GETTING THERE AND AWAY
This Busingiro Tourist Site lies directly along side the Bulisa road, 43km west of Masindi, and is clearly signposted. The 2km turn-off to Nyabyere Forest College is about 10Km closer to Masindii, and also signposted.The drive to Masindi should take an hour in a private vehicle. Using public transport, any minibus-tax or bus heading from Masindi to Butyaba or Wansoke can drop you at the camp, though you’ll probably have to pay the full fare for Butiaba. A 4×4 with drive can be hired in Masindi though a local tour operator.
WHERE TO STAY. There is no accommodation at Busingiro or in the vicinity.
WHAT SEE AND DO.
Though no longer used for camping tracking, Busingiro’s complex and extensive trail system remains open for Forest Walks. Some routes are of note, variously, for tress, birds, and butterflies, so it worthy discussing any special interests and preferences with the guides, who will tailor your work accordingly. A 3 hour forest walk costs US$15 as does a birding walk with a specialized guide. although you may work unaccompanied along the main road, visitors may enter the Forest on either sides only when accompanied by a guide.
The best place to do a guided bird walk is along the Royal mile, which runs between Nyabyere Forestry College and the research section. Unfortunately, the Royal Mile lies about 14Km from Busingiro, so it’s only really a viable option for a day tip unless you have a private transport or stay at the Forestry College. Generally regarded as being one of Uganda’s forest birding site, the Royal Mile supports a wide variety of localised species, with the sought after African dwarf, blue-breasted and chocolate backed kingfishers all very common. A long list of other local specials includes Cassin’s hamk eagle, Nahan’s francolin, white thighed horn bill, yellow billed barbet, lemon-billed crombec, balck-capped apails, forest fly catcher, yellow footed fly catcher and Jameson’s wattle-eye. Various Monkeys are also likely to be seen, along with giant forest squirrels and the bizarre chequered elephant-shrew. Equally bizarre in this remote patch of forest is a Large Church built by polish refugees who were settled in the area during Word War II.