Birding at Budongo Forest: The Royal Mile and Forest Specialities Near Murchison Falls

The forest is best known for chimpanzee tracking, but the same trails are rewarding for birds. Tall mahogany and ironwood trees, dense understorey and clearings all support species that depend on mature forest and are hard to find elsewhere in Uganda.

This guide explains the habitats, the species to look for and how to combine birding with other activities in the Murchison Falls area.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a wide, straight track through the forest, and its open canopy allows birdwatchers to scan the treetops and edges as well as the forest floor. Walk slowly and quietly, with a local guide, stopping at fruiting trees and listening for calls. Mixed bird parties move along the trail in waves, and a patient wait can reveal many species in a short time. The track is shaded and cooler than the open country, and it is a pleasant walk even for people new to forest birding. It also has a reputation as one of the best places in Uganda for forest species such as Puvel's illadopsis.

Forest Species to Look For

Budongo is known for birds that rely on mature forest. Hornbills, including the white-thighed hornbill, move through the canopy, and several kingfisher species, including dwarf and chocolate-backed kingfishers, live in the shaded forest rather than near water. Nahan's francolin, a shy ground bird, is another speciality, and the forest is also home to greenbuls, illadopsis, flycatchers and a variety of sunbirds. Many of these birds are heard before they are seen, so a guide who can identify calls is invaluable. Keep expectations realistic: forest birding is a game of patience. See kingfishers of Uganda for more on this group.

Chimpanzees and Birds Together

Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity at Budongo, and rangers lead groups into the forest in the morning or afternoon. While tracking, you may meet birds, but the focus is on staying with the apes, and you cannot stop for long. Plan a separate walk, or arrange extra time before or after the trek, to focus on birds. Read Budongo Forest chimpanzee trekking to see how the day works, and tell your guide at the start that you are keen on birds.

Murchison Falls Connections

Budongo lies close to the southern part of the park, so many itineraries combine forest birding with game drives, the Nile boat trip and the falls. The boat trip is excellent for waterbirds, and the contrast between forest and river is part of the appeal. See birding in Murchison Falls, Murchison Falls National Park and shoebill tracking for the wetland side of the area.

Best Months

Birds can be seen throughout the year, but the drier months, roughly December to February and June to August, are generally easier for walking. Wet months can bring muddy trails and fewer easy views but also more breeding activity and Palaearctic migrants from about October to April. Dawn is by far the best time for birds in the forest, since activity peaks in the first hours of the morning. See the Uganda bird checklist and best months for more detail.

Preparing for a Forest Walk

Wear long trousers, closed shoes with grip and a light rain jacket, and carry water and binoculars. A small daypack and insect repellent help, and a hat is useful for sun in clearings. Photography is difficult in dim light, so bring a fast lens and be ready to raise ISO. Follow your guide's instructions and the park rules about noise, trails and wildlife distance, and do not use recordings to lure birds. See the Uganda park rules for general guidance.

Where It Fits

Budongo is usually reached on the road between Kampala and Murchison Falls, making it a natural stop on the way. It can also be combined with Kibale birding and Entebbe Botanical Gardens birding for a varied Uganda birding itinerary. See Uganda birding tours for ideas.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team