Budongo Central Forest Reserve is the largest surviving Natural Forest in Uganda with a total surface area of 825 sq. km. It straddles across three Districts of Masindi, Hoima and the newly created Buliisa District. This is a true Forest! Very little illegal activity and encroachment has ensured that the forest remains as Nature indeed intended it to be. Visitors seeking the serenity and calmness of being next to Nature should opt for Budongo! Professionally preserved and managed by the National Forestry Authority, the Forest is divided into three zones.

Its Strict Nature Reserve is the oldest in the Country while its Buffer Zone allows Eco – Tourism and Research to prosper and its Production Zone caters for Commercial Activities.

Budongo has two Eco – Tourism sites namely Kaniyo – Pabidi and Busingiro (Busingiro will be covered in the next issue of The Eye Uganda).

Kaniyo – Pabidi Eco – Tourism Site

Attractions
Kaniyo – Pabidi is situated in the north eastern part of Budongo Forest Reserve. It is a natural habitat of about 120 Chimpanzees. However, only one Group consisting of about 30 Chimpanzees has been fully habituated for Eco – Tourism purposes. There are also other Primate Species such as the Black and White Colobus Monkey, the Red – Tailed Monkey, Blue Monkey, Vervet Monkey and Baboons.

Part of Kaniyo – Pabidi is contiguous with Murchison Falls National Park and Bugungu Wildlife Reserve which are managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Hence, some Savannah Grassland Species can be sighted in Kaniyo – Pabidi. These include Bush Bucks, Red and Blue Duikers, Bush Pigs, Warthogs, Lions, Water Bucks and Buffaloes.
There is Prolific Birdlife especially the Chocolate – Backed Kingfisher and the Pruvels Eladosis.
This area is home to a variety of Tree Species like Mahogany and the Celtic Family. Some of the Trees are known to possess medicinal qualities. Butterflies, Moths and Tropical Flowers are abundant.
Tourist Activities include Chimp Tracking, Bird Watching, Forest Walks, Conservation Education, Chimp Habituation and Camping.

Accommodation
Accommodation at Kaniyo – Pabidi consists of mainly Camping Facilities.
However, the Jane Goodal Institute is in the process of completing modern Tourist Cabins and Bandas to be ready by mid – 2007. Boomu Conservation and Crafts Women’s Association operates simple Accommodation (Bandas) near the Park Entry Gate.

Accessibility
Kaniyo – Pabidi Tourism Site is located approximately 220 km from Kampala via Masindi which is 29 km away. The Site is along the secondary road that connects Masindi with Paraa. It is roughly 5 km from the Murchison Park Boundary and Entry Gate.

Other Services
There are two local Community Organisations involved in Eco – Tourism near Kaniyo – Pabidi: Boomu Conservation and Crafts Women’s Association and Asera Azora Women’s Group. They provide Handicrafts, Community Walks, Cooking Walks, Simple Traditional Accommodation and Camping.
Kaniyo – Pabidi has knowledgeable, experienced and welcoming Guides who offer interpretation and guiding services.