Budongo Forest; Chimpanzee Trekking, Birding & More
Budongo forest, part of Murchison Falls National Park, is Uganda’s largest natural green forest. It is located in the western regions of Uganda, in the Masindi district, approximately 250 kilometers from Kampala.
It occupies an area of 826 square kilometers which is divided into three major tourism sections namely Busingiro, Kaniyo Pabidi, and Sonso section.
Budongo forest is renowned for its diverse plants and wildlife species documented to hold about 24 mammal species, 463 tree species inclusive of the ancient Mahogany trees,9 primate species namely chimpanzees, Olive baboons, Blue Monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys and Blue Monkeys. Budongo forest is a birding haven holding over 350 bird species inclusive of the notable ones.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is the most sought-after wildlife adventurous activity by visitors, offering an immersive experience of tracking and observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.
Budongo forest is a prime spot for watching chimpanzees documented to hold over 600 individual chimps which are best seen during guided chimpanzee trekking adventurous activities.
The forest is a suitable natural habitat for these playful primates as it is featured with their varied diet which majorly includes fruits and plants.
Chimpanzees in the Budongo forest live in complex social groups called troops or communities. These groups are led by a dominant male, called alpha, who decides on the overall activities within it.
The chimp group usually consists of more females than males. Females tend to leave their families when they reach maturity age to avoid intermarriages which is unhealthy.
Chimpanzees diet consists of mainly fruits and leaves. However, they also occasionally feed on invertebrates like ants and termites. They also feed on meat, unlike the mountain gorillas. Chimps also feed on shoots, seeds, nuts, and stems during times of food scarcity.
In Uganda, chimpanzees are seen in 5 destinations with BUDONGO forest being one of the habitats holding a great number of them after the Kibale National Park.
Other habitats are found in Kyambura George in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria, and the tropical forests of Semuliki National Park.
A Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Budongo Forest
A chimpanzee trekking adventurous activity in Budongo forest starts with a simple briefing at the park headquarters from an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
He provides trekkers with vital pieces of information on the trek safety precautions, rules, and guidelines to adhere to while in the chimp habitats and what to expect on the trek.
After the briefing, trekkers are divided into small manageable groups each led by a knowledgeable and experienced guide for an informative trek, an armed ranger to ensure the safety of the guests, and a porter to help with carrying the tracking gear.
A chimp trek involves hiking through slightly dense forests featuring different terrains which can be moderately challenging requiring one to be a bit physically fit.
A simple chimp trek may last up to about 3 to 4 hours inclusive of the standard one hour of observing them once encountered.
While on the trek, you get opportunities to catch glimpses of different wildlife species up close such as birds, small mammals, monkeys, plants, and butterflies, among others offering an immersive and enjoyable experience.
For the best and most unforgettable chimp trek, adventurers are advised to come with appropriate trekking gear which may include sturdy hiking boots, light long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers to protect the skin from damage.
You also need a sun hat, and glasses, insect repellants, light hand gloves, hiking poles, a light rain jacket and a waterproof bag to protect the delicate gear just in case it rains, and a good digital camera and a pair of binoculars if possible to capture captivating moments.
Although Budongo forest is open for chimpanzees tracking adventurous activities all year round, the perfect time to visit these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats is during the dry seasons which range from December to February and June to August. These are perfect times for outdoor adventurous activities which include chimpanzee trekking.
These come with active chimpanzees spread out in their habitats. The habitat is habitat and featured with less vegetation offering great views and the trails are passable as they are dry.
Budongo forest costs USD 130 and can be acquired directly from the Uganda wildlife authority offices or through a licensed tour operator.
The fact that Budongo forest has a lot to offer, chimpanzee trekking can be combined with other adventurous activities like bird watching and tracking other primates for an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Other Interesting Things to Do in Budongo Forest
Birdwatching: Budongo forest is one of the prime birdwatching destinations in Uganda. With over 350 bird species, bird-watching adventures in the forest are worth it all.
These are best seen during guided nature walks through well-maintained trails leading to different sections of the park. Birds commonly sighted while in the forest with help of an experienced birding guide include Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Cassin’s Honeyguide, Cassin’s Spinetail, Chestnut Crowned Eremomera, African Shrike Flycatcher, Black and White Casqued Hornbills, Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-throated Roller, Brown Twinspot, African Emerald Cuckoo, Grey Longbill, yellow footed fly catcher.
Others include Yellow-browned Camaroptera, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Yellow-mounted Weaver and Yellow-spotted Barbet, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Crested Malimbe, Crowned Eagle, Dusky long-tailed Cuckoo, Forest Robin, Grey-headed Sunbird, Guinea Congo forest Biome, among others.
The rare species sighted in the forest on a lucky day include Illadopsis puveli and Parmoptila woodhouse, Guinea Congo Forest-Biome, Pitta reichenowi and Yellow-footed Flycatcher.
For an immersive birding experience, birders are advised to carry along a pair of binoculars for enhanced distant view hence getting an immersive experience.
An individual birding permit to Budongo forest costs USD 70 and can be acquired directly from the wildlife authority offices or through a licensed tour operator.
Nature Walks: Just like any adventurous activity, nature walks in Budongo forest start with a simple briefing on your way of conduct and what to expect while in the forest. Visitors are then accompanied by a knowledgeable guide well-versed in the forest trail network and an armed range to ensure their safety.
Nature walks in Budngo forest take you to different sections of the forest with each offering a unique experience. The walks will take you to visit the stunning Kaniyo Pabidi section which is featured with ancient mahogany trees which are as old as 70 years.
You will get close encounters with different wildlife of the forest which includes both small and large mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes which might have crossed the forest from the nearby Murchison Falls National Park.
How to get to Budongo Forest
Budongo forest can be conveniently accessed by use of Road transport along the Masindi-Kyenjojo Highway. From Kampala, you will have to drive heading west toward Masindi district.
This is a distance of approximately 250 kilometers covered in about 4 hours. It is a relatively long distance featured with different terrains requiring one to have a reliable vehicle such as the 4×4 car most especially during the wet months.
Lodges in Budongo Forest
Accommodations in the Budongo forest range from budget to midrange lodges found within and near the forest. The notable lodges much sought by visitors to this destination include;
Budongo Eco Lodge; This is a budget-friendly option found within the forest offering ecofriendly accommodations filled with comfort. It features private balconies that offer stunning views of the life in the wilderness.
The lounge has ample space, a stocked bar, and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisines. The lodge offers convenient access to forest adventurous activities namely birding, nature walks, and chimpanzee trekking.
Murchison River Lodge; Although located a bit far from the forest close to Murchison Falls National Park, the lodge offers impressive luxurious tented accommodations that come with stunning views of the Nile River. It is a comfortable and reliable base camp for exploring the nearby park and the Budongo forest.