Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking – Discover Uganda’s Hidden Primate Sanctuary

Deep within the heart of northwestern Uganda lies Budongo Forest Reserve, a lush expanse of tropical rainforest that echoes with the calls of wild chimpanzees. As part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Budongo is one of East Africa’s most important natural habitats — a sanctuary of towering mahoganies, rare birdlife, and one of Uganda’s largest populations of wild chimpanzees. For nature enthusiasts, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest offers a rare opportunity to walk beneath ancient trees and come face-to-face with our closest relatives in the wild.

Discovering Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest Reserve covers approximately 825 square kilometers and is located just south of Murchison Falls National Park, about a four-hour drive from Kampala. It is managed jointly by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Jane Goodall Institute, which supports long-term chimpanzee research and conservation.

Budongo is famous for its mahogany and ironwood trees, some rising over 80 meters high, creating a green cathedral teeming with life. Beyond its chimpanzee population, the forest is home to 9 other primate species, over 360 bird species, 290 butterflies, and a fascinating array of plants and reptiles. The reserve’s unique blend of biodiversity and accessibility makes it one of the most rewarding forest destinations in Uganda.

The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest is a captivating experience that begins at the Kaniyo Pabidi Eco-Tourism Site, found on the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park. The activity starts early in the morning or afternoon with a briefing by experienced rangers and trackers. Visitors are then guided into the forest in small groups to search for the resident chimpanzee communities that have been habituated for tourism.

Treks typically last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the chimps’ location. The forest walk itself is a joy — filled with bird songs, rustling leaves, and sightings of red-tailed and blue monkeys swinging through the canopy. When you finally encounter a group of chimpanzees, the experience is electrifying.

Visitors are allowed one hour in the presence of the chimps, observing their fascinating behaviors — grooming, playing, feeding, or occasionally drumming on tree trunks. Their human-like expressions and social interactions are deeply moving, reminding every trekker of our shared ancestry.

The Budongo Chimpanzee Population

Budongo Forest is home to around 700 chimpanzees, with one main habituated community used for tourism and research. The habituation process takes years and is conducted by experts who gradually get the chimps accustomed to human presence without altering their natural behavior.

The Budongo Conservation Field Station, founded by the late Professor Vernon Reynolds, continues to conduct research on chimpanzee behavior, ecology, and conservation in the forest. Visitors may occasionally spot researchers observing the chimp groups during treks — a testament to the scientific importance of this forest.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

For those seeking a more immersive adventure, Budongo offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) — a full or half-day activity where visitors join researchers and trackers as they follow chimps from the moment they wake up to when they build their nests at dusk.

This experience provides an in-depth understanding of chimp behavior, communication, and daily routines, allowing guests to spend up to four hours with the chimps. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the complexities of primate life in one of Africa’s most natural environments.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is available year-round, but the best times to visit are during the dry seasons — from December to February and June to September — when the forest trails are drier and easier to navigate.

During the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November), the chimps may be easier to find because food is abundant, and they tend to stay closer to the research base. However, the trails can be muddy, making trekking more challenging.

What to Bring

Visitors should come well-prepared for a forest trek. Recommended items include:

Lightweight long trousers and long-sleeved shirts (to protect from insects and vegetation).
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
Rain jacket or poncho.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Drinking water, snacks, and a camera (without flash).

Permits and Fees

A chimpanzee trekking permit is required to take part in this activity. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and can be booked through licensed tour operators or directly at the Kaniyo Pabidi tourism office.

Trekking permit: Around USD 130 per person (subject to change).
Habituation permit: Around USD 230 per person.

Each trek is limited to a small group to minimize disturbance to the chimps and ensure a personalized experience.

Accommodation Around Budongo

Several lodges and camps near Budongo Forest and Murchison Falls offer comfortable stays before or after the trek:

Budongo Eco Lodge: Located within the forest, offering cozy cabins, tents, and an eco-friendly atmosphere.
Masindi Hotel: One of Uganda’s oldest hotels, located in Masindi town.
Murchison River Lodge and Pakuba Safari Lodge: Excellent mid-range options within Murchison Falls National Park.

Combining Budongo with Other Safaris

Budongo Forest is ideally located for travelers exploring Uganda’s northern circuit. After chimpanzee trekking, visitors can continue to:

Murchison Falls National Park for game drives, Nile boat cruises, and bird watching.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot.
Kibale Forest National Park for a different chimpanzee experience or to extend their primate adventures.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Every visitor to Budongo contributes to the conservation of chimpanzees and their habitat. The trekking and habituation fees support ranger patrols, community development, and forest protection. Tourists are also expected to follow strict guidelines, including maintaining a 7-meter distance from chimps, avoiding flash photography, and refraining from visiting when sick to prevent disease transmission.

Conclusion

Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking is an unforgettable journey into one of Uganda’s most magical rainforests. It’s not just about finding chimpanzees — it’s about connecting with a living, breathing ecosystem where every sound, leaf, and movement tells a story of life. Whether you’re listening to the drumming echoes of a chimp on a fig tree or watching the sunrise filter through ancient mahoganies, Budongo reminds you that wild Africa still thrives in its purest form.