Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest.

Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest: The Royal Mile is situated within the Budongo Forest reserve, which spans approximately 793 square kilometres. This pristine forest lies at the edge of the Albertine Rift and is attached to Murchison Falls National Park in the Southern section. Specifically, the Royal Mile is a section alongside the Busingiro Eco-tourism site in an extensive forest that is of Guinea – Congo biome. The Royal Mile extends for 1.6 km (1 mile) as it winds through the lush greenery offering bird watchers and nature enthusiasts a delightful experience, it was formerly a place where the royal ceremonies of the Ancient Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom took place.

History of the Royal Mile.

The Royal Mile has a fascinating history that entwines culture, nature and historical figures. It owes its name to Omukama Kabalega past ruler of Bunyoro kingdom. Omukama Kabalega played a significant role in creating this spectacular one-mile forest road. It served as a military training ground for his Abarusura Army. Legends have it that Omukama Kabalega used the royal mile as his exit during the challenging colonial time when he hid in the dense Budongo Forest before eventually being arrested in Dokolo and sent to exile in Seychelles later. The king and his queen also often visited the Budongo Forest for recreational activities, to supervise the Abarusura undergoing training, and to conduct cultural rituals.

Bird Species sighted along the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest.

The Royal Mile within the Budongo Forest Reserve is a bird watchers’ paradise offering a diverse array of avian species. While exploring this enchanting trail, keep your eyes peeled for the following captivating birds:

• 

  Hairy-breasted Barbet which is a striking barbet with distinctive plumage

• Blue-breasted Kingfisher which is a colourful Kingfisher often perched at eye level and beyond and among the most cooperative birds on the trail given lucky days.
• Nahan’s Partridge  which is a ground-dwelling bird known for its cryptic appearance
• Cassin’s Spine-tail which is a small insectivorous with a unique tail shape
• Fire-crested Alethe which is a forest-dwelling bird with a fiery chest.
• Dwarf Kingfisher easily confused with the African Pygmy but with a great birding Guide from Journeys Uganda, all is always easy
• Black-capped Apalis which is a small passerine bird with a black cap on its head.
• Blue-throated Roller often noticed by its vibrant rufous plumage and the only deep forest resident compared to other Rollers.
• Red-capped Robin-chat
• Chocolate-backed Kingfisher always first heard and a very loud melodious high canopy dweller
• Golden-crowned Woodpecker
• White-spotted Flufftail which is a secretive bird often found in the dense undergrowth and easy to see in the dry season near drying watering halls
• White-thighed Hornbill one of the Guinea-Congo Biome Endemics
• The African Crowned Eagle is often seen soaring high above the forest.
• Lemmon-bellied Crombec
• Rufous-crowned Eremomela
• Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher
• Sabines Spine-tail which is a small bird with a distinctive tail shape
• Ituri Batis which is a forest-dwelling bird with distinctive black and white markings.
• Grey-headed Sunbird which is a Warbler like bahaving little Sunbird with a straight bill
• Western Black-headed Oriole
• Congo Pied Hornbill
• Chestnut-caped Flycatcher one of the very beautiful Guinea-Congo Biome endemics
• Rufous-crowned Eremomela always first heard and a canopy bird species
• Spotted Greenbul
• Forest Robin a shy and easy to find under growth dweller once with a keen birding guide
• Uganda Woodland Warbler
• Green Twinspot
• Red-headed Bluebill
• Red-headed and sometimes the Crested Malimbe

Other activities to carry out while birding the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve

Apart from bird watching, The Royal Mile within Budongo Forest Reserve offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors while exploring this captivating trail and these include the following:

1. Nature Walks

The Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve is flat and accessible making it perfect for leisurely nature walks. This experience lets visitors immerse themselves in the lush greenery, listening to the rustling leaves and breathing in the fresh forest air. You will encounter different primate and bird species while on the nature walk.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking

Budongo Forest is home to chimpanzees and Chimpanzee Trekking is another rewarding activity that one should carry out after birding the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve.

3. Cultural Safari

While birding the Royal Mile, learn about the history and heritage associated with the captivating royal trail in Budongo forest. Discover how Omukama Kabalega, the ruler of the Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom used this trail for military training, rituals and leisure.

4. Butterfly Watching

The forest is rich in birdlife and hosts a diverse array of butterfly species. Keep an eye out for these delicate insects as they flutter among the leaves.

5. Photography

Capture the beauty of the forest, its wildlife, and its historic trail while birding the royal mile in Budongo Forest Reserve.

6. Enjoy the Scenery.

Marvel at the towering trees, listen to the rustling leaves and soak in the tranquillity of the forest since the Royal Miles’s natural beauty is a treat for the senses.

What is the best time to carry out birding the Royal Mile in Budongo forest?

The best time to explore the Royal Mile within Budongo Forest Reserve is during the dry season depending on your Wishlist, during this time most trees have shed the leaves and small canopy species like the Ituri Batis, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Lemon-bellied Crombec become easy finds. This is usually from December to late February and June to September with pleasant weather with clear skies and wildlife tends to gather around waterbodies hence enhancing your chance of memorable wildlife encounters. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for chimp tracking and bird-watching.

What to carry when birding the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve?

When embarking on a bird-watching adventure along the Royal Mile in Budongo Forest Reserve, here’s a checklist of items to carry for an enriching birding experience:

• A field Guide book
• A pair of binoculars
• Camera and spare batteries
• Rain gear
• Hat and Sunglasses
• Comfortable clothing and Footwear
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle and Snacks

Remember to enjoy the symphony bird calls and the magic of Budongo Forest.