Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest. Budongo forest is part of Murchison Falls National Park located in the Masindi district. Budongo forest is considered to be the largest natural forest in Uganda covering an area of approximately 826 kilometers. Budongo forest is divided into three tourism parts and these are the KaniyoPabidi, Busingiro, and Sonso sector. Going into history, the Budongo forest was used for shelter by the Polish refugees during the 2nd world War and only a catholic church was left behind as evidence.
The forest has four rivers that flow through it and these are Kimirwamba, Waisoke, Siba, and Sonso which pour their water into Lake Albert. As you read below the following information will guide you about what you need to know about chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest.
What is there to see in Budongo forest?
Just like any other tourist destination, Budongo Forest is home to different attractions that one should look up to when one decides to visit. Some of them include different tree species, different bird species, primates, and butterflies, to mention but a few. Talking about chimpanzees, they are the main attractions and chimpanzee trekking is the major activity done in Budongo forest.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest
Over 600 chimpanzees call Budongo forest home and some of their community are open for habituation and trekking. Chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo forest is done in two shifts both morning and evening shifts. It is up to you to choose which shift you prefer, chimpanzee trekking activity in Budongo forest takes about 3-4 hours. This depends on the trekking speed of tourists and the location of the chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest starts with a briefing at the park headquarters where the dos and don’ts are given to you. From there you are accompanied by tour guides and game rangers who lead you to trekking these endangered species. After meeting or encountering any chimpanzee family, you will be given not more than an hour to spend in the presence of the chimpanzees. During this one hour, you will be able to study the behaviors of the chimpanzees and take photos, to mention but a few.
How to get chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest permits?
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Budongo forest are issued year in and year out, about 16 permits are issued daily because only 8 people are allowed to trek a particular chimpanzee family per day. Each chimpanzee trekking permit costs about 85$ per person per day. You should note that these chimpanzee trekking permit prices differ or are determined by the season of tourism. During the high season, the permit prices tend to be high while during low seasons the prices tend to be low.
Is there an age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest?
Yes! There is an age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest. Tourists below the age of 15 years of age are not allowed to participate in the activity of chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo forest. These measures are put in a position that sometimes birth certificates are demanded from tourists before chimpanzee trekking.
Other attractions in the Budongo forest
Budongo forest is not only home to chimpanzees but also home to a variety of tourist attractions that are very interesting to see. Some of these attractions include,
Butterflies in Budongo forest
Approximately 300 butterfly species can be spotted in the Budongo forest and these are very beautiful and colorful attractions to look at. They are also very picture-perfect and can make your gallery look more attractive than ever before.
Tree species in Budongo forest
Budongo forest is also made up of different tree species such as Mahogany which grows to approximately 85 meters long and 21 meters in diameter.
Birds in Budongo forest
Budongo forest is very much considered a birders’ paradise because approximately 355 different bird species can be seen flying over the forest easily. Some of the birds found in the Budongo forest include African Pied, African shrike flycatcher, and kingfishers, to mention but a few. For birders who want to tick some birds off their lists, Budongo Forest is your place to visit.
Activities are done in the Budongo forest.
Different activities are done or carried out in Budongo forest and some of these activities include,
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest
Chimpanzee trekking is an activity that involves tourists moving on foot in search of the chimpanzees to see them in their natural habitat with the help of guides and rangers. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest takes about 3-4 hours.
Chimpanzee habituation in Budongo forest
Chimpanzee habituation is also an activity that involves tourists staying in the presence of chimpanzees after encountering them for more than an hour, half a day, or a full day.
Bird watching in Budongo forest.
Budongo forest is also home to different bird species that can be seen flying around the forest picking fruits or weaving their nests. If you are planning on visiting Budongo forest, you should not forget to pack your binoculars so that they help you out on spotting these birds.
Nature walks in the Budongo forest.
Guided nature walks are also one of the activities that are done in Budongo forest. During these guided nature walks, tourists are guided by professional tour guides and game rangers. During these nature walks you will be able to spot some animals, birds, insects, butterflies, to mention but a few.
Since Budongo Forest is connected to Murchison Falls National Park, different activities can also be done or added to the activities to be done in Budongo Forest. Some of the activities include game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, and boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park, to mention a few.
How to get to Budongo forest
From Kampala city, Budongo forest is about 3 -4 hours’ drive and can be accessed by road transport passing via Masindi town. The entrance fee to Budongo Forest is approximately 40$ per person.
Budongo forest can also be accessed by air transport. You can opt to book a chattered flight from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi. It takes approximately 1 hour to get to either Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugunga airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park.
Where to stay to see chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest?
When you decide to visit Budongo forest for chimpanzee trekking there are quite different accommodation facilities ranging from luxury to budget. Some of these facilities include Murchison River Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, and Bakers Lodge, to mention but a few. The prices of these accommodation facilities are determined by seasons. During the high seasons, prices are high and during low seasons the prices are low.