Chimpanzee Tracking Tour In Budongo Forest : Budongo Central Forest reserve is located in the southwestern region of the Murchison Conservation Area and it is continuous with the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Budongo forest is situated on the escarpments northeast of the Lake Albert covering an area of 825 square kilometers. The reserve is famously known for abundance of African mahogany trees as well as chimpanzees inhabiting in the forest, mahogany trees in the forest are more than 80 meters tall with a circumference of 20 meters. The forest and its activities are under the management of Uganda Lodges as it was authorized by Uganda wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority.
The chimpanzees in Budongo forest we first studied in 1960 and conservation has been going on to sustain the chimpanzees in the forest thus attracting more visitors to come and see them. There are several groups that have been habituated over the years and these include; Sonso, Waibira, Kaniyo- Pabidi and Waisoke.
Chimpanzee tracking is main and highlight of a Uganda safari in Budongo Central Forest reserve. This exciting activity is done in Budongo Central Forest Reserve, which is part of the expansive Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest Reserve is home to over 700 chimpanzees, making its the best chimpanzee tracking tours. Chimpanzee tracking tour is conducted in session, that’s morning and afternoon. This activity starts just as other Uganda chimpanzee tracking destinations with a briefing about the rules and regulations on how to trek these stunning creatures. Thereafter, you will be allocated Uganda Wildlife Authority guide, who will take you though the forest is each for these creatures in their natural habitat. They will also provide you with additional information and sights as you trek. The trek may take between 30 minutes to four hours, depending on where the chimps are located, as they frequently move around in search of food.
During the trek, you will also have the chance to spot other wildlife species that dwell in the forest for example butterflies, flowering tree species, primates like red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys as well as different colorful birds among others. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll have an hour to observe them in their habitat. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about their behaviors, watch them eat, care for their young, play, and interact with each other.
Other wildlife found at Budongo Central Forest reserve
Besides the chimpanzees, the Budongo Central Forest reserve is also a sanctuary for 9 species of primates for example red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons roam freely. You’ll also find black and white colobus monkeys and nocturnal creatures like pottos and galagos, which are fascinating to observe at dusk. Budongo forest is also home to more than 360 bird species, 290 butterflies, 130 moths, 475 tree species. Some of the bird species found here includes white-breasted, Sooty chat, Isabelline wheatear, Black lured and Brown babblers, Nubian woodpecker, Arrow marked, Barbets, Rollers, Harriers, Vultures, Eagles, Yellow-throated Greenbul, white-fronted Black Chat among others. These species make the reserve the best site in Murchison Falls national park for primate viewing and bird watching and it is best explored on the well-maintained Royal Mile offering excellent sites of many colorful birds and primates playing on tree branches.
How much is a chimpanzee tracking permit form Budongo Central Forest Reserve
The cost of chimpanzee tracking permit form Budongo Central Forest Reserve costs $130 per person Non-Foreign Residents, $120 Per person Foreign Residents and $85 per person for east Africa citizens. this permit only allows one hour of viewing and staying with the chimpanzee once you find them. Note that, this permit can be obtained from Uganda wildlife authority or any of the recognized tour operator like us at Focus East Africa Tours
what is the best time for chimpanzee tracking tour in Budongo Forest Reserve
Chimpanzee tracking tour in Budongo forest reserve can be done throughout the year. But the most rewarding time to embark on this exciting tour is during the dry season from June to October and then December to early March. During the rainy season the are is characterized by heavy rains, the trails might be difficult to walk.
Where can one stay while on a Chimpanzee tracking tour in Budongo Forest Reserve?
There are a number of accommodations facilities in Budongo Forest Reserve where you can stay during your amazing Uganda chimpanzee tour. Most of the tourists have always opted to stay with in Murchison Falls National Park as it has a variety of lodges and which are close to Budongo Forest Reserve. The accommodation ranges from luxury, to mid-range or budgets including Bakers lodge, Murchison River lodge, Paraa safari lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Kabalega wilderness camp, red chilli Hideaway, Pumba safari lodge among others.
How to get to Budongo central Forest Reserve
To reach Budongo Forest Reserve, you’ll need to take a road trip that usually lasts about 4 to 5 hours from either Kampala or Entebbe to Masindi. When you arrive, you can enter the forest reserve through the main entrance of Murchison Falls National Park. Keep in mind that there will be a fee for entering the park. The good news is that all our travel packages cover these costs, so you don’t have to stress about them. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the stunning views at the top of the falls and take part in various activities that suit your interests.
Book with us your chimpanzee trek in Budongo Forest National Reserve. Focus East Africa Tours organizes chimpanzee trek in Budongo Forest National Reserve Combined with many choices of activities as well customized Uganda Safari packages. Please contact us Contact about chimpanzee tracking tour in Budongo Forest and the best time to embark on this exciting tour.
