Budongo Forest is located in the northwestern part of Uganda along the route to Murchison Falls National Park. It lies on the escarpment northeast of Lake Albert and covers parts of Kikuube and Hoima districts.
The forest is well known for its large East African mahogany trees and for being home to a large number of chimpanzees.
There are also many strips of riverine forest, stretching about 100 km, that extend from Budongo Forest into nearby areas, which are mostly sugarcane plantations and farmlands.
Budongo Forest is home to an exceptionally large mahogany tree that stands over 80 meters tall and has a circumference of about 20 meters.
The forest covers an area of 82,530 hectares and acts as a catchment area for Lake Albert. It is managed by the National Forestry Authority, and the nearest major town is Masindi.
This moist, semi-deciduous tropical rainforest sits at the top of the Albertine Rift and is classified as a central forest reserve. Its four main rivers—Wakisoke, Sonso, Kamirambwa, and Sibwa—flow northwards toward the Albertine Rift.
Budongo Forest lies at a medium altitude of about 1,100 meters above sea level. Its coordinates are 01°43’27″N, 31°32’45″E. The land slopes gently from southeast to northwest.
The forest receives between 1,200 mm and 2,200 mm of rain per year, with an average of about 1,600 mm. Most of the rainfall occurs between March and May. The dry seasons run from September to November and from December to February. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C throughout the year.
During the dry season, daytime heat is high and food is limited. Chimpanzees often spend much of the day on the forest floor in shady areas.
Budongo Forest also features the Royal Mile, a well-known trail that stretches about 1.6 km. This trail offers great opportunities for tourism activities like viewing primates such as monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees.
The forest is also popular for bird watching and guided nature walks, which many visitors enjoy during their trips.
People living near Budongo Forest engage in activities such as fishing, farming, education, trade, and settlement, which help support their daily lives.
Budongo Forest adds to the natural beauty of the area and plays an important role in shaping the climate and weather of the surrounding region.
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