Bugoma Forest Reserve

Bugoma, created in 1932, is one of Uganda’s oldest forest reserve, but it has often been neglected.

Bugoma Forest Reserve is an important link between Murchison Falls National Park and the Semliki Valley, and is home to many forest animals, including over 550 chimpanzees.

In recent years, the forest reserve has been under threat from developers who want to clear it for sugarcane farms, while environmentalists have been fighting to protect it.

The good news is that in 2024, Bugoma opened as a chimpanzee trekking site, giving visitors a chance to see these amazing animals up close.

Reasons To Visit Bugoma Forest

Bugoma is Uganda’s newest and most off-the-beaten-path place for chimpanzee trekking.
The forest is home to forest monkeys, including the rare Uganda mangabey.
Bugoma Forest is birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 260 species recorded.
It is also convenient stop on the way to Murchison Falls from Kampala or Fort Portal.
You can explore the forest from the eco-friendly Bugoma Jungle Lodge or from nearby Hoima town.
Your visit helps support ecotourism, which is key to protecting this threatened forest.

Wildlife in Bugoma Forest reserve

Though often overlooked, Bugoma Forest is one of Uganda’s most important homes for chimpanzees. With over 550 chimps, it holds more than 10% of the country’s total population.

The forest is also home to many other primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and the rare Uganda mangabey.

Among the Big Five, buffalo roam the forest but are rarely seen, and elephants pass through occasionally. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the forest’s colorful residents, such as the striking great blue turaco, the rare white-thighed hornbill, the rufous-sided broadbill, green-breasted pitta, and the black-eared ground thrush.

Scenery of Bugoma Forest Reserve

Bugoma may not be scenic in the usual sense, but it has a captivating, wild, jungle-like atmosphere that feels truly African. Some areas have been affected by logging, land encroachment, and forest clearance in recent years, yet the forest still thrives with rich plant life. Over 224 species of trees and shrubs have been recorded, including magnificent Uganda ironwood (muhimbi), African mahogany, and Guinea plum.

Activities in Bugoma Forest

Chimpanzee trekking began in Bugoma Forest in 2024 after a long habituation process.

While the success rate is not yet as high as in more established trekking sites, most visitors are lucky enough to see these incredible animals. The small number of tourists makes each excursion feel private and special.

Other guided activities include nature walks focused on spotting Uganda mangabeys and other monkeys, birdwatching trips, and community visits.

For a more relaxed experience, the free 1.3 km (0.8 mi) self-guided loop trail around Bugoma Jungle Lodge provides an excellent opportunity to see monkeys and forest birds, including the striking African grey parrot.

Weather At Bugoma Forest

Bugoma Forest Reserve has a warm and humid climate, with more rainfall than most parks in Uganda. The driest months are January and February, while June, July, and December are also relatively dry. The wettest periods occur from March to May and from August to November, when the forest is lush and green.

Best Time to Visit Bugoma

Bugoma Forest can be visited year-round, and chimpanzee trekking is always available.

The most comfortable conditions are during the relatively dry months of January, February, June, July, and December. During the wetter months, trails can become muddy, and rain is more likely—but chimp trekking and other activities are still enjoyable. After heavy rains, a 4×4 vehicle may be needed to reach the Mwera Ecotourism Site, the starting point for chimp trekking.

How to Get to Bugoma Forest Reserve

Bugoma Forest Reserve is located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Hoima, a major town on the route between southwestern Uganda’s popular parks and Murchison Falls.

The road from Kampala to Hoima is now mostly surfaced, making the journey easier and increasingly popular. From Hoima, the drive to Bugoma takes roughly 1 hour.

From further away, allow about 5 hours for the 240 km (149 mi) drive from Kampala, 4 hours for the 150 km (93 mi) drive from Fort Portal, or 3.5 hours for the 170 km (106 mi) drive from Paraa Headquarters at Murchison Falls National Park. Chimp trekking begins at the Mwera Ecotourism Site, located along a dirt road that may require a 4×4 vehicle after heavy rain.

*Driving times are approximate. Delays can occur, so plan accordingly.