Bulisa and Masindi are two districts that share the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. Although it is one of the less visited reserves, those who go there will be amazed by its beauty.
The small Bugungu Wildlife Reserve is located in northwest Uganda. It was established in 1968 and covers 52,000 hectares. It is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.
The rift valley escarpments are mostly covered with seasonal wetlands and Savannah grasslands. Bugungu Wildlife Reserve is home to many wildlife species.
What to Do When You Visit Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
Below are some of the things to do in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve.
Wildlife Viewing
Game viewing is the most popular activity in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, but there are other interesting things to do as well. The reserve has many wildlife species, most of which are also found in Murchison Falls National Park.
Some of the animals include Uganda kobs, waterbucks, elands, and reedbucks. Occasionally, lions and leopards can also be seen.
Herds of giraffes and elephants move from Murchison Falls National Park to Bugungu Reserve to graze on fresh grass. Bugungu is also one of the few places where the rare sitatunga can be seen.
This reserve is home to some primates as well. Some of them live in neighboring forests, such as Budongo Forest and the forested areas of the reserve.
Bird Watching in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
More than 200 bird species can be seen in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. This makes it a great place to add to your safari if you enjoy bird watching in Uganda.
To explore Bugungu and spot different birds, you will need a bird-watching guide. You will also need binoculars, a camera, and trekking gear. If you are lucky, you will have a great birding experience.
Some of the bird species to look out for include: Speckle-breasted woodpeckers, double-toothed barbets, swamp flycatchers, abyssinian ground hornbills, black-bellied bustards, black-headed gonoleks and saddle-billed storks.
The marsh areas of Bugungu are also home to the Shoebill Stork.
Community Visits
Meeting local communities is possible through nature walks. We recommend taking a walk through nearby villages while visiting Bugungu Wildlife Reserve.
Another way to support these communities is by organizing community tours.
By interacting with the local people, visitors can learn about their traditions while helping to preserve these reserves.
Related Article: Bokora Corridor Wildlife Reserve – Explore Uganda’s Untamed Wilderness & Rich Biodiversity
