This is the northern forested section of the Budongo Forest along the direct route between Masindi and Murchison Falls National Park. The 268 sq km is the second largest of the four forest blocks within the Budongo Forest Reserve. It comprises of great flora and fauna. The Kanyiyo Pabidi Tourist Site was established in 1992 and it is more convenient if compared with the Busingiro Ecotourism site for those driving through the Murchison Falls National park along Paraa – Masindi Road.
Budongo is one of the few ecotourism sites in Uganda. In 1992 Budongo Forest Ecotourism Project was founded with the aim of conserving Budongo and the nearby Kaniyo Pabidi Forest through tourist projects that directly benefit the local communities.
As a result of this great biodiversity two eco-tourism sites have been set and optimized for tour activities – Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro eco-tourism sites. These two sites have chimpanzees that have been habituated for chimpanzee tracking. Trail networks have been established for nature walks. On a primate watching safari through the forest, you get an up-close view of the mahogany trees, iron wood trees and other vegetation as well as getting a glimpse of the chimpanzees. In addition to the chimpanzees and other primate species such as monkeys, one can also view several bird species such as Chocolate-backed kingfisher, the White-thighed Hornbill and Puvel’s illadopsis found nowhere else in East Africa. The area is relatively flat and thus easy to trek.
Attractions
Primates
The forest has various primates including the black and white colobus monkey, blue monkeys, large troops of olive baboon and chimpanzees.
Wild Animals
Herds of elephants and buffaloes also regularly visit Kaniyo Pabidi.
Birds
Kaniyo Pabidi protects a good number of birds that inhabit the denser vegetation of the pristine forest. Most birders who visit the site prefer birding around the campsite. some of the bird species that can be seen include the common shrike-flycatcher, chestnut wattle-eye, Narina Trogon, little greenbul, chestnut winged starling, grey apalis, dwarf and pygmy kingfishers as well as many forest birds and hornbills. Some of the localised birds are the Puvel’s Illadopsis and the garish green-breasted pitta.
Things to Do
Chimpanzee Tracking – a walk in search of the chimpanzees starts at 07.30 and the permit costs US$60 for foreign non residents and US$45 for foreign residents with valid work permits. The fee excludes park entrance fees.
Chimpanzee Habituation – This is another amazing adventure. Accompany the field researchers on a full day hike through the forest. The minimum hours for the hike is 6 hours starting at 07.00. Chimpanzee habituation costs USD150 per person.
Go Birding – You can enjoy a half day or full day walk birding in different environments.
Getting There
Kanyiyo Pabidi Ecotourism site is located along the main Paraa Road, 29km from Masindi. There are clear directions to follow leading you to this site.From the Sambiya River Lodge the journey to the site is a one hours drive.
NB:
- Trackers must be above 15 years of age while habituators must be above 18 years.
- Children below 10 years are not permitted on walks exceeding two hours duration.