Bugungu Wildlife Reserve- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, established in 1968 and spanning 473 square kilometers, is located in western Uganda across Buliisa and Masindi districts. Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority under IUCN Category III protection, it serves as a critical buffer zone between Murchison Falls National Park and the adjacent Budongo and Karuma reserves. Originally designated as a Controlled Hunting Area in 1963, Bugungu plays a strategic role in conserving the biodiversity of the Albertine Rift, offering a transitional habitat between savanna grasslands and tropical forest ecosystems. The reserve's altitude ranges from 600 to 1,300 meters, with terrain shaped by Kyabatwa Hill to the west and the nearby Lake Albert escarpment. Bugungu supports a variety of large mammals, including Uganda kobs, buffaloes, reedbucks, and occasional leopards. It is particularly notable for its rich birdlife—over 240 species have been recorded—making it a key birding destination in Uganda. Species such as the elusive shoebill stork, giant kingfisher, and double-toothed barbet highlight its ornithological diversity. Visitors can explore the reserve via established tracks suitable for game drives, birdwatching excursions, and nature walks, all while enjoying views of the Rift Valley plains and surrounding forested hills.