Bugoma Forest is located in the Hoima district, southwest of Hoima and northeast of Kyenjojo town. The forest was gazetted in 1932 and has been managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) since 2003. It covers the surface area of between 41,144 hectares (approximately 412 kilometers) and 65,000 hectares (approximately 650 kilometers). With over 23 mammal species, over 226 species of birds, 20 species of amphibians, and over 260 plant species, Bugoma Forest is home to a number of chimpanzees that have gone under a habituation process since 2016.

Things to do in Bugoma Forest

Bugoma Forest has a variety of activities that can be done by tourists, and these include the following:

Chimpanzee Tracking Bugoma Forest

This is one of the most popular activities done here. Chimpanzees at Bugoma Forest have been under habituation since 2016, and so most tourists find it as an addition to their itinerary. Chimpanzees are believed to be man’s closest cousins, as they share 98% of their DNA with humans. Since Bugoma is a home to these chimpanzees, tourists find it an interesting activity as they get to track these chimpanzees. Tourists should take note that they spend strictly one hour with the chimpanzees.

Bird watching in Bugoma Forest

The forest boasts over 226 bird species, hence a hub for bird watching. Bird lovers are therefore encouraged to carry with them birding equipment such as binoculars, good cameras, and extra batteries. The most notable birds include grey parrots, African crowned eagles, and Nahan’s partridge, among others. Swamps around the forest also make it easier, as they act as home to these birds.

Guided nature walks

These are conducted with the help of a well-trained ranger guide. As the forests boast of over 22 species of mammals, 260 bird species, over 20 species of amphibians, and over 260 plant species, tourists on a nature walk get to see most of these. Most notable to see are vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, pottos, white colobus, and red-tailed monkeys, among others.

Exploring Hoima, the oil city

Apart from other things to do at Bugoma, tourists with the help of their tourist guide can choose to explore the oil city. Here you get to learn about when and how the oil was discovered. You can as well visit the Hoima airport that is getting ready to start operational services soon.

When to visit in Bugoma Forest

Bugoma Forest can be visited at any time of the year depending on the tourist’s vacation schedule, as it is open all year round for tourist activities. However, most tourists prefer to visit during the dry season, which is December to February and then May to September. During the wet season it is also possible, and this is a great time to see as many birds as you can for bird lovers. Would you like to visit Bugoma Forest? Get in touch with your reliable tour operator, as we give you the best and well-crafted itinerary and discounted rates. Look no further than Kitu Afrika Safaris Limited.