Bugungu Wildlife Reserve is located in the western part of Uganda in the districts of Buliisa and Masindi. Bugungu wildlife reserve borders both Murchison falls national park and Karuma wildlife reserve. Bugungu wildlife reserve was established in the year 1968 and it strategically falls between Murchison falls national park and lake Albert. Bugungu wildlife reserve consists of dry thick and savanna woodland vegetation and is filled with numerous wildlife, bird and plant species. This beautiful natural wonder is approximately 292.5 km from Kampala to Bugungu wildlife reserve using Kampala via Hoima Road or 313 km using Kampala via Masindi Road. This drive usually lasts between 5 to 6 hrs. Some of the beautiful wildlife species at Bugungu wildlife reserve include; Uganda Kobs, oribi, buffaloes, sitatunga, giraffe, elands, Topis, warthogs, reedbucks, water bucks, dik-dik, elephants, oryx to mention but a few. Bugungu wildlife reserve is also filled with numerous bird species such as; black headed batis, double toothed barbet, saddle billed stork, giant kingfisher, dove, yellow throated greenbul, black bellied bustards, white browed sparrow weaver, speckle breasted woodpecker, dark chanting goshawk to mention but a few.
Bugungu wildlife reserve covers a ground area of approximately 473 square kilometers. One great fun fact about Bugungu wildlife reserve is that it has similar flora and fauna species as that of Murchison falls national park and Kurama wildlife reserve. It consists of savannah grassland and some seasonal wetlands.
Tourist activities that can be carried out at Bugungu wildlife reserve include;
Spot fishing; The various wetland areas at Bugungu wildlife reserve offer a great opportunity for fishing. While on a Bugungu wildlife tour, one can get the chance to engage in fishing for example using methods like fishing rods, baskets to mention but a few. This can be done as an individual or collectively as a group to see who shall manage to get the biggest fish. After spot fishing, tourists can request them to make delicious meals out of the fish that they can have as dinner.
Bird watching; Bugungu wildlife reserve is filled with numerous bird species some of which are similar to that of Karuma wildlife reserve and Murchison falls national park. These great variety of bird species indeed make Bugungu wildlife reserve a birders haven. Some of the bird species that are found at Bugungu wildlife reserve include; black headed batis, double toothed barbet, saddle billed stork, giant kingfisher, dove, yellow throated greenbul, black bellied bustards, white browed sparrow weaver, speckle breasted woodpecker, dark chanting goshawk to mention but a few. These birds can be spotted while on nature walks, relaxing at the lodge or when having game drives. These birds indeed fulfill bird lovers’ expectations while at Bugungu wildlife reserve.
Game viewing; Bugungu wildlife reserve is filled with numerous wildlife species which indeed calls for game viewing. While at Bugungu wildlife reserve, wildlife species are viewed while on game drives through the various tracks that surround the wildlife reserve. The different wildlife species at Bugungu wildlife reserve include; Uganda Kobs, oribi, buffaloes, sitatunga, giraffe, elands, Topis, warthogs, reedbucks, water bucks, dik-dik, elephants, oryx to mention but a few. These wild animals can be viewed while in their habitats or while drinking water. One can also request for a pair of binoculars while on game drives to be able to clearly view the wildlife species. During game drives, tourists can take beautiful pictures to act as souvenirs.
Chimpanzee trekking; Bugungu wildlife reserve is a home to numerous primates namely chimpanzees which makes it one of the ideal destinations for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest reserve. These chimpanzees can be trekked at a cost that needs prior booking. Tourists are usually allowed up to a maximum of 4 hrs. while chimpanzee trekking and are encouraged to be very gentle in order not to agitate the chimpanzees. While chimpanzee trekking, tourists are encouraged to put on protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers and safety boots for safe and better navigation while trekking.
Guided nature walks; With the aid of a well-trained local tour guide, tourists while at Bugungu wildlife reserve can get the opportunity to explore the different parts of the wildlife reserve including wildlife, bird and plant species. Guided nature walks get tourists a more intimate opportunity to view these wonderful gifts of nature. Guided nature walks at Bugungu wildlife reserve are a great way to connect with nature, take beautiful pictures, get a great view of the surrounding vegetation, sceneries, hills to mention but a few. This therefore makes Bugungu wildlife reserve one of the best tourist destinations for nature lovers.
However, while at Bugungu wildlife reserve one can visit Murchison falls national park or Karuma wildlife reserve or even Budongo forest reserve for even a much better Uganda safari experience.
The best time to visit Bugungu wildlife reserve is during the dry season of the year that ranges from December to February and June to August. However, tourists can visit BUgungu wildlife reserve throughput the year.
