Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is situated in Hoima District on top of escarpment east of and overlooking Lake Albert on the edge of the Western Rift valley. It lies to the west of and midway along the main Kyenjojo – Hoima highway, approximately 10km South West of Hoima and 10 Km east of Lake Albert. The forest lies in Buhaguzi and Bugahya counties in the administrative district of Hoima. Most of the forested portion lies in the sub counties of Kabwoya and Kyangwali. To the South is Nkusi River forming the boundary of the reserve and the adjacent Kibale district. To the North Eastern are Bajawe and Wababya central forest reserves whose patches are continuous with Kinyara sugar plantation that reaches Budongo forest Reserve. To the West, is Kanyangwali Refugee Camp that meets the low land of the rift valley.
It occupies about 41,144 ha and has an altitudinal range of 990-1300m above sea level. The forest type is classified as medium altitude moist semi-deciduous forest with a high biodiversity. It occupies a gently sloping area, which drains towards Lake Albert in the west. There is only one permanent river, the Nkusi, which forms the southern boundary. The forest is isolated from other protected areas and surrounded by smallholdings and settlement. About half of the forested portion is dominated by iron wood (Crynometra alexandri), a further 38% is mixed Forest.
Bugoma Central Forest Reserves has a range of forest dependent and biome-restricted species and with two globally threatened species with Nahan’s Francolin and Grey Parrot so far the only two globally threatened species found here. There are also several Guinea-Congo biome-restricted species. In addition to birds, Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is also important for other biodiversity with a number of tree and mammal species. There are 38 species of mammals and 9 species of reptiles, 20 species of amphibians of which one is an Albertine Rift endemic. Also has 257 species of trees and shrubs of which 7 are Albertine Rift endemics, 12 are globally. There are 225 species of birds with two globally threatened species (Nahan’s Francolin and Grey Parrot), 292 species of butterflies with 4 Albertine Rift species and 118 species of moths.
Activities in Bugoma Forest Reserve
Guided nature walks in Bugoma Forest: trails are open in Bugoma Forest to go and try to spot Ugandan mongabeys and other primates. There is also Bugoma Jungle Lodge loop trail; a 20 minutes guided trails where you can spot many species of birds and primates like black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys and mongabeys as well as Chimpanzees, and Reptiles.
Birding: The forest offers a wide range of birding experience with range of forest dependent and biome-restricted species and with two globally threatened species; Nahan’s Francolin and Grey Parrot that are so far the only two globally threatened species found here.
Accommodation in Bugoma Forest Reserve
There is not much options of stay in the forest apart from Bugoma Jungle Lodge. However, you can get accommodation in Masindi Hotel including Hoima Cultural Lodge, Hoima Kontiki Hotel among others.
How to get to Bugoma Forest Reserve
The Reserve is accessible through a dirt Road 70 km away from Hoima Township. Hoima is approximately 200 km from Kampala.
By air, there is also an Airstrip for light aircrafts at Kisaru Tea Estates 12 km from Bugoma Ecotourism Site and them transfer to the forest for your activities.
