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.
Kaniyo Pabidi Eco-Tourism Site
Visitor centre
An open sided banda provides a visitor reception area and place for visitors to relax and enjoy sodas and snacks.
Bandas
The site has two styled African Banda providing comfortable and private accommodation for visitors and made by local craftsmen using grass from the shores of Lake Albert. One double and two single beds can cater for a total of 4 visitors. Each Banda is set in a beautiful forest glade providing a relaxing setting for resting after a forest walk.
Campsite
A campsite with space for 18-20 people is situated near to the visitor reception. A camp shelter, campfire area and picnic site service the campsite. Water and fuel wood are available on site.
Trail Network
The trails at Kaniyo Pabidi operate on an extensive 115 km grid system and require a guide to accompany visitors. A specially tailored program will be devised to suit each individual visitors needs. The site is located in an isolated block of Budongo Forest which has never been logged. It has many big buttressed mahogany and ironwood trees and due to its remote location, lion, leopard and buffalo are occasionally present. From Pabidi Hill visitors will get magnificent views over Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Albert and beyond to Congo. The River Waiga runs through the site and forest glades contain salt licks where forest creatures are common in the early morning.
For bird watches a 600m nature trail has been developed at the forest edge allowing better views into the canopy.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee habituation began in 1992 and chimps are often seen. In May, June, July and August visitors have over a 90% chance of seeing the chimps. In February, March, April and September this drops to 70%, and in October, November, December and January ,when food is scarcer, chances drop to 50%.
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.
A visit to Kaniyo Pabidi can easily be combined with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park. The site is very accessible to visitors with their own transport. It is 29km north of Masindi. Simply follow the signposts to Para. The site is sign posted off to the right on the main road through the park to Para.
No public transport is available to Kaniyo Pabidi. It is possible to arrange a private hire to Masindi from MATODA at a cost of around $ 36 for a day return (fax +256 465 20411).
Note. Visitors to Kaniyo Pabidi will have to pay entry fees to Murchison Falls National Park. Visitors should check with the Tourist Board or Park Authorities for up to date information on charges.
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.