Trip overview
If you are planning a short chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda, Budongo forest is one of the best destinations for the trek and this 2 day would be the best trip to book. Budongo forest has the second largest population of chimps in Uganda after Kibale National Park, but of late the chimps of Budongo have been found to provide the best trekking experience with the best sightings of many chimps. Budongo forest is also a shorter drive from Kampala or Entebbe, taking no longer than 4 hours drive.
One large habituated community of chimpanzees in Budongo forest has its territory at Kaniyo Pabidi, an area of the forest located within the territory of Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s prime game park. This gives you the opportunity to go watch some game in the savannah and the River Nile, and visit to the Murchison falls.
Along the way to Budongo forest is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you can make a stop for a guided trek to see the rhinos on the sanctuary which hosts a few other animals such as antelopes and monkeys.
Budongo forest chimps tour itinerary:
Today you shall be picked up at 8am and drive north to Budongo Forest. This will be a 4 hours drive. You will arrive and check in at Budongo Eco Lodge located at Kaniyo Pabidi within Murchison Falls National Park. Have lunch and enjoy some relaxation as you listen to the sounds of the jungle. The chimpanzee trek and walks start at Budongo Eco Lodge, so it is a convenient place to stay, however it is also possible to continue and stay within Murchison Falls National Park, such as along the banks of the Nile that would close to 30 minutes to Kaniyo Pabidi.
You set out for a late afternoon nature walk in Budongo forest to watch some wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and trees. Budongo forest is famous for huge Mahogany trees including the known largest Mahagony tree.
Optional activities:
You can do one of the following activities, instead of the nature walk
- – Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- – Top of the Murchison falls visit and hike
- – Afternoon boat cruise on River Nile
- – Afternoon Game drive on the northern bank of the Nile
Accommodation: Budongo Eco Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner
You shall have early breakfast and meet the chimpanzee guides at 7am at Budongo Eco Lodge for briefing and thereafter start off your trek into Budongo Forest to find the chimps. Depending on the season, the chimps may be located within 30 minutes of trekking from the Budongo Eco Lodge. Sometimes they will travel a bit farther from their territory when there is less food in their territory. This community of chimps is quite large and will give excellent views of different members and grouping of this community. You will spend one hour with the chimps after which you shall check out of the park and travel back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
What to carry for your chimp trek in Budongo Forest
- Hiking shoes or sneakers with good tration
- Long pants
- Long sleeved shirt
- Rain jacket
- Hat/cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
What this trip includes/excludes:
- A private safari car
- Professional English-speaking tour guide/driver
- Chimpanzee tracking permit/ticket
- All activities in the itinerary
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary above
- Drinking water in the car
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Optional activities
- Visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Airfares
- Tips
- All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, curio purchases
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