Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking

Exploring Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking Extravaganza – Unraveling the Wonders of Murchison Falls National Park

Embarking on an adventure to Budongo Forest for Chimpanzee tracking is a journey into the heart of East Africa’s largest Mahogany forest, nestled approximately three hours northwest of Kampala en route to the renowned Murchison Falls National Park. This pristine expanse not only boasts the distinction of being the biggest Mahogany forest in the region but also serves as the habitat for the largest population of chimpanzees across Uganda. Within Budongo Forest, key attractions include the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site, Busingiro Ecotourism site, and Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site, all situated on the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, adorned with majestic Mahogany and Iron-wood trees.

Spanning 115 kilometers, this remote section of Budongo Forest, occasionally isolated, provides a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, including Lions, Leopards, and Buffaloes. The early morning unveils the ideal time for exploration, offering glimpses of forest inhabitants indulging in salt by the glades of River Waiga, a refreshing haven for diverse wildlife species.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Murchison Falls National Park:

Budongo Forest stands as one of the premier locations for tracking chimpanzees in Uganda, with Kaniyo Pabidi, situated south of Murchison Falls National Park, serving as the primary tracking zone. The adventure commences with a briefing at the Budongo Eco Lodge’s Information Center, a launchpad for well-established trails that facilitate the spotting of chimpanzees, along with other smaller primates and birds. The tracking occurs in two shifts – morning and afternoon, with chimp communities often wandering close to the Budongo Eco Lodge throughout the year. However, during periods of food scarcity, they may venture farther in search of fruits and water. While the success rate remains high, the optimal time for spotting chimps is between October and January, ensuring a rewarding experience lasting approximately 3 hours.

Participation in chimpanzee tracking requires good health and freedom from diseases like flu or tuberculosis, considering the susceptibility of chimps to human diseases. The minimum age for tracking is 15 years, and the cost for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is $80. For an enhanced experience, combining chimpanzee tracking with game drives in the park is a compelling option.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:

Budongo Forest extends the unique opportunity for visitors to engage in chimpanzee habituation, a process enabling chimps to acclimate to human presence. Lasting about two years, this experience, available during periods with fewer visitors, involves following a chimp community under the guidance of senior researchers and trackers. Differing from regular chimpanzee trekking, habituation occurs throughout the day, granting visitors more extended interaction with the chimps. Essential items for this experience include good hiking boots, hand gloves, long-sleeved shirts/pants, sunglasses, and a hat. The cost for the chimpanzee habituation experience in Budongo Forest is $160, offering a more affordable alternative compared to Kibale National Park.

Bird Watching:

Budongo Forest stands as a haven for bird watching in Uganda, with experienced guides facilitating full or half-day bird watching excursions. The Royal Mile in the Busingiro area, stretching from the main research station to a nearby forestry college, proves to be the prime location for spotting various bird species. Rare species include the Pitta and Yellow-footed Flycatcher.

Nature Walks:

Accompanied by armed rangers, tourists can embark on nature walks deep into the forest, visiting the picturesque Kaniyo Pabidi Eco-tourism Centre. The Centre, adorned with tall Mahogany trees over 70 years old, offers encounters with diverse wildlife coming to lick salt from fallen trees. Nature walks extend to the savannah plains and woodlands, connecting to the plains of Murchison Falls National Park, providing opportunities to spot larger mammals like buffaloes, elephants, lions, and leopards. Armed rangers ensure safety, and visitors are advised to carry drinking water or a packed lunch.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park:

As Budongo Forest Reserve is part of Murchison Falls National Park, it offers a myriad of activities, including visiting the top of the falls, game drives, boat cruises, and cultural visits to the Boomu Women’s Group. By the end of your tour, you’ll likely have encountered all the big five mammals.

How to Get to Budongo Forest:

Located in northwestern Uganda, Budongo Forest is a 3-hour drive from Kampala. The journey entails driving first to Masindi town before heading to the forest reserve. Entrance to Budongo Forest reserve costs $40 per person.

Accommodation around Budongo Forest:

Visitors have various accommodation options based on budget preferences, ranging from lodges and hotels within the forest reserve to Masindi town and Murchison Falls National Park. Camping within the reserve can be arranged for outdoor enthusiasts. The Research Centre in Budongo Forest also offers simple rooms at affordable rates.

Budongo Eco Lodge:

Situated within Budongo Forest reserve, Budongo Eco Lodge is a budget-friendly option located 30 km from Masindi town. The lodge provides a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation, featuring comfortable special cabins with balconies and dormitory rooms suitable for large groups. The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu of local and international cuisines. Activities at the lodge include chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, chimpanzee habituation experience, and nature walks. The Visitor Centre offers locally made art pieces and gifts for those interested in souvenirs.