Trekking Chimpanzee is a thrilling experience where one gets to meet his/her closest cousins with 98% DNA close to that of human beings. Chimpanzees are tracked in different areas in Uganda and Budongo forest is among the best chimpanzee habitat in Uganda with 600 individuals and about 100 are habituated for tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi. Only one habituated group of chimpanzees can be tracked in Budongo forest. It is the largest natural mahogany forest in East Africa covering an area of 825 sq km; this forest in the south of Murchison falls National Park is home to a habituated Chimpanzee group that can be tracked with a well-trained guide. Budongo forest is also home to 9 primate species namely Olive baboon, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked colobus red-tailed monkey, blue monkey among others.
Budongo Forest is home to over 30 mammal species and 360 bird species and various activities are done here but majorly Chimpanzee trekking. This activity is mainly done at Kaniyo Pabidi which borders Murchison Falls at the southern edge hence about a 30-minute drive from the Kichumbanyobo gate and is directed by Jane Goodall Institute together with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
There are two sessions to track Chimps in a day; morning and afternoon and tracking start at 7:00 am where the trackers meet at the information center then briefed and led by skilled ranger guide to search for the mighty giants in the forest. Chimps in Budongo can also be tracked by a person on a tour from or to Murchison falls it can be done as an add-on on the itinerary and the person has to be in good health with no cough, flu or any disease that can be transmitted to the Chimps.
When to visit
Chimpanzees in Budongo forest can be tracked any time of the year though the best time to the visit would be from May to August where the chance of viewing chimps is at 90%. In months; February, March, April, September and early October the chances are at 80%.
When it comes to months of Late October, November, December, and January chances are at 70% and hence viewing chimpanzees is difficult since trackers have to move long distances to find them. The reason is during that time there is a scarcity of food, shelter and maybe water in the nearest places; therefore they move to further areas to look for food.
How to get there
Budongo forest is located in the northwestern part of Uganda about 4 hours drive approximately 305 km from Kampala to Budongo forest reserve.
Where to stay
· Luxury – Chobe Safari Lodge
· Mid-range – Sambiya River Lodge
· Budget – Red Chilli Rest Camp
Related primate Safaris
· 9 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour