Budongo Forest Reserve – a neglected gem, soon to vanish!
Oft ignored and considered only as a pitstop when visiting Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest reserve deserves its due! A moist semi-deciduous forest, Budongo is famous for its massive mahogany trees and high biodiversity. Though attacked viciously by extensive logging and encroachment over the years, Budongo has managed to survive till date. However, the newly constructed ‘Murchison Highway’ cuts right through the forest. The road, meant to transport the all-important oil discovered in Lake Albert, will only sound the death-knell for this small spot of wilderness fighting for its survival.
Low Expectations, Superb experience!
I had very low expectations of Budongo Forest Reserve. I considered it merely as a stopping point on my way from Murchison Falls National Park to Kampala on my Safari trip in Uganda. A short walk in the forest with a very knowledgeable forest guide (Don) changed this opinion swiftly!
Forest Walk
The walk through the thick forest was amazing to say the least! I love all my forest walks (including the recent one in Mt. Elgon National Park). But this one was a different experience! Thick shrubs combined with a variety of trees including the massive Mahogany trees make it a perfect nature experience. Though high in wildlife density, it is very difficult to spot wildlife including birds in this dense forest.
Budongo Eco Lodge
The Budongo Eco-Lodge (a private enterprise which also runs the Chimpanzee tracking) is a pleasant bonus! Small and ‘basic’ – it offers an authentic forest experience combined with excellent service! The rooms are surprisingly good. The tasty food combined with the evening bonfire make up for a great experience! A perfect Eco-lodge!
Highlights
Biodiversity
A small area of 435 sq kms, the forest is characterized by a medium altitude damp semi-deciduous verdant forest that with patches of Savanna, woodlands and riverine vegetation.
Surprisingly, Budong has a very high biodiversity. The list includes 24 species of small mammals; nine being primates; 465 species of trees and shrubs; 359 species of birds; 289 species of butterflies; and 130 species of moths.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Blessed with a large population of Chimpanzees, the highlight of a trip to Budongo is the Chimpanzee tracking. Though not as popular or as extensive as the Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Budongo can be a worthwhile replacement. More so when you are on a time bound itinerary which includes Murchison Falls National park.
Wildlife Sighting
Though I did not spot many birds or wildlife during my brief sojourn – the highlight was the lucky spotting of the rare bird – Illadopsis puveli. The Black and White Colobus Monkey (Guereza) and a bushbuck sighting were absolute pleasures!
Hope for The future?
The ugly monstrous highway meant to transport oil extracted from Lake Albert cuts right through Budongo. Tragically, the road also runs just next to the Budongo Eco-lodge. The noise road monsters pierce the forest calm too often for comfort throughout the day and night as well!
That the long term impact of this ‘highway’ will be damaging to the eco-system is clear. But how fast and for how long ardent eco-tourists will be able to enjoy this verdant gem is a matter of dwindling hope! Budongo has survived encroachment, poaching and logging. But this might be the final nail in the coffin!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budongo_Forest
https://www.murchisonfallsnationalpark.com/budongo-forest-uganda.html
Comment (1)
Dear Sir,Life is full of paradoxes and anomalies.the only way to preserve places like Budongo is to restrict access very severely.That includes tourist facilities,commercial enterprises scientific studies and inhabitants if we assume the interests of the ecosystem as primary importance .Extremely drastic attitude to take,which makes my comment very hypocritical for I had the pleasure of enjoying this paradise through six years of my boyhood on a daily basis.However over eighty years ,inevitably,changed everything everywhere.