Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest, covering 435 square kilometers, is located in northwestern Uganda, on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. It is about three hours’ drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. This lush rainforest sits on the escarpment northeast of Lake Albert and stretches across parts of Hoima and Kikuube districts. Budongo Forest is well known for its rich biodiversity, including a significant population of chimpanzees and the majestic East African mahogany trees. A giant mahogany tree that stands over 80 meters tall and has a circumference of about 20 meters can still be found here. The forest covers a total of 82,530 hectares and serves as a catchment area for Lake Albert.
Budongo Forest is home to an estimated 600 chimpanzees, making it a popular destination for primate lovers. Besides chimpanzees, the forest boasts 20 species of amphibians, 292 species of butterflies, 130 types of moths, 465 different trees, and 24 species of mammals. Among the mammals, nine are primates, and others include buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and jackals. This makes Budongo a prime spot for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
The forest is East Africa’s largest remaining mahogany forest and hosts the biggest chimpanzee population in Uganda. The main tourist sites in Budongo are the Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro ecotourism sites, which are located near Murchison Falls National Park. These sites are famous for their large mahogany and ironwood trees, which dominate the landscape.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight of visiting Budongo Forest. Trekking through the dense forest gives visitors the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. While chimpanzees can be seen year-round, the best time to track them is between February and September when food is more plentiful. From October to January, when food is scarce, chimpanzees tend to move over larger areas, reducing the chances of spotting them to about 50%.
Despite the lower chances during the dry season, the experience of trekking in Budongo Forest is always thrilling. Walking through the forest, guided by experienced trackers, allows visitors to see the chimps in their natural environment, swinging through trees, socializing, and foraging for food.
If you’re planning to visit Budongo for chimpanzee trekking, you’ll find several accommodation options nearby, offering a comfortable base from which you can explore the forest and enjoy Uganda’s rich wildlife. After your trek, you can also participate in other activities like guided nature walks, forest hikes, and birdwatching tours.
Other Activities in Budongo Forest
Birdwatching
Beyond chimpanzee trekking, Budongo Forest offers a variety of other exciting activities. Birdwatching, for example, is one of the top experiences here. The forest is considered one of Uganda’s best birding destinations, thanks to its wide range of bird species. The “Royal Mile,” a stretch of road extending from Nyabyeya Forestry College to a research station, is particularly popular with birdwatchers.
With over 360 bird species recorded, Budongo Forest promises an unforgettable birding safari. Two bird species found in Budongo—Yellow-footed Flycatcher and Illadopsis puveli—are unique to the area and cannot be seen anywhere else in East Africa. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also have the chance to spot rare species like Zoothers camaronensis, Ceratogymna fistulator, and Neafrapus cassini, among others. Some forest birds, such as the Pitta reichenowi and Parmoptila woodhousei, have also been seen occasionally in Budongo.
The forest’s well-maintained 115-kilometer network of walking trails makes it easier to explore and spot these incredible birds. Guided birdwatching tours are available to help visitors navigate the trails and learn more about the species they encounter.
Nature Walks
Nature walks in Budongo Forest offer visitors the chance to connect with the beauty of the natural environment. Whether you’re strolling through the forest to admire the towering mahogany trees or hiking to discover the rich wildlife, these walks are a peaceful and rejuvenating way to experience Uganda’s wilderness.
As you walk through the forest, you might encounter several primate species, including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. These primates are often seen playing in the trees or foraging for food, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. Nature walks also provide an opportunity to explore the diverse plant life in Budongo, from the towering hardwood trees to the various smaller plants and flowers that thrive in the undergrowth.
Additionally, visitors can combine a nature walk in Budongo with a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where they can witness the power of the world’s strongest waterfall as it forces its way through a narrow gorge and crashes down into the river below. The combination of forest trekking and a waterfall hike makes for a truly memorable adventure.
Conservation and Research in Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest is not only a popular tourist destination but also an important site for conservation and research. The forest plays a key role in protecting Uganda’s biodiversity, and several conservation programs are in place to ensure the sustainable management of its resources. The chimpanzees in Budongo are closely monitored by researchers who study their behavior, social dynamics, and health. These studies are crucial for the long-term conservation of this endangered species.
Visitors to Budongo can learn more about the ongoing research efforts and the importance of protecting Uganda’s wildlife. The forest also serves as a center for ecological research, focusing on the forest’s diverse ecosystems, from its amphibians and birds to its unique plant species.
