it’s crucial to have the right gear.
The dry seasons, generally from June to August and again from December to February, provide more comfortable hiking conditions and easier trail access. However, bird activity may be somewhat lower as certain species are less vocal.
It’s best to avoid visiting during the peak rainy months of May and October, as heavy rainfall can make navigating the forest trails challenging and reduce visibility for birdwatching. Regardless of the time of year, the Royal Mile continues to be a premier destination for birdwatchers, with highlights including the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Nahan’s Partridge, and the elusive Puvel’s Illadopsis.
What to pack for a birding safari
Proper packing for a birding trip to Budongo Forest can greatly improve your experience. Important items to include are a good pair of binoculars, ideally 8×42 or 10×42 for clear views through the dense foliage, a dependable field guide such as Birds of East Africa, and a camera with a powerful zoom lens if you’re interested in bird photography.
A notebook or a birding app like Merlin or eBird can assist in keeping track of your sightings. For attire, opt for neutral-colored, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to blend in with the surroundings and protect against insect bites and thorny plants. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho is essential, even during the dry season, as the weather in the forest can be unpredictable. Waterproof hiking boots provide comfort and grip on slippery paths, while a wide-brimmed hat or cap offers sun protection. Additional beneficial items include insect repellent, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, energy snacks, and a daypack for comfortable carrying.
A walking stick, flashlight, power bank, and a compact first-aid kit are also useful extras, especially for early morning or longer birding excursions.
Booking gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda with Katland Safaris.
Katland Safaris organizes the best gorilla and wildlife safaris in East Africa. When it comes to gorilla trekking, we will book your gorilla trekking permits for Uganda`s Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national park and gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Besides booking your gorilla permit, we will also put all other gorilla safari accessories, like transportation and accommodation, in one package to make your gorilla trekking safari a memorable adventure:
Your gorilla trekking safaris can be customized to meet your safari expectations and needs, and budget. The safari package can range from budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris.
Feel free to contact our team of excellent safari consultants to help you organize the best Africa gorilla safari ever.
