Nestled in the heart of Budongo Central Forest Reserve, within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Eco Lodge is one of the undiscovered pearls of Uganda.
Being the habitat of more than 600 chimpanzees and 8 other species of primates, Budongo Forest has one of the largestcommunities of chimps in the country. It is also home to rare forest bird species, such as the Puvel’s Illadopses, which is endemic to this region. Moreover, Budongo Reserve is the largest remaining Mahogany forest in East Africa, with impressive trees growing up to 80 meters. With a network of 115 km of trails, this unexplored areaoffers you great excitement and adventure!
The Kaniyo Pabidi Eco-tourism site, which was first managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, was taken over in August 2009 and changed its name to Budongo Eco Lodge under the management of Uganda Lodges. Together with the National Forest Authority (NFA) we have made it our task to develop this relatively unknown tourism site and to protect the forest reserve with its unique species of primates, birds and plants.
Accommodation:
- 5 eco-cabins with private bathroom and veranda
- 4 mixed dormitory rooms, each with 2 double-deckers and shared washing facilities
Facilities:
- Terrace restaurant
- Visitor’s centre with craft shop
- A well stocked bar
- Spacious lounge area
- Parking available
Other amenities include a small library as well as free Wi-Fi in the public areas.
Activities include Chimpanzee tracking, Chimpanzee habituation, birding tours, regular guided nature walk or make an unforgettable chimp tracking and watch our cousins from a close distance an exciting African jungle experience. The lounge/bar/restaurant is the perfect place for a refreshing drink or meal before or after your forest activities. Moreover, a stay at Budongo Eco Lodge can easily be combined with a visit to the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park.
Check In / Check Out Times:
- Check In: 02:00 PM
- Check Out: 10:00 AM
Dietary Requirements:
Please inform us in advance about any special dietary requirements and we will do our best to supply this.
Drinking water:
It is not recommendable to drink water from the tap. Bottled mineral water is available for sale at the visitor’s centre, as are sodas, beer, tea and coffee.
What to bring:
- Casual light clothing (T-shirts, shorts, sleeveless blouses, jeans etc.)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Long-sleeved sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings and mosquitoes
- Sandals
- Cap/hat
- Sun lotion
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Torch
- Binoculars
Valuables:
The camp is not responsible for valuables kept in the rooms. Personal items of value can be stored at the reception in the visitor’s centre.
Power supply:
The main lodge and rooms are equipped with solar powered electricity. However, due to the environment, the solar system may not charge as expected. In this case kerosene lanterns are provided at the reception. We kindly request you to use the power in an eco-responsible way and turn off the lights when leaving the room.
Adapters:
Cameras and mobiles can be charged at the reception in the visitor’s centre.
House keeping:
As part of our services, your room will be cleaned every day. For conservation purposes, bed sheets and towels are only changed upon request. If you would like to receive fresh towels, please leave the used ones on the bathroom floor.
Environmental commitment:
We seek to minimize the impact on the environment. Nothing is left in the nature other than our footprints. Nothing is taken from the nature other than memories. Even in a rainforest, water is a precious commodity, so please use water sparingly. We kindly ask you for your support by respecting our valued guidelines.
Community tourism:
The local community is greatly involved in the running of the lodge, including employment, the sale of handcrafts and the provision of fresh vegetables and fruits from their gardens.
NOTE:
Children below 15 years of age are not allowed on chimpanzee tracking & chimp habituation excursions.
Further enquiries:
Feel free to contact us for any additionally required information.
Just send an e-mail to: info@ugandalodges.com
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES:
- Cultural encounters with the Booma women's groups
Energetic dancers from Mubako perform around lodge campfires, making for a
magical African experience at dusk. Boomu Women's Group offers accommodation, a
craft shop and village tours, revealing the realities of life in this rural community the
wide range of animals in the Nile Valley.
The launch trip upstream from Paraa presents an astonishing display of wildlife and
culminates with the memorable frontal view of the Falls. Recommended for birders is
a morning cruise downstream to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta. Alternatively, a tranquil
sundowner cruise offers the classic view of an equatorial sunset reflected on the
river.
The vast landscapes and varied scenery of Murchison Falls National Park and the
surrounding Conservation Area can be explored on foot. Trails through Kaniyo Pabidi
and Rabongo Forests provide sightings of many primates and birds, while around the
Nile Delta, 2-4 hour guided swamp walks offer possible Shoebill sightings.
A game drive around the Buligi game tracks on the northern bank with a trained
ranger guide is a fantastic way to see and photograph.
The banks of the Nile below Murchison Falls provide exciting challenges to anglers.
Living within strong currents and highly oxygenated water is the Nile perch. There is
the chance to land a massive catch - the record is 108kg!
Situated in the heart of Budongo Forest Reserve, the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Eco Lodge provides excellent and pocket friendly accommodation in the midst of one of the largest and most beautiful rain-forest locations in Uganda whose incredible biodiversity includes 9 different species of primates, 360 species of birds, over 290 different types of butterflies and some of the oldest trees in Uganda; all within utterly easy access of available forest activities – an exciting jungle experience guaranteed for lasting memories!
Security and Wildlife:
- Please note that Budongo Eco Lodge is situated in a wildlife habitat. We therefore kindly request you to leave your doors closed after entering or leaving your room.
- Please do not bring food into the rooms as it might attract ants or other animals.
- Please notify one of our staff members to accompany you when leaving or returning to your room after dusk.
NOTE: The age limit for chimpanzee tracking is 15 years; fitness is not a major setback as the area covered is on a gentle slope.
