Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest; However, Budongo forest is positioned in the boundaries of Uganda’s Murchison Falls National park located in northwest region approximately 4 to 5-hour drive and by domestic flight ‘’Aerolink Uganda’’ in Entebbe Airport flies with in 1hours to land passengers to Pakuba Airstrip or Chobe within the park. However, Budongo forest is one of the oldest and largest natural forest in Uganda that covers a total area of about 826 square kilometers. The forest is divided into three major tourism sites such as Busingiro, Kaniyo Pabidi and Sonso section. The forest is a home to huge population of unique species such as Mahogany tree species that grow up to about 85 meters long and around 21 diameters.
Apart from hosting the rare mahogany trees, it also houses over 464 species of trees ,24 animal species and 300 butterflies and over 9 primates. In so doing Chimpanzee trekking is majorly common done activity here of which the forest houses more than 800 habituated individuals. Though some of them have been habituated and are officially open for tourism. Other primates to see on your trekking day including Blue monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Olive baboon among others. Budongo being part of Uganda’s largest Murchison Falls National Park while trekking, you can be able to spot large mammals like buffaloes, lions, leopards, warthogs many more.
Furthermore ,Budongo forest is a truly a birding area that hosts over 380 bird species which includes; Chestnut-capped Flycatcher ,Cassin’s Hawk Eagle ,Brown Twin spot , Black –headed paradise Flycatcher , Blue-throated Roller, Piping Hornbill ,White-thighed Hornbill ,Spotted Greenbul ,Blue-shouldered Robin-chat ,Dwarf kingfisher , Chocolate backed kingfisher ,Yellow-footed Flycatcher ,Yellow –mantled weaver ,Yellow-spotted Barbet ,Speckled Tinker bird ,Western Black headed Oriole , Slender –billed Greenbul , Pygmy Crakes ,Sabine’s Spine tail , Little Green Sunbird , Olive Green Camaroptera among others.
Facts About Chimpanzees –Budongo Forests in Murchison Falls Park
Chimpanzees are unique species said to share 99% DNA to humans, they are very intelligent great apes and eat a lot of foods as their diet such as plants and fruits. They also consume meat whenever they get an opportunity.
Adult male chimp can weigh up to 70 kilograms while females may weigh 50 kilograms.
One to trek chimpanzees needs to be in good health and free from diseases like flue or Tuberculosis.
Visitors are only allowed one hour to observe them.
Trackers must be 15 years of age to track chimpanzees.
These species can live up to 60 years in captivity, unlike males, female chimpanzees who can usually leave the community whenever they become adolescence.
Like humans, chimpanzees can easily adapt to different environment and learn to use new tools.
Chimpanzee Trekking Experience /How is it done
Chimpanzee trekking experience in Budongo forest starts early in the morning after visitor’s heavy breakfast at Budongo Eco Lodge or any other accommodation with the park. After go for briefing activity at the meeting point around the restaurant. Then after you will be grouped in a group of 8 people and be led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority –guide who will guide you as he gives correct information about the forest, species and the activity. An activity which can take about 30 to 6 hours searching for chimpanzee family and depending on what hour to have allocated them, one hour will be given to you to interact with them, take pictures and video capturing for your future remembrance.
Note; No one can access these habituated chimpanzee family without a valid permit.
How much is chimpanzee trekking permits
However, all permits that allows visitors to be able to engage in the activity are undated by ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices. Budongo chimpanzee trekking costs, foreign nonresidents costs USD130 per person per day, foreign resident USD120 per person per day and USD85 per person for East African citizens. We advise you to book in advance most especially during dry seasons which starts from June to September and December and February. Take note, during high season trekking permits tend to be expensive compared to the low season and only 16 permits are issued on a daily basis.
Best time to visit Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park
Budongo forest is all year visited safari destination which is best visited on Chimpanzee trekking, Chimpanzee habituation a full day activity provided with four hours to spend with them watching, Guided nature walks, Birding among others. Although, the best time to visit the forest trail heads when they are out of slippery. Those dry months to visit Budongo on Chimpanzee trekking starts from June to September and December and February.
Accommodation –Budongo –Murchison Falls
There are no worry of where to stay while on safari to Budongo forest since it sits within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park a park that stuns with lots of perfect accommodation facilities of which you can book and have comfortable stay in the amidst of the Jungle .
Around Budongo you can sleep in Budongo Eco Lodge which is a budget lodge but offers comfortable special cabins with balconies and nice dormitory rooms .The lodge has a well-organized restaurant offering both local and international foods ,Other lodges you can book include ;Parkside safari lodge ,Red chill safari lodge ,Sambiya River lodge ,Pakuba Safari Lodge ,Chobe Safari Lodge ,Nile Safari lodge ,Murchison Safari Lodge among many
Lastly ,you can choose to do a combined tour a visit to Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls national park to Semuliki National Park for birding or a visit to Lake Mburo National park to explore huge number of antelopes and enjoy horseback riding in its endless beautiful plains.
