Busitema Forest Reserve is one of the least explored forests in Uganda. When it comes to forest walks or primate safaris, the popular spots most Uganda safari visitors head to include Mpanga Forest, Budongo or Mabira. Busitema Forest is a hidden secret of its own, home to wide array of not only primates, but also birds.
Location
Busitema Forest Reserve is a lush rainforest in Eastern Uganda and it is shared by 3 districts of Busia, Tororo and Bugiri. It is accessible along the Tororo-Busia route as you head to Tororo district. Unlike other extensive natural forests in Uganda, Busitema is compact occupying an area of only 25sq.kms.
Attractions in Busitema Forest Reserve
Primates
Busitema Forest is most popular for its unique primates including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and many others. As you drive, baboons can easily be spotted while playing along the roadside. There are experienced local guides to lead visitors through the forest for primate watching or forest walk where you will come across more than primates. This natural forest also hosts other amazing species such as the fox’s weavers, rat species and more.
Birds
A good bird population is inhabited in Busitema Forest, making it one ideal spot to go birding tour in Uganda. The birds to expect to find at Busitema Forest Reserve include kingfishers, hamerkops, Ross’s turacos, long-tailed cuckoos, sunbirds, etc.
Activities to do
Birding tours
Bird watching is one of the interesting activities you should expect to indulge while at Busitema Forest. On a guided birding expedition, expect to identify variety of birds, including hamerkops, long-tailed cuckoos, ross’s turacos, kingfishers, sunbirds to mention but a few.
Primate walk
Primate/nature walks are also possible at Busitema Forest. With an experienced local guide, you will immerse yourself into the rainforest of Busitema and enjoy sight of its interesting primates such as vervet monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, etc.
Hike the Tororo rock
In the nearby Busitema Forest, it is possible for you to also embark on a guided hiking experience to the top of Tororo Rock. This is an iconic attraction in Tororo district, Eastern Uganda. At the summits of Tororo Rock, expect clear view of surrounding areas and Tororo town.
Where to stay
Busitema Forest doesn’t have accommodation inside it, but visitors can spend a night in the nearby hotels. These include Hotel Rastopark, Mamikki Hotel Apartment, Border Palace Hotel, Farmview Hotel Busia.