Birdwatching in Busingiro-Budongo Forest
Birdwatching in Busingiro-Budongo Forest: It is situated northwest of Kampala, Uganda, en route to Murchison Falls National Park on Buliisa Road, approximately 43 kilometers west of Masindi. Busingiro is accessible by road, and it takes about an hour to reach Masindi, either by private car or public transport. If you’re a bird enthusiast, Busingiro in Budongo Forest is a paradise waiting to be explored. Here’s Busingiro, one of Uganda’s most significant birding sites, with over 360 bird species recorded. Birdwatchers will be delighted by species like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, the Lemon-bellied Crombec, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Ituri Batis, Red-fronted Antpecker, Nahan’s Partridge, the very smallest African Dwarf Kingfisher, Grey and Yellow Longbill, Green Hylia, Tit Hylia, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Forest Robin, Fire-crested Alethe, Scaly-breasted and Brown Illadopsis and many others.
The best birding sites within Budongo Forest include:
Kaniyo Pabidi
Nestled in Uganda’s southern section of Murchison Falls National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi is a birdwatcher’s paradise. This verdant tropical rain forest, coupled with woodland towards the northern section, is well known for its wide variety of birdlife, which makes it a great place to go birdwatching. The largest mahogany forest in East Africa, Budongo Forest, is home to this amazing world of birds, the only area in Central East Africa for the Puvel’s Illadopsis, and is a popular ecotourism destination. With more than 360 bird species, Kaniyo Pavidi is a paradise for birdwatchers. It also offers a range of other activities, like tracking chimpanzees, taking forest walks, habituation, and research.
Bird species in Kaniyo Pabidi
Several unique birds with West and Central African ancestry can be found at Kaniyo Pabidi, such as those associated with the Guinea-Congo Forest. Keep a look out for unusual birds such as the Hairy-breasted and Yellow-billed Barbets, which have colourful beaks; the White-thighed Hornbill, a stunning species of Hornbill; the Tiny, Musical Green Hylia; the elusive Lemon-bellied Crombec; the Purple-headed Starling; and the uncommon Puvel’s Illadopsis: A rare bird that can only be found here in East Africa, The stunning Great Blue Turaco, the striking Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, the impressive and unique Congo-pied Hornbill, the uncommon and exquisite Chestnut-caped Flycatchers, and the Little Green Sunbirds: Small but colourful Western Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher, Western Crested Guineafowl, Spotted, Plain, Slender-Billed, Grey and Little Greenbul, and Kingfishers. Ituri Batis is a beautiful forest resident, Fire-crested Alethe, Narina Trogon, Brown-Eared Woodpecker, and Golden-crowned Woodpecker, among others.
Royal Mile in Budongo Forest
What you need to know about the 1.5-kilometre birding trail on the Royal Mile neighbouring Busingiro. There are a remarkable number of bird species on the Royal Mile. This route and the larger extension of the Congo forests are home to two endemic species: the Yellow-footed Flycatcher, which extends up to Semliki, and the Puvel’s Illadopsis. Look out for the following amazing feathered residents to oversee the train-enchanting Abarusura trail.
For birdwatchers, the Royal Mile is a birder’s paradise. Tourists are drawn to the many indigenous species and rare species of birds on this unique bird-watching trail. Among the noteworthy bird species are the Hairy-breasted Barbet, a visually remarkable bird with unique plumage, and the White-thighed Hornbill, a huge, unusual-featured Hornbill. Nahan’s Partridge, formerly a Francolin, is an intricately marked ground-dwelling bird. On favourable days, the Blue-breasted Kingfisher is well-known for its vivid blue chest and for being one of the more cooperative birds on the trail on lucky days. The ground-dwelling Brown-chested Alethe is distinguished by its enigmatic appearance. Cassin’s Spine-Tail is a tiny, swift-moving insectivorous species distinguished by its unusual tail structure. Alethe the Fire-Crested, a bird of the forest with a flaming chest; the White-Throated, Spotted, and Plain Greenbul; Uganda Woodland Warbler, Ituri Batis, Forest Flycatcher; Grey-throated Tit Flycatcher; African Dwarf and Pygmy Kingfisher; Narina Trogon; and Yellow-spotted Barbet, among others.
Other species and activities in Busingiro-Budongo Forest.
Research activities
Research and Conservation: BCFS combines research with practical actions to protect chimpanzees. Notable achievements include identifying threats from snares and sighting an albino infant chimpanzee. Get involved, and to learn more, visit the Budongo Conservation Field Station website.
Busingiro Ecotourism Site with unique tree species, butterflies, plants and insects
The site lies within Budongo Forest, which boasts the largest number of impressive mahogany trees in East Africa, some reaching up to 80 metres in height, with unique butterflies, insects, and plants on which animals and birds feed. It also offers stunning views of the Congo’s Blue Mountains and the rift valley escarpment. Visitors can relax at a locally established structure, enjoy sodas, snacks, and locally prepared meals, and even purchase local crafts, T-shirts, videos, and bird guidebooks.
Animal species include:
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious explorer, Busingiro’s lush greenery and diverse wildlife include animals like primates such as Red-tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Black and White colobus Monkeys, and Mangabeys, among others. Animal species like forest Elephants, Buffaloes, Bush Bucks, Water Bucks, antelopes, and many others await your discovery!
Chimpanzee Trekking:
Busingiro also provides an excellent opportunity for chimpanzee trekking, which is one of the prime activities in this captivating forest. You might encounter these magnificent creatures along with other primates during your forest walks. Additionally, you might spot monkeys, giant forest squirrels, and the intriguing checkered elephant shrew.
School Group Activities:
Busingiro is an incredible destination for school groups for learning purposes. An education centre that equips learners with knowledge about the eco-system and biodiversity within their immediate surroundings, as well as a campsite centre for campers. Students can also engage in forest or nature walk activities and explore the loop system that provides fantastic forest experiences. Children can also learn about the forest’s significance through exhibits and nature interpretations of flora and fauna.
How to access Busingiro Forest Within Budongo Forest for birdwatching
Busingiro is situated on Buliisa Road, approximately 43 kilometres west of Masindi. You can reach Busingiro by road, which takes about an hour from Masindi. Whether you opt for a private car or public transport, the journey promises scenic views.