Kichumbanyobo Gate
Kichumbanyobo Gate is the main gate of Murchison falls national park and from Masindi through Kaniyo Pabidi forest, this route is used to access the conservation area which is about 85 km away. This gate gives visitors an irresistible welcome into a world full of life and natural art. Budongo Forest is one of the biggest forest with an area of about 435sq.km and is well known for its diversity. This area is home to the biggest number of chimpanzees in Uganda and features mahogany trees up to 80 meters in height and forming a dense green top cover.
The Kichumbanyobo gate came in handy as it is central in Murchison Falls National Park and it is a common entry point for travelers from other towns and cities. Unlike some other points of access to the forest, Kichumbanyobo Gate has all the necessities and people to assist, hence a perfect place for both experienced hikers and new comers to the Budongo Forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking inside Kichumbanyobo gate
The other major reason why many people come to Kichumbanyobo Gate is to go chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest are over 600 and going for a chimpanzee trek in this beautiful forest is something you will never forget. All the treks start at the gate and this is followed by a brief about the chimpanzees by professional guide who ensures that the trekkers are told how to conduct themselves in the presence of the chimpanzees as well as the importance of the conservation of these primates.
Chimpanzee trekking process normally takes 2 to 4 hours and the difficulty level is moderate because the path is not even. Nevertheless, this experience is recommended for people with an average physical condition. Chimpanzee trekking can be done at any time of the year but the most favorable time is during the dry season which runs from December to February and from June to September another reason is that the trails are less muddy.
Kichumbanyobo Gate has the policy of environmentally friendly tourism and conservation. The guides are educated to afford as little interference with the chimps as possible while in the Budongo Forest.
Flora and Fauna of Budongo Forest
Besides chimpanzees, Budongo Forest is home to other types of plants and animals. Fond of Nature, this forest has something that will thrill your senses if you take a hike through it. The trees that grow here are mainly mahogany and ironwood trees, some of them are more than 400 years old and form a fantastic view. The magnitude of the Budongo forest and the greenery around create a unique impression.
Budongo forest is a place of over 465 species of trees of which the mahogany and ironwood are the most famous, thus attracting many botanists. When hiking through the forest, people can smell and see the flavors of the untouched tropical forest.
Bird Watching in Budongo Forest. It is a bird watcher’s paradise. It is also one of the best places to do bird watching in Uganda with over 360 types of birds, some of which include the chocolate backed kingfisher and the white thighed hornbill.
Apart from chimpanzees, Budongo also has other primates, such as Colobus monkeys, Baboons and Blue monkeys. Other mammals that can be seen around the area include buffaloes, elephants and different species of antelopes which are commonly seen on the trails.
Eco system and Conservation
Kichumbanyobo Gate has embraced environmentally friendly travel and encourages visitors to support conservation through various measures laid down by the park’s authorities. The forest is protected as Uganda’s biodiversity conservation area since it plays a significant role in the protection of endangered species .Revenues generated from entrance fees and tours help finance these programs, so it is a site that tourists can visit with the confidence that they are helping to preserve some of the world’s most precious resources.
In order to avoid disturbing the park, visitors are discouraged from throwing litter around, straying off paths and feeding or coming into contact with any wildlife. These guidelines serve to preserve the forest and make it a home to animals and plants that depend on it.
Cultural and community interactions around Kichumbanyobo gate
Kichumbanyobo Gate is also a chance that tourists can interact with the local people and get an insight into Ugandan culture. The Budongo Forest is surrounded by villages of Bagungu and Banyoro tribes. It may be used by locals as guides and porters and conservationists and as such tourists get an opportunity to be informed by the people who are directly affected by the conservation of the land.
Some of the activities are community tours where tourists get to experience cultures, craft, and food. Supporting Local Economy. The people should be able to get some income from tourism for example by buying hand crafted goods, local food and drinks to help support the local economy.
Accommodation near Kichumbanyobo Gate.
To those who would like to stay longer and have more time to visit Budongo Forest, there are many options of accommodation from cheap to luxurious. This makes it easy for visitors to spend time near Kichumbanyobo Gate, take an early morning dip into the forest and have as much fun as they can while in the forest.
Budongo Eco Lodge: This is an eco-lodge located within the forest, the lodge is quite comfortable with a big emphasis on conservation of the environment. It offers guided tours, the pleasant huts and the chance to really live in the woods.
Camping Options: For those willing to take risks, there are other camp sites near by which you can pitch your tents and sleep in the open.
Mid-Range Hotels: Other midrange hotels that are located in the nearby town of Masindi are quite decent and location is quite strategically near Kichumbanyobo Gate.
