Birding in the Royal Mile Budongo Forest
Birding in the Royal Mile Budongo Forest: situated in the southern region of Murchison Falls National Park, is mainly populated with forest birds from West Africa, especially Hornbills. The Budongo Forest Reserve’s Royal Mile is a birdwatcher’s dream, home to a wide variety of feathered species. During this Birding Budongo Forest’s Royal Mile exploration, the Budongo Forest reserve, which covers an area of around 793 square kilometres, includes the Royal Mile. In particular, the Royal Mile is a portion of the large forest that is part of the Guinea-Congo biome and is located next to the Busingiro Ecotourism site. The 1.6 km (1 mile) Royal Mile winds through verdant vegetation, providing a pleasant experience for bird watchers and nature lovers. Historically, it served as the site of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s royal festivities. One of the Kings of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom built the Royal Mile as a place for fun recreational activities and thrilling nature treks. Born in 1853 and passing away in 1923, Omukama Kabalega Chwa II would often accompany his Queen to Budongo Forest for leisure pursuits and to keep an eye on his troops. Within this forest, a special place emerged—the “Royal Mile”—where wild animals roamed freely, and birds filled the air. The “Royal Mile,” where all of these events were held, has currently developed into a shelter for many different kinds of birds and other animals.
History of the Royal Mile
The history of the Royal Mile is a remarkable blend of environment, culture, and historical personalities, with a fascinating historical legacy. It gets its name from the former monarch of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Omukama Kabalega who was instrumental in the construction of this magnificent one-mile forest road. His Abarusura army used it as a military training facility. According to legend, Omukama Kabalega used the royal mile as a means of escape during the difficult colonial era. He is said to have hidden in the deep Budongo Forest before being apprehended at Dokolo and then put into exile in the Seychelles. The monarch and his consort also frequently made trips to the Budongo Forest for leisure pursuits.
Bird Species to See in the Royal Mile-Budongo Forest
Birding in the Royal Mile-Budongo Forest: The Royal Mile boasts an impressive array of bird species, especially those from west Africa (Guinea-Congo Biome endemics) Puvel’s Illadopsis is endemic to this forest reserve in Murchison Falls National Park and not found anywhere else in East Africa. In order to oversee the train-enchanting Abarusura path, keep a lookout for the following interesting bird-feather residents:
The Royal Mile is a paradise for birdwatchers. Numerous wild birds and endemic species capture the attention of visitors. Some notable bird species include the White-thighed, Congo Pied Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, and Piping Hornbill, a large, distinctively featured hornbill. Hairy-breasted Barbet: A striking bird with distinctive plumage. Nahan’s Francolin: A ground-dwelling bird with intricate markings. blue-breasted Kingfisher is well known for its vibrant blue chest, is colourful, and is often among the most cooperative birds on the trail on lucky days. Nahan’s Partridge, which is a ground-dwelling bird known for its cryptic appearance, and Cassin’s Spine-tail, which is a small insectivorous and swift-flying species with a unique tail shape,. Fire-crested Alethe is a forest-dwelling bird with a fiery chest. While Dwarf kingfishers and African pygmies can be mistaken for one another, it is always simple if you have a knowledgeable and competent birding guide from Journeys Uganda and feel at ease.
The little Passerine bird known as the Black-capped Apalis has a black cap atop its head. Fire-crested Alethe is easily identified by its fiery crown, whereas the Blue-throated Roller is a colourful roller bird that stands out from other rollers due to its vivid reddish-brown plumage. It is also the only roller bird that lives in a deep forest. Golden-crowned Woodpecker, a loud-voiced, melodic resident of the high canopy, is usually the first bird to be heard, followed by Red-capped Robin-chat and Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. During the dry season, the White-spotted Flufftail, a shy bird that is frequently located in deep undergrowth around drying watering halls, is easily visible. It is common to witness the African Crowned Eagle soaring well above the woodland. The Lemmon-bellied Crombec and Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher, the little bird known as Sabines Spine-tail with its unusual tail.
The forest-dwelling Ituri Batis is a bird with characteristic black and white patterns. The Grey-headed Sunbird is a little bird with a straight bill that resembles a Warbler. Western Congo’s Black-headed Oriole Pied, the Exquisite Hornbill and Chestnut-caped Flycatcher are endemic species of the Guinea-Congo Biome. As a species of canopy bird, the Rufous-crowned Eremomela is always the first to be heard because of its delightful melodious calls. Observed Greenbul, Woodland Once accompanied by an astute birding guide, Robin is a shy and gregarious growth dweller in Uganda. Red-headed Bluebill, Woodland Warbler, Green Twinspot, Red-headed, and occasionally the Crested Malimbe. The lemon-bellied Crombec: A warbler with lemon-colored underparts. The Spotted Greenbul is a forest-dwelling greenbul. The Yellow-browed Camaroptera is a little warbler. Swift and agile bird with Sabine’s Spine Tail. The term “Chocolate-backed Kingfisher” comes from the rich brown back of the animal. The Yellow-billed Barbet is a beautiful species of Barbets. The patterns on the Yellow-spotted Barbet make identification simple. The Yellow-footed Flycatcher is not only in Budongo Forest Reserve but also stretches up to Semliki.
Other activities to carry out in Budongo Forest Reserve
In addition to bird watching, the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve provides tourists with a wide range of interesting activities to enjoy while strolling along this fascinating track. These activities include the following:
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls National Park
Chimpanzee tracking is an exciting adventure that allows you to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The Royal Mile is one of the two fantastic locations in Uganda where you can experience this remarkable activity. The Royal Mile Trail, situated next to the edge of Budongo Forest, offers a chance to track habituated chimpanzee communities. For the best experience, consider an overnight stay within the forest. Early mornings are ideal for chimp tracking.
Both Budongo and the Royal Mile provide unique opportunities to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Uganda. Other animal species you may encounter include; forest elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, bushbucks, hippos and others.
Cultural encounters
During your birding experience in the Royal Mile, discover the legacy and history connected to the fascinating royal trail in Budongo Forest while birdwatching the Royal Mile. The trail’s name harks back to the activities of the historic Omukama Kabalega, who frequented Budongo Forest for recreational purposes and rituals. His legacy lives on in the Royal Mile. Find out how Omukama Kabalega, the monarch of the Bunyoro-Kitara empire, used this trail for ceremonial purposes, recreation, and military training.
Nature Walks
The accessible and level Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve is ideal for leisurely nature strolls across the natural environment. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the verdant surroundings during this encounter, taking in the crisp forest air and listening to the sound of rustling leaves. A wildlife stroll will take you past several bird species and primates, such as Red-tailed, Blue, Vervet, Black and white colobus monkeys and many others.
The Beautiful Scenery
The natural beauty of the Royal Mile, with evergreen, broad, thick, and thin canopies of gigantic trees, is a feast for the senses; marvel at the towering trees, take in the sound of rustling leaves, and. lose yourself in the peace and quiet of the forest. When birding the royal mile at Budongo Woodland Reserve, take in the impressiveness of the woodland, its fauna, and its historic trail. Lake Kanyege: Adjacent to Budongo Forest, you’ll find the spectacular Lake Kanyege. This serene lake is home to numerous aquatic bird species and several butterfly species.
Photography
Besides birding in the Royal Mile Budongo Forest, this trail offers a serene and captivating environment for photography. This reveals the picturesque beauty of this unique forest. The Royal Mile Trail is a single straight track that winds through the beautiful Budongo Forest. This forest is adorned with towering mahogany trees, creating a magical atmosphere. As you walk along the trail, you’re likely to hear the distant calls of chimpanzees—a thrilling experience. At night, the forest comes alive with the eerie screams of the Rock Hyrax, a unique creature found only in this region of Uganda. For bird watchers, the high canopy holds many surprises. Bring your binoculars or a scope to spot the avian wonders that inhabit the forest.
Lake Kanyege: Adjacent to Budongo Forest, you’ll discover the spectacular Lake Kanyege. Its tranquil waters reflect the surrounding greenery, making it a perfect spot for capturing serene landscapes. The lake is home to numerous aquatic bird species, providing additional photography opportunities. Whether you’re capturing the play of light through the forest canopy, observing wildlife, or framing the reflections on Lake Kanyege, the Royal Mile Budongo Forest promises enchanting sceneries for your lens, all providing additional photography opportunities.
Cost of birding in the Royal Mile
Entrance Fees and Safari Trek: The Royal Mile and Kaniyo Pabidi, the ecotourism sites within Budongo Forest, are renowned for their chimpanzee tracking. To explore this pristine forest, visitors pay an entrance fee of $50 per person. This fee grants access to the forest reserve for 24 hours.
Best time for birding in Budongo Forest
Remember that Uganda, in general, is best visited during the two dry season spells: from June to September and December to February. However, adventurous travellers can still explore during the wet season, although road conditions may be challenging at times. Whether you’re an avid birder or a curious nature lover, Budongo Forest awaits with its feathered wonders!
Depending on your wish list, the dry season is the ideal time to visit Budongo Forest Reserve’s Royal Mile. At this time of year, most trees have lost their leaves, making it simple to spot small canopy species such the Ituri Batis, Uganda Woodland Warbler, and Lemon-bellied Crombec. The best times to see wildlife are typically from December to late February and June to September, when the weather is nice and clear and the animals congregates around waterbodies, increasing your chances of having amazing experiences with them. For tracking chimpanzees and bird watching, early mornings and late evenings are the best times.
The Budongo Forest offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities throughout the year, but certain seasons are particularly rewarding for avian enthusiasts. Let’s explore the best times to visit this lush forest for birdwatching:
February to April
During these months, the birdlife in Budongo Forest is at its peak. Many birds are in breeding plumage, making them even more captivating. The forest comes alive with vibrant colours and melodious calls.
September
September is another excellent time for birdwatching. The forest remains lush, and bird activity is high. Migratory birds are present, adding to the diversity.
June to September (Main Fruiting Season)
This period coincides with the main fruiting season in Budongo. Abundant food attracts a variety of bird species. Keep your binoculars ready for exciting sightings.
November to April (Migratory Birds)
Migratory birds arrive in the forest during this time. Their presence adds to the already rich avian population. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting both resident and migratory species.
What to carry for Birding in the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest
Here is a list of things to pack for an enjoyable birdwatching experience while heading out on the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve:
- A pair of binoculars
- Hiking Boots
- Long-sleeved pants and shirts
- A field guidebook/manual
- Two magnifying glasses
- A camera and extra batteries
- Sunglasses
- Drinking water bottle
- Wearing comfy clothes and shoes
- Repellents for insects
- Bottle of water and some snacks
- A brimmed hat
Accommodation facilities
If you plan to stay in the area, there are various accommodation options around Murchison Falls National Park. Feel free to contact Journeys Uganda for lodge recommendations near Budongo Forest. Some of the lodges include Masindi Hotel, Budongo Eco Lodge, Iziba lodge, Saltek Forest Cottages, and Pross Residence, among others.
Accessing the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest and Muchison Falls National Park
Accessing the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest can be via road (approximately 4 to 5 hours from Kampala) or by internal flight to the Pakuba airfield within Murchison Falls National Park. Remember that Pakuba Airfield is approximately 275 kilometres northwest of Entebbe International Airport, which is the largest civilian and military airport in Uganda. It serves as an entry point for tourists visiting Murchison Falls National Park and also connects to other nearby parks like Kidepo Valley National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accessing the unique Royal Mile, with its captivating and exhilarating activities of bird-watching and wildlife safaris, has enormously contributed to Budongo Forest’s reputation as one of East Africa’s finest bird-watching destinations. Explore birding in Budongo, a tropical rainforest, and discover its wonders, such as Chimpanze tracking, a delightful experience for nature lovers.