Updated
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve covers about 470 km² of savannah, woodland and swamp to the south-west of Murchison Falls National Park, between the park and the shores of Lake Albert. It is part of the wider Murchison Falls Conservation Area and acts as a buffer and corridor for wildlife moving between the park and the lake. Few tourists stop here, but the road through it, descending the Butiaba escarpment, has some of the finest views in Uganda.
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
What to expect
Wildlife includes Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, buffalo, oribi and waterbuck, with sitatunga in the swamps and primates in the riverine forest. Densities are lower than in Murchison Falls itself, and visitor facilities are minimal, so most people pass through or make a short detour with a guide rather than stay. The swamps and lake shore are good for waterbirds. See our guide to Murchison Falls National Park.
Getting there
Bugungu lies on the route from Masindi or Hoima towards the southern part of Murchison Falls via the Lake Albert shore. Combine it with the delta boat trip on the Nile for shoebills, or with Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve to the south. Gorilla trekking is in the far south-west; the permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Kabwoya, Uganda’s protected areas and Uganda’s wetlands.
Frequently asked questions
South-west of Murchison Falls National Park, towards Lake Albert.
Uganda kob, hartebeest, buffalo, oribi, waterbuck and sitatunga.
Facilities are minimal; most visitors stay in or near Murchison Falls.
It is part of the wider Murchison Falls Conservation Area.
