Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest: Budongo Forest, located in northwestern Uganda in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the chimpanzee habitats in Uganda. The 825sq km forest is home to several chimpanzee species that have made the forest their permanent habitat. On a safari to Uganda, tourists that would want affordable chimpanzee trekking can visit Budongo Forest.

Budongo Forest has wild, semi-habituated, and habituated chimpanzees which gives tourists an opportunity to go trekking or habituation. Chimpanzee trekking is done all throughout the year giving tourists an opportunity to get close to fully habituated chimpanzees which are already used to human presence around them.

Not so many chimpanzees live in Budongo Forest like Kibale Forest National Park which has the highest number of these species of primates. The few that are there, some have been habituated and are used to human presence around them. Chimpanzee trekking is the most done activity within this forest followed by bird watching.

Budongo chimpanzee trekking may be combined with activities in Murchison Falls National Park since it’s part of it. Activities in Murchison Falls National Park include game drives, nature walk, boat cruises and viewing to of the falls. Murchison Falls National Park is a habitat to animals such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, and Uganda kobs to mention but a few.

How much does a chimpanzee trekking permits for Budongo Forest cost?

To trek chimpanzees of Budongo Forest, one needs a chimpanzee trekking permits which is a document that show one meets all the requirements for trekking. During the high season, chimpanzee trekking costs 120usd for foreign non-residents, 110usd for foreign residents, and $75 for Ugandan citizens. During the low season, the chimpanzee trekking permits cost $110usd for foreign non-residents, $100 for foreign residents, and $70 for Ugandan citizens.

The chimpanzee rates for Budongo Forest exclude entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park which is $45 for foreign non-residents, $35 for foreign residents, $30 for the rest of Africa, and UGX25,000 for citizens of East African member states. The chimpanzee trekking permits are issued by Great Lakes Collection which manages Budongo Forest.

Be part of the thrilling chimp trekking activity in Budongo Forest

When to go chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest happens all throughout the year however, some months are better than others. The dry season months which happen from June to September and December to February are the best. These are characterized by little rainfall and plenty of sunshine which keeps the vegetation short, hence the clear views of chimpanzees.

During the dry season, the trekking trails stay dry and easier to walk through which makes it easy for trekkers to search for where the chimpanzees could be. Tourists may however, travel and trek in the low season months to enjoy the discounted accommodation fees. Those who want to trek in the rainy season need to know that there is plenty of rainfall which keeps the trails muddy and slippery while the vegetation is tall with unclear views of chimpanzees and other forest attractions.

Things to pack for Budongo chimpanzee trekking

To have the best of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, you need to pack the right gear. Things that should not be missed on your packing list include waterproof hiking shoes, long cotton socks, a pair of gaiters, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, a backpack, a pair of binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellents, a walking stick, energy-giving snacks, and a drinking water bottle.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Bubongo Forest is carried out every day in the morning and evening hours with the help of armed ranger guides. The activity starts with a briefing about the activity where trekkers are taught the rules and regulations for security purposes. Those with excess luggage may hire porters at an affordable fee to help them throughout the activity.

Groups are formed, and armed ranger guides lead the trekkers in the jungle where they start searching for the chimpanzees. As different trekking trails are used to search for where the chimpanzees could be, trekkers get an opportunity to spot some of the forest mammals, primates, and bird lovers get to see a few bird species.

After hours of searching, the chimpanzee troop is finally spotted, and armed ranger guides do give a 1-hour hour around the chimpanzees which comes with an opportunity of learning about their habits, ask questions to know about them, and watch them carry out daily activities, such as nesting, mating, breastfeeding, hunting, and much more.

Trekkers are allowed to follow the rules and regulations taught while recording videos and photographs. Seeing the closest relatives to human beings is a dream come true, and so if trekkers capture videos and take photos, they could use them for future memories. After having a good time around the chimpanzees, you trek out of the jungle and get your trekking certificates.