Budongo Eco Lodge in Budongo forest
Budongo Eco Lodge is located in the Budongo Forest Reserve, near Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. It is the only lodge in the Budongo Forest area and offers both mid-range and budget accommodation, especially for tourists visiting the forest. The lodge sits deep in the forest, giving guests beautiful views of the treetop canopy.
The lodge features eco-friendly cabins that blend with the natural surroundings, including tall, old mahogany trees. There are five cozy cabins, each with a private veranda, en suite bathroom, and composting toilet. For larger groups, the lodge also offers four dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds, shared facilities, and mosquito nets.
Guests can enjoy meals at the lodge’s restaurant, which serves both local and international dishes prepared by skilled chefs. There is a well-stocked bar offering a variety of soft and alcoholic drinks, as well as a coffee corner and a campfire area for relaxing during cooler evenings. A small craft shop is available for visitors who wish to buy souvenirs or gifts.
Due to its unique location and limited number of rooms, it is highly recommended to book Budongo Eco Lodge in advance through a local tour operator or directly with the lodge. This is especially important during the dry season, when demand is high.
Things to Do at Budongo Eco Lodge
Chimpanzee Trekking
The most popular activity for visitors at Budongo Eco Lodge is chimpanzee trekking. Since the lodge is right next to the forest, it’s easy to reach the trekking starting point. Before entering the forest, tourists are briefed on the rules and safety guidelines.
Guided by trained, armed rangers, guests explore the forest in search of chimpanzees. Along the way, they may also see other primates, forest mammals, birds, and various plant species. Once the chimpanzees are found, visitors spend about one hour observing their behavior, taking photos, and enjoying the unique experience.
Bird Watching (Birding)
Budongo Forest is one of the best birding spots in Murchison Falls National Park. With over 360 recorded bird species, the forest is a paradise for bird lovers. A knowledgeable bird guide helps visitors follow the best trails and identify birds while ensuring safety.
Common birds seen here include the Red-winged Grey Warbler, Rock Pratincole, Secretary Bird, Yellow-throated Greenbul, African Jacana, Spotted Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Lemon-bellied Crombec, and many more.
Nature Walks
Guests can enjoy guided nature walks either within the Budongo Forest or near the lodge. These walks give tourists a chance to see chimpanzees, monkeys, olive baboons, birds, butterflies, and different plant species — all on foot and up close with nature.
Game Drives
From Budongo Eco Lodge, visitors can head to the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park for game drives. These can take place in the morning, evening, or at night. During the drive, tourists may spot animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and various bird species along the Nile River.
Boat Cruise on the Nile
One activity you shouldn’t miss while staying at Budongo Eco Lodge is the boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. This experience offers close-up views of the Nile River’s wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and animals that come to drink along the riverbanks. The cruise ends at the powerful Murchison Falls — the world’s strongest waterfall.
Best Time to Stay at Budongo Eco Lodge
The lodge is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. During these months, there is little or no rain, the trails are dry and easy to walk, the vegetation is low, and the wildlife is easier to spot.
Travelers can also visit during the rainy seasons, when the lodge offers discounts due to lower tourist numbers. However, be aware that rain can make trails muddy and harder to use, and thick vegetation can reduce visibility during game viewing.
How to Get to Budongo Eco Lodge
Budongo Eco Lodge can be reached by road or air. By road, the journey from Kampala or Entebbe takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and the number of stopovers. Travelers drive through Luwero, Nakasongola, and Masindi, entering through the southern gates of Murchison Falls National Park.
For a faster and more comfortable option, luxury travelers can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Bugungu Airstrip. Flights are offered by Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation Uganda. From Bugungu Airstrip, guests are picked up and transferred to the lodge.
