Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest; The trekking in Budongo forest is the major activity with attracts a number of visitors and it involves moving of foot into the forest in search of the chimpanzees and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Budongo forest is the largest tropical rainforest located in Murchison falls national park.

The forest covers a total area of 826 square kilometers and harbors different wildlife species including 24 mammal species, 300 butterflies, 355 bird species and 464 tree species. Budongo forest is a home of 9 species of primates including over 600 chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, grey checked mangabey, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons among others.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is an interesting activity in Budongo forest which starts with a briefing at the visitors information centre about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing you will be allocated an experienced park guide and start trekking in the forest following well established trails in the forest.

The trekking in Budongo forest is done in two sessions that is the morning session which starts at 8:00am and the afternoon session which starts at around 2:00pm, each session takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food.

During trekking you will be able to view other primates like red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, view different bird species, plants among others. Once the habituated chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural environment which gives you an opportunity to watch the chimpanzees playing, feeding, breastfeeding, hunting, mating, fighting, grooming young ones, resting among others.

Budongo forest also offers chimpanzee habituation experience an adventurous activity where the wild chimpanzees are trained to get used to human presence for trekking. Chimpanzee habituation process is usually done during the low season in the months of March to May, November and involves a team of researchers, scientists, trackers, park guide and takes a period of 2 to 3 years to be complete.

Cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Budongo forest

A trekking permit is a document which is issued to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated chimpanzee family in Budongo forest. A single chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo forest during the high season costs USD 120 for foreign non residents, USD 110 for foreign residents and UGX 75 for East African citizens.

A trekking permit in Budongo forest during the low season costs USD 110 for foreign non residents, USD 100 for foreign residents and UGX 70 for East African citizens. Visitors who engage in the chimpanzee habituation experience in Budongo forest are allowed to spend four hours in the presence of the chimpanzees and the chimpanzee habituation permit costs USD 220 for foreign non residents, USD 150 for foreign residents and UGX 80 for East African citizens.

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Budongo forest can be booked through Achieve Global Safaris by contacting us via email or telephone calls with your names, dates when you wish to visit the chimpanzees. After contacting us we will check for availability of the permits and if there are permits available you will be asked to make a deposit for the permits. Once we receive the payment we shall purchase the permit on your behalf.

Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking safari in Budongo forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season Budongo forest receives less rainfall therefore access roads and the trails will be passable compared to the wet season when the trails are slippery which makes trekking difficult.

Where to stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari in Budongo forest

There are several accommodation facilities close to Budongo forest where you can stay during your trekking safari. the accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Budongo eco lodge, Pakuba safari lodge, Paraa safari lodge, Murchison River lodge, Kabalega wilderness camp, Red Chilli lodge, Bakers lodge among others.

How to get to Budongo forest

Budongo forest is located in Murchison falls national park and can be accessed by road transport whereby you will drive from Kampala or Entebbe via Masindi and then to Budongo visitors centre which takes about 5 to 6 hours drive in a 4 WD safari vehicle.

Budongo forest can also be accessed by air transport means whereby you will book charter or scheduled flights from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to Pakuba airstrip and then connect to Budongo forest by road.