Birding in Kaniyo Pabidi Budongo Forest
Birding in Kaniyo Pabidi Budongo Forest: Kaniyo Pabidi, nestled within the Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, is a haven for bird enthusiasts. This lush forest is renowned for its diverse avian population, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. This fascinating world of birds is a captivating ecotourism site, situated within the Budongo Forest, which is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa. Kaniyo Pabidi boasts over 360 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers, together with other activities such as chimpanzee tracking, forest walks, habituation, and research.
Bird species found in Kaniyo Pabidi
Kaniyo Pabidi hosts several special birds with West and Central African origins, including Guinea-Congo Forest-related birds. Keep an eye out for unique birds like the White-thighed Hornbill, a striking hornbill species; the Hairy-breasted and Yellow-billed Barbets with colourful beaks; the Green Hylia, a tiny melodious bird; the elusive Lemon-bellied Crombec; various forest starlings; and the rare Puvel’s Illadopsis: A unique bird found nowhere else in East Africa except here, Chocolate-backed Kingfishers: vibrant and striking, the beautiful Great Blue Turaco; White-thighed Hornbills: impressive and distinctive; Yellow-footed Flycatchers: rare and beautiful; Ituri Batis: a delightful forest dweller; Little Green Sunbird: small but colourful; Western Black-headed Oriole striking plumage; Western Crested Guineafowl; Little Geenbul; and Kingfishers like the African Dwarf, Chocolate-backed and Blue-breasted.
Other notable birds include
Crested Guineafowl: A striking ground-dweller; Black-billed Turaco: Its vibrant plumage stands out. Buff-throated, Black-throated, & Black-caped Apalis: These songbirds add melody to the forest. Rufous-crowned Eremomela and Chestnut-caped Flycatcher: Tiny wonders flitting among the leaves, Yellow & Grey Longbills: Their distinctive bills catch attention. Lemon-bellied Crombec: A master of camouflage, the migrant African Pitta: A jewel-like bird; Rufous-sided Broadbill: A splash of colour; Blue-breasted; Dwarf & Chocolate-backed Kingfishers: Watch for flashes of blue and brown. Yellow-crested & Brown-eared Woodpeckers: Busy drilling tree trunks; Yellowbill and Western Black-headed Oriole: Their calls resonate through the forest. Yellow-spotted, Little Green Sunbird: Glints of sunshine, Crested Malimbe, and Red-headed Bluebill, with Vibrant Finches, among others.
Birding Trails in Kaniyo Pabidi-Budongo Forest
Discover 115 miles of trails with the assistance of experienced professionals. This natural forest is occasionally home to buffalo, lions, and leopards. The charming forest trails of Kaniyo Pabidi offer a charming setting that is perfect for birdwatching. You are in for a feathery experience whether you explore in the morning or the evening.
Cost of birding
Entrance Fees: To access Kaniyo Pabidi, visitors need to pay the entrance fee to Murchison Falls National Park. As of my last update, this fee is approximately $25 for foreign non-residents, $20 for foreign residents, and UGX 20,000 for East African residents. Keep in mind that park fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or local tour operators for the most up-to-date information.
Best time to go birding In Kaniyo Pabidi
The best time for birding in Kaniyo Pabidi, located within Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, is during the morning or evening hours. This is because birds are more active during the morning hours in search of food, exercising their communication skills using melodious calls and sounds, especially during mating. On the other hand, bird watching is very conducive to our evenings because, during this time, birds are always preparing to nestle and rest in tree canopies. Additionally, they tend to gather together, giving room for bird lovers to spot them in a calm environment. This forest area is renowned for its rich birdlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
What to see in Kaniyo Pabidi Budongo Forest
In addition to being a great place to go bird watching, the forest is home to a wide variety of butterflies, trees, and other wildlife, including duikers, buffalo, elephants, hippos, and bushbucks. The forest also grows in number; over ten different kinds of primates have been identified here, with chimpanzees being the most well-known.
Chimpanzees
The first chimpanzee sightings were in 1992, and sightings are now common. There are more than 90 primate species, and the ideal times to see chimpanzees are from May to August. Kaniyo Pabidi is home to a variety of primate species in addition to birds. When you explore the jungle, keep an eye out for primates, including chimpanzees. Known for having the densest chimpanzee population in Uganda—roughly 6.5 individuals per square kilometer—Kaniyo Pabidi is home to this unique species. One of the highlights of visiting Uganda to track these intriguing monkeys is the chimpanzee tour. Here, there is a good 80% likelihood of seeing chimpanzees.
Wildlife: While exploring Kaniyo Pabidi, you might encounter other wildlife as well. Visitors often spot antelope species and their droppings along the walking trails. Occasionally, big cats like lions and leopards are heard roaring at night. You might even catch glimpses of elephants and buffaloes passing through the forest.
Natural Beauty: The forest’s natural beauty is characterised by towering mahogany and ironwood trees. It also features a mix of swan forest and Cynometra mid-altitude semi-deciduous Celtis forest.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a bird lover, or simply seeking tranquilly in nature, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is a top destination within Murchison Falls National Park. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in its captivating ecosystem!
Other Activities conducted in Kaniyo Pabidi-Budongo forest
In Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, located within Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of exciting activities. Here are some of the memorable experiences you can enjoy in this rain forest:
Chimpanzee Tracking: Embark on an incredible journey to track these fascinating primates. Witness their natural behaviour and learn about their habitat. Other primate species include blue monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, mangabeys, and black-and-white Colobus monkeys.
Forest Walks: Explore the forest on foot, surrounded by towering mahogany and ironwood trees. Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Nile River Exploration: The Nile River shelters hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic species like the famous Shoebill stork. Take a boat trip and witness these incredible creatures.
Camping: Consider camping in the middle of the forest for a truly immersive experience. Memorable experiences are created by the sounds of nature and the starry skies.
Primate Encounters: Besides chimpanzees, encounter other primate species such as baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Game Viewing: Enjoy breathtaking views of the delta when you go on game drives from Paraa. The grasslands of the savannah offer an ideal setting for seeing African animals. In Murchison Falls National Park, the Buligi region provides great chances to see wildlife. Savannah grasslands offer a picturesque setting for observing many wildlife species, including hippos, elephants, and buffalo. The attraction is increased by the expansive views of Lake Albert and the Great East African Rift Valley.
What to carry on a birding safari
Items to carry include; a binocular, telescope, hiking boots, long pants, long sleeved shirts, brimmed hat, drinking water bottle, camera, light source/torch, water proof jacket, backpack bag, note book/field manual, and sun glasses. Mosquito repellents, among others.
Accommodation and Facilities:
The ecotourism location has several amenities, such as an open-sided banda for welcoming and unwinding guests. Crafted by local artists using grass from Lake Albert’s shoreline, the intimate and comfortable African Bandas provide lodging for guests.
Situated close to the visitor centre, the campsite can accommodate around 18–20 people. It offers basic facilities, including fuel wood, water, and an outdoor lavatory. If you are coming here for a birding safari, you might want to lodge in the Budongo area of the southern portion of Murchison Falls National Park. You may easily move between birdwatching locations because it is close to the northern sector. Accommodation facilities include Budongo Eco Lodge Budongo Eco Lodge, which combines superb safari accommodation with exciting forest activities, is all set against the backdrop of untouched African nature. Other lodges include Sambiya River Lodge and Masindi Hotel, among others, all waiting to be discovered.
Of course! A haven for birdwatchers, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is tucked away in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park. Agate paths to amazement and learning as you delve into this verdant forest’s fascinating world of avian marvels. provides a fun range of outdoor activities for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.