Located at the southern boundary of Murchison Falls National Park, in the northwestern part of Uganda, Budongo forest is one of the safest, most reliable and rewarding Chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda. Uganda, dubbed the Pearl of Africa by the wartime British Prime Minister is situated in the east of the continent of Africa, neighbored by the Republic of Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania. It is a primate haven, with the highest concentration of chimpanzees in the globe. These have found permanent shelter within Kibale forest national Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National park, Kalinzu forest, Semuliki reserve and Budongo forest.

Chimpanzees are one of the rarest and most sought-after creatures on earth. They are social and possess lots of human attributes, notably eating, communication skilling and walking. Man’s closest relatives they are! with about 98.7% similar genes. They leave deep in lowland forests, spending nights in different territories and playing as a troop. They have a sense of humor, with the elders and mothers training and nurturing the infants well, on how to feed and hunt.

Chimpanzees are predominantly vegetarians; feeding on leaves, fruits, stems, ants, and some insects. These they find the treetops as well as on the ground as they search. Using a stick, chimps pick ants from the holes and feed. They communicate in over 27 sounds, suggesting happiness, alert to the family, sadness or satisfaction. Other primates co-existing with the Chimps in the forest include white and back Colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys and the L’Hoest’s monkeys, etc. The jungle is theirs thus the need to stay calm, observe and not make noise or imitate them. You might find the shy, but yet so friendly and playful.

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most exciting experiences in Uganda. It is done on foot, with the guidance of an expert ranger guide who first conducts briefing session about the trekking dos and don’ts, life of Chimpanzees and what more to look out for during the search. Trekking is best done in the morning hours from 08:00hours, and also an afternoon shift which starts from 1400hours.

The success rate in finding the chimpanzees in Budongo is above 90%, as you get to encounter not only the chimps but also birds, primates and reptiles. The trekking rules include; speaking in a low tone, not littering the park, standing aloof from the chimpanzee group, no flashlights during photography and keeping calm through the trek. Trekking lasts for roughly 1-3 hours, depending on your speed. It is a rewarding hike through the oldest Mahogany forest in the continent of Africa.

Chimpanzee trekking experience is done in two distinct regions; Busingiro Eco-tourism site in the west and Kaniyo – Pabidi in the southern region. A 6-7 hours’ drive from Kampala to Masindi gets you to Kichumbanyobo Gate where you will be welcomed and ushered into the activity.

Cost of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest.

Though restricted to a small number of guests per trek, nationals and foreigners are all welcome.  Non-foreign residents are charged 120 USD per person, while chimpanzee habituation experience costs 220 USD per person per day.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is one of the most rewarding activities during a vacation in the pearl of Africa – Uganda.