Bugungu Wildlife Reserve

Bugungu Wildlife Reserve is a compact game reserve located in northwestern Uganda. Bugungu forms part of the extensive Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Uganda’s premier wildlife safari destination. The scenic Bugungu Wildlife Reserve was declared a Reserve in 1968 with the primary goal of protecting its rich ecological species. The present Bugungu Wildlife Reserve spans an area of 473 square kilometers. The reserve’s boundaries extend to cover the Buliisa and Masindi Districts. It is set at an altitude of 600 to 1300m.

Bugungu Wildlife Reserve started as a Controlled Hunting Area in 1963 before it was upgraded into a Game/Wildlife Reserve. Bugungu is one of the spectacular destinations that guarantee you astonishing wildlife encounters on a Uganda safari. Here are some of the amazing things to find in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve.

Bugungu’s Major Attractions

The main tourist attractions to explore on Uganda safaris in Bugungu Reserve include savanna wildlife, birds, and others.

Wildlife species

A composition of wildlife that reside in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve includes hippos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, sitatungas, giraffes, reedbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, Uganda Kobs, and hartebeests. Other wildlife includes warthogs, elands, dik-dik, Oribis, Oryx, plus primates like patas monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, olive baboons, and many more.

Bird species

A record of about 240 species of birds live in Bugungu and include wetland species. Top bird species in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve include elusive shoebill storks, white-browed sparrow weavers, Abyssinian ground hornbill, saddle-billed storks, swamp flycatchers, black-billed wood dove, dark chanting goshawks, double-toothed barbets, and fish eagles.

Additional bird species to explore during a guided birding tour include black-headed gonoleks, black-headed batis, yellow-throated greenbul, giant kingfishers, swamp flycatchers, Easter grey plantain-eaters, red-billed fire finch, red-cheeked cordonbleu, black-rumped waxbill, green-winged pytilia, western yellow wagtail, house sparrow, village indigo bird, yellow-fronted canary, cinnamon-breasted bunting, western citril, white-rumped seedeaters, and more.

Activities in Bugungu Game Reserve

Bugungu offers a range of experiences for nature enthusiasts to enjoy, including game drives, boat tours, and fishing excursions. Below is a detailed list of safari activities to do in Bugungu.

Game drives

Traverse the vast plains of Bugungu Wildlife Reserve in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide. A game drive through Bugungu savanna plains gets you remarkable sightings of wildlife, including the big game, antelopes such as Kobs, elands, bushbucks, sitatungas, reedbucks, waterbucks, and more.

Birding

About 240 species of birds have been recorded in Bugungu, making it a special location to explore on a guided birding tour. Diversity of birds can be identified during a guided birding tour in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, including the yellow-throated greenbul, saddle-billed storks, double-toothed barbets, black-billed bustards, western citril, yellow-throated long claws, red-cheeked cordonbleu, African fire finch, bronze manikin, Gray-headed nigrita, Grosbeak weaver, fan-tailed widowbird, zebra waxbill, brown-rumped bunting, brimstone canary, and others.

Nature walks

A guided nature walk shouldn’t be missed on a Uganda safari in Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. An experienced guide can be present to take the lead through the savannas and other habitats, each guaranteeing you amazing sightings. A guided nature walk takes you deeper into the wilderness and offers you great sightings with the reserve’s diverse wildlife and birdlife. The common sightings on a day nature walk include antelopes, birds, and many other mammal species.

When to visit Bugungu Wildlife Reserve

Visits to Bugungu can be done at any time of the year. But the dry season is the most ideal period to enjoy a smooth game viewing tour in Bugungu Reserve. Bugungu experiences two dry seasons each year, with the longest occurring from June to mid-September. The second dry season in Bugungu begins from December to February.

During the dry season, the game tracks are more accessible due to low rainfall, making it easier to traverse the reserve’s trails. The reserve being an all-year-round destination, there is a possibility to also plan a successful tour during the wet or rainy season, also known as the off/low season. This can be done from March to May, or you can visit the reserve from October to November. The wet season comes with heavy rains, which support abundant growth of vegetation. The reserve becomes more lush greenery and appealing.

The disadvantage of visiting Bugungu Wildlife Reserve during the off-months/rainy season is that you can easily be disrupted by the heavy rainfall. The game tracks can become slippery or muddy, making it a little challenging to traverse through the reserve in search of your favorite wildlife on a guided game drive.

Bugungu Safari Lodges & Camps

At Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, you can retire for a night in the available lodges around Murchison Falls National Park. The accommodation options to book range from budget, midrange, and luxury. The available options include Paraa Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Twiga Tales Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls Bamboo Village, and Camping options.

Getting to Bugungu Wildlife Reserve –Accessibility

Bugungu can be accessed from Kampala through Hoima, about a 5-6-hour drive. Or depart from Kampala via Luweero-Masindi to the Bugungu route, which is 313 km. Guests can also opt for a flight service and depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip and land at Bugungu Airstrip. From Bugungu Airstrip, our company driver will be present to pick you up and transfer you safely to the pre-booked accommodation property near Bugungu Game Reserve.

Suggested Itinerary to Explore Bugungu

A short 3-day tour is ideal for you to be part of the memorable experiences in Bugungu Game Reserve. The 3 Days Bugungu wildlife safari takes you to explore the wonders in Bugungu, with the first day mainly dedicated to pick up and transfer. The 2nd day is mainly set aside for you to enjoy guided game viewing in Bugungu, and you return to Entebbe or Kampala on the 3rd day.

How to pack for your Bugungu wildlife safari

The list of items to carry for the Bugungu wildlife tour includes a safari hat, a daypack, long safari shirts, trousers, insect repellents, A camera, a pair of binoculars, a first aid kit, bottled drinking water, and many others.

Conclusively, Bugungu Wildlife Reserve is one of the best game reserves you should consider a must-visit in Uganda. Book a tour to Bugungu to explore abundant wildlife, including antelopes, large mammals, and bird species.