Nestled in the southern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, the Budongo Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s most enchanting yet underrated destinations for chimpanzee tracking. As one of the largest and most biologically diverse tropical rainforests in East Africa, Budongo offers visitors an immersive jungle experience, complete with ancient mahogany trees, colorful birds, and most famously—wild chimpanzees.
While most travelers think of Kibale Forest when planning a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda, Budongo Forest provides a quieter, more intimate alternative, especially for those visiting Murchison Falls. With fewer tourists, expert guides, and a habituated chimp community, Budongo is an ideal destination for anyone eager to connect with our closest relatives in their natural habitat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tracking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, including where it is, how to get there, what to expect, when to go, and how to book your safari with Murchison Falls Safaris.
Where Is Budongo Forest?
Budongo Central Forest Reserve lies in northwestern Uganda within the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA). It is approximately 3.5 hours from Kampala and just an hour’s drive from the main gates of Murchison Falls National Park. Covering over 825 square kilometers, Budongo is the largest natural forest in Uganda and forms a critical habitat for chimpanzees, forest elephants, monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
The forest is divided into two main sections:
- Kaniyo Pabidi: Managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, this is where chimpanzee trekking and eco-tourism activities take place.
- Busingiro: A lesser-known sector ideal for forest walks and birding.
Suggested internal links:
Murchison Falls Safari Packages
Primate Safaris in Uganda
Suggested external links:
Jane Goodall Institute Uganda
Why Track Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest?
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest offers a more exclusive and raw experience than some of the more heavily trafficked forests like Kibale. The forest is less crowded, the guides are trained primatologists, and the chances of finding chimpanzees on a day trek are consistently high (about 80–90% success rate during the dry season).
What Makes Budongo Special?
- One of the longest-running chimpanzee research programs in Africa.
- Home to over 600 chimpanzees, including habituated groups for tourism.
- Huge population of mahogany trees, some over 80 years old.
- Part of the Albertine Rift biodiversity hotspot.
- Convenient proximity to Murchison Falls National Park.
Suggested internal links:
Chimpanzee Trekking Experiences
Albertine Rift Biodiversity Safari
The Chimpanzee Tracking Experience
Trekking Schedule
- Morning Session: Starts at 7:30 AM
- Afternoon Session: Starts at 2:00 PM
Each trek lasts between 2–4 hours, depending on how quickly the chimps are located. You’ll spend up to 1 hour observing them once found.
Briefing & Guide Introduction
Before your trek begins, the park rangers and guides conduct a detailed briefing covering chimp behavior, safety guidelines, forest ecology, and tracking protocol. You’ll be assigned a tracking group (usually no more than 6–8 people) and led by an experienced ranger with a radio link to advance trackers in the forest.
Into the Forest
The forest itself is cool, lush, and relatively open, making it easier to walk through than denser rainforests. You may also spot:
- Red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons
- Forest elephants, duikers, and giant forest hogs (rare)
- Colorful birds like chestnut-capped flycatchers and yellow-footed flycatchers
When your guide locates the chimpanzees, you’ll be instructed to keep a distance of at least 8 meters, speak in whispers, and turn off your camera flash.
Photography Tips
- Use a telephoto lens (200–400mm) for close-ups.
- Light levels can be low in the forest—adjust ISO accordingly.
- Capture behavior shots: grooming, feeding, tree climbing.
- Be respectful: no flash, no loud noises.
Budongo Chimpanzee Trekking Fees (2025)
| Permit Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Chimpanzee Tracking (Half Day) | $130 |
| Chimpanzee Habituation (Full Day) | $230 |
| Forest Walk (No Chimps) | $40 |
Best Time to Visit Budongo Forest
Dry Seasons (Best Time for Tracking):
- December to February
- June to August
These months offer better trail conditions, easier access to the forest, and a higher likelihood of sightings due to chimpanzees foraging on the ground.
Wet Seasons (March–May, Sept–Nov):
- Forest is lusher and ideal for birding, botany, and photography.
- Trails may be slippery, and chimps may remain in the canopy.
Suggested internal links:
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda Safari Calendar by Month
What to Pack for Your Chimpanzee Trek
- Sturdy hiking boots with grip
- Long pants and long-sleeve shirt (forest ants are active)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Day pack with water and snacks
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera with extra batteries
- Binoculars (optional, but great for birders)
Where to Stay Near Budongo Forest
There are several safari lodges near Kaniyo Pabidi and the Murchison Falls southern gate, ranging from budget camps to luxury lodges.
Recommended Lodges:
- Budongo Eco Lodge – Located inside the forest, operated by the Jane Goodall Institute
- Kabalega Wilderness Lodge – Luxury lodge near Masindi, close to park entrance
- Pakuba Safari Lodge – Ideal for combining with northern game drives
- Twiga Safari Lodge – Located on the Nile, excellent for boat safaris
Suggested internal links:
Top Lodges Near Murchison Falls
Budongo Forest Accommodation Guide
How to Get There
- By Road: 4–5 hours’ drive from Kampala via Masindi
- By Air: Scheduled or chartered flights to Pakuba or Bugungu Airstrip, followed by a road transfer
Most safaris are organized as part of a larger Murchison Falls National Park itinerary, combining chimpanzee tracking with game drives, boat cruises, and the top-of-the-falls hike.
Why Book with Murchison Falls Safaris?
At Murchison Falls Safaris, we specialize in tailor-made chimpanzee trekking tours to Budongo Forest. With a deep understanding of the park logistics, forest conditions, and chimp behavior, our team ensures you have an unforgettable and ethical experience.
What We Offer:
- Custom safaris combining Budongo and Murchison Falls
- Permit booking, accommodation, and transport included
- Professional guides trained in primate tracking and photography
- Local insight into conservation, research, and culture
Suggested internal links:
Chimpanzee Trekking Packages
Contact Murchison Falls Safaris
Final Thoughts
Tracking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest is a raw, enlightening experience—one that brings you face to face with our evolutionary cousins in their ancestral home. The forest’s quiet majesty, combined with the thrill of walking among wild chimpanzees, is unlike anything else on the continent.
Whether you’re a primate lover, photographer, or eco-tourist, Budongo offers something extraordinary—a moment of connection, deep in the heart of Uganda.
Ready to plan your Budongo chimpanzee trekking adventure? Get in touch with our expert safari team today and let us help you bring your Uganda dreams to life.