Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve is located in the northwestern part of Uganda near Murchison Falls National Park in the Rift Valley escarpment. It is made up of savannah-type vegetation and seasonal wetlands. Bugungu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1968 to protect the area’s ecological system. It covers an area of about 473 square kilometers. It was first gazetted in 1963 as a controlled hunting area.
The reserve also consists of the Karuma Wildlife Reserve and part of Murchison Falls National Park. It acts as a buffer zone and is well known for chimpanzee trekking since it also consists of the Budongo forest reserve.
Bugungu is home to over 240 bird species, including savannah residents and migratory birds. These include the Saddle-billed stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, the rare shoebill, dark chanting Goshawk, white-browed sparrow weaver, black-billed wood dove, swamp flycatcher, and many others. The wildlife in this reserve includes lions, elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, and many other small mammals.
What to see in the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve (Attractions)
Though the reserve is small in size, there are attractions to see while on your visit to the reserve, and these include;
Wildlife
The reserve has quite a number of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, and many more attractions. The reserve is also home to some primates, such as L’Host monkeys, colobus monkeys, black and white monkeys, olive baboons, patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, and many others.
Bird species
The reserve has over 240 bird species, each with its unique charm. We have migratory and resident species. Some species are rare, making them thrilling finds during a birding safari. The bird species include the elegant white-browed sparrow weaver, the elusive shoebill, the majestic Abyssinian ground hornbill, the striking Saddle-billed stork, and many others. This diversity makes the reserve a birder’s paradise.
What to do while in the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve? (Activities)
While in the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, there are a variety of activities to do while in the reserve, and they include;
Game viewing
Bugungu wildlife is home to a variety of wildlife species, which are usually spotted during game viewing. It is done through trials with the savannah grassland. The game viewing will involve driving a 4×4 van through the savannah plains, viewing and encountering wildlife like lions, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, bushbucks, and many other animals.
Nature walk
The nature walk or safari walk is a unique experience within the reserve. Led by a knowledgeable game ranger, you’ll traverse the savannah vegetation, getting up close and personal with wildlife like buffalo, warthogs, waterbucks, Oryx, and many others. This experience will allow you to encounter the wild closely on your Uganda safari, making it a memorable adventure.
Bird watching
The reserve is home to over 240 bird species, including savannah residents and migratory birds. These birds will offer a traveler on a Uganda safari an opportunity to do their birding within the reserve. The bird species in the reserve include black-headed batis, saddle-billed stork, black-billed bustard, yellow-throated greenbul, double-toothed barbet, giant kingfisher, and many others. This makes it a birder’s haven.
Accommodation – Where to stay?
While Bugungu Wildlife Reserve does not have accommodation facilities, visitors can stay in the nearby Murchison Falls National Park. The park offers a range of lodging options, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Some popular choices include the Chobe Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Paara Lodge, and Sambiya River Lodge. These lodges and campsites provide comfortable and safe accommodation and opportunities to experience the beauty of the park’s natural surroundings.
Accessibility – How to get there?
While visiting the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, travelers will need to choose from two routes: Kampala to Bugungu via Hoima, which is about a 5-hour drive and a distance of about 292.9 kilometers. Alternatively, the Kampala—Masindi—Bugungu road is also about 313 kilometers by road. Additionally, travelers can book direct domestic flights from Entebbe Airport, Kajansi Airstrip to Bugungu Airstrip.
What is the best time to visit Bugungu Wildlife Reserve?
Bugungu Game Reserve is usually visited throughout the year. However, it is better to visit the reserve in the dry season, December to January, and June to September. These months are the best to enjoy the activities in the reserve. On the other hand, during the wet season, it is highly recommended to move in a 4×4 safari van since the road is muddy. Additionally, during this season, the vegetation is so thick that you can see the wildlife well.
