Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest – Murchison falls national park
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest – Murchison falls national park
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest – Murchison falls national park : Chimpanzee trekking is one of the fascinating activities in Budongo forest where you will move on foot into the dense forest in search of the habituated chimpanzees and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Budongo forest is the largest semi-deciduous tropical rainforest located at the top of the Albertine rift in Murchison falls national park which is the largest protected area in Uganda.
Budondo forest is blessed with unique wildlife species including 24 mammals, over 360 bird species, 9 primate species such as chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, 465 tree species, 130 moths and 290 butterfly species. Chimpanzee trekking is an exceptional activity in Uganda which is also done in other destinations like Kibale forest national park, Kalinzu forest, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park and Toro-Semuliki game reserve.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest
Budongo forest is a home of more than 600 chimpanzees which makes it one of the best chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest starts at around 8:00am with a briefing at the visitors centre where after you will be sub divided into groups of 6 people and start trekking in the forest with a well trained park guide who is well conversant with trails in the forest and an armed park ranger to protect you from any danger.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest 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 spot other primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, variety of bird species, tree species, colorful butterflies among others.
Once the chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to take photos, learn about their habits, behaviors, watch them feed, play, breastfeed, fight, hunt, mate, rest, record the breathtaking moments among others.
Budongo forest is also one of the destinations which offer chimpanzee habituation experiences a thrilling activity where you will be allowed to take part in the habituation process and spend four hours in the presence of the chimpanzees. Chimpanzee habituation experience only allows a maximum of 4 visitors and it’s only available during the low season.
Cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo forest
A chimpanzee trekking permit is a card or 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 for one hour. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo forest costs USD 120 per person for foreign non residents, USD 110 per person for foreign residents and USD 75 per person for East African citizens during the high season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February.
During the low season in the months of March to May and November a chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo forest costs USD 110 per person for foreign non residents, USD 100 per person for foreign residents and USD 70 per person for East African citizens.
Visitors who want to engage in a chimpanzee habituation experience a chimpanzee habituation permit in Budongo forest costs USD 220 per person for foreign non residents, USD 150 for foreign residents and USD 80 per person for East African citizens.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo forest can be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris and it should be booked 3 months in advance before the trekking date to avoid last minutes disappointments as the permits get sold out quickly especially during the peak season.
Where to stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari in Budongo forest
There are several accommodation facilities near Budongo forest where you can stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari. The accommodations range from luxury, mid-range and budget including Budongo Eco Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Kabalega Resort Hotel, Bakers Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Masindi Hotel, New Court View Hotel among others.
When to go for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season the chimpanzee trekking trails in Budongo forest will be passable and vegetation will be thin which helps you to view chimpanzees clearly compared to the wet season when the trails are wet, muddy and slippery which makes trekking difficult.
How to get to Budongo forest
Budongo forest is located can be accessed by road transport means whereby you will drive from Kampala or Entebbe to the visitors center which takes about 5 to 6 hours drive in a 4WD safari vehicle.
Budongo forest can also be accessed by air transport means whereby we can arrange for you a charter or scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Pakuba airstrip and then connect the visitor’s center by road.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is an interesting activity that can be combined with other activities like guided nature walk, bird watching, game drives, boat cruise among others. For more information about chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris.
