Uganda is a home to several forest reserves and Bugoma Forest Reserve is among the most popular. Bugoma Tropical rain forest is located in Western Uganda in the South-western side of Hoima district. The forest was established in 1932 as a forest reserve and since 2003 , it has been managed by National Foresty Authority covering area of 401 square kilometers (155 square miles/40,100 hectares).
Bugoma forest is a home of diverse wildlife including baboons and mangabeys as well as numerous tree species. The introduction of chimpanzee tracking is expected to boost local tourism, generate revenue and create job opportunities for local communities.
The association of Exclusive sustainable Tour Operators announces to Tour Operators that the chimpanzee tracking is opening in Bugoma forest starting on 15th august 2024. To reduce the congestion of other chimpanzee ecotourism sites and promote sustainability with better conservation of bugoma forest. Tshis Forest Reserve is drained by four small rivers that include River Bubwa, River Wake, River Sonso and River Waisoke that pour their water into Lake Albert.
Attractions in Bugoma tropical forest.
Bird watching.
Despite the fact that bugoma is a tropical forest, it is the best destination for bird watching. Bugoma is a home of 221 bird species which some are endemic and others are migrates birds. Birding may take full day or half day searching for various bird species in the forest. Birders are advised to pack cameras, binoculars, comfortable hiking boots, long trousers, long t-shirt, water and snacks, rain coat, insect repellent and many more. Some of the bird species include Nahan’s partridge, grey parrot, African crowned eagles, Black-eared ground thrush, Nahan’s francolin and many more.
Wildlife.
Bugoma tropical forest is a home of 38 mammals including down by the savannah you can occasionally spot buffaloes and elephants. Leopards and lions reside in the forest, but are rarely seen. You’re far more likely to see antelopes, waterbucks, and duikers down by the water. These are spotted during nature walks in the forest however visitors are advised to walk in the forest with the help of guides so that they are not lost in the forest or not being affected by wildlife species.
Chimpanzee tracking and habituation.
Bugoma forest is now authorized for chimpanzee tracking and habituation which are about 580 individuals. During chimpanzee tracking, visitors will spot other primates like a large number of black and white colobus (Colubus Guereza), Ugandan mangabey (Lophocebus Ugandae), red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and baboons. Chimpanzees can be visited in morning hours and evening hours starting from 8am to 2pm respectively. Visitors are expected to pack cameras, comfortable hiking boots, rain coat, hiking sticks, water &snacks, insect repellent and many more.
Nature walks.
Nature walk is an activity that involves footing into the forest or visiting local communities surrounding the bugoma forest. During nature walks, visitors are exposed to various wildlife species, bird species and chimpanzees are spotted. Visitors advised that during nature walks, they must walk with a guide who knows the place and knows what is best for them. Most of the times, visitors are led to local communities where they are entertained with traditional dances, told stories, visting local markets, tasting on tranditional meals, visiting trandtional doctors who use herbs as medicine and many more.
Besides Bugoma forest, where else do we spot chimpanzees?
- Kibale national park
- Kalinzu forest
- Kyambura gorge
- Budongo forest
How much is a chimpanzee permit in bugoma forest?
Despite the fact chimpanzees tracking can not be accessed without permits, in authorized areas, it has been confirmed that chimpanzee fees will be $80 which is affordable compared to other sites. In promoting this activity, National Forestry Authority is collaborating with bugoma jungle, lodge, and kikonko lodge.
How to access the bugoma forest reserve?
This magnificent Forest Reserve is found at 70 kilometers away from Hoima district, and can be accessed using road transport through a dusty road. You will use the Kampala-Hoima-Fortportal road, then to Kabwoya to access Bugoma via the Kasindi Forest Station. You can reach the forest on either a guided tour or even on a self -guided trip.
Where to stay while bugoma forest?
Kikonko lodge
Kikonko lodge is locate on the top of the escapement of the albetine rift valley overlooking Lake albert. In the heart of Africa, kikonko lodge offers guests comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. At Kikonko Lodge we have six quiet self-contained rooms and in their main building you find a spacious reception area where you will be served your welcoming drink and from where you will be escorted to your room. This ensures that visitors can easily keep a distance to each other during check-in and all the rooms are self -contained with flushing toilet papers, showers, towels, sandles, detergents and many more. While at the lodge visitors are facilitated with restaurant where delicious meals are served, free wifi, free parking, laundry, swimming pool for relaxation and well stocked bar with soft and hard drinks.
Bugoma jungle lodge.
Bugoma jungle Lodge is an eco-lodge which is located at the edge of bugoma forest reserve. They are 5 rooms are raised en-suite wooden deck cottages, grass thatched roof and spacious tents. Each cottage is furnished with one double bed or two single beds for a twin room. Handmade soaps and refillable dispensers for shampoo and gels are our imprint of sustainability. Drinking water is provided free of charge in glass bottles and from your private balcony, enjoy the typical tea while watching the movements of primates and flying of birds. While in the main building, visitors are facilitated with restaurant where different meals are served according to your choice, well stocked bar, swimming pool, free wifi, free packing, laundry and many more.
