Wildlife Reserve · Buliisa & Masindi
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve
A buffer reserve on Murchison's southwestern side, where savanna rolls down toward the Lake Albert escarpment.
How to get there
By road from Masindi toward Butiaba and Buliisa, on the western route into Murchison Falls.
What to find
Uganda kob, oribi and buffalo, wetland birds, and sweeping views over Lake Albert.
Overview
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve covers about 520 km² between Masindi and the Lake Albert escarpment, next to Murchison Falls National Park. It acts as a buffer for the park and protects savanna, woodland and swamps.
It's quiet and rarely visited. The drive through it on the western route to Murchison is beautiful, dropping down the escarpment with wide views over Lake Albert towards the mountains of DR Congo.
Highlights
- The Butiaba escarpment and its views over Lake Albert
- Uganda kob, oribi, buffalo and warthog
- Swamp and savanna birdlife
- An alternative, scenic route into Murchison
Things to do
Scenic drives
The escarpment road towards Lake Albert.
Birding
Wetland and savanna species.
Guided walks
On request with UWA rangers.
Best time to visit
The dry seasons (December to February and June to September).
Getting there
By road from Masindi towards Butiaba and Buliisa, about 5 to 6 hours from Kampala in total.
Where to stay
Stay in Murchison Falls National Park or around Masindi.
Murchison Falls National Park
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Uganda →
Good to know
- Take the escarpment route on a clear day for the best views of Lake Albert.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.