Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda’s Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda’s Budongo Forest: Budongo woodland near Murchison Falls National Park is another location in Uganda where travelers may go monkey tracking while on safari. However, chimp habituation experiences are only available during the low/off seasons, when there is less visitor traffic in the forest. A private enterprise known as the Jane Goodall Institute for Research provides both chimp habituation and tracking experience in Budongo Forest.
Chimpanzee habituation in Budongo forest began in 1992 with the primary purpose of acquainting chimps with humans by riding the primates out of their fear of humans. The dread that chimps have and may still have for humans emerged as a result of the species’ ongoing hunting, particularly in recent years. Chimpanzees were hunted for their bush meat, which was then sold on the underground market. However, because to continuous conservation and chimp rehabilitation projects, the once-endangered primates are now shielded from such external dangers, and their numbers have increased dramatically.
Chimpanzee habituation and tracking in the Budongo forest are only offered to tourists above the age of 15. This activity is strictly limited to the age groups mentioned since it requires a lot of rigorous trekking and tracking tasks that are not appropriate for youngsters. Furthermore, there is no telling how the chimps would respond to the presence of people in their midst, making it a perilous pastime for youngsters to participate in.
Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest can occasionally be observed walking about Budongo-eco Resort, which can be a fascinating experience for those staying at the lodge. Chimpanzee acclimatization may be done at Budongo Forest for USD 160 per person.
Tourists who want to encounter chimps in Budongo forest must travel 237 kilometers from Kampala, which takes around 4 hours. Most people, however, can visit Budongo woodland following a safari to Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest is located in the south-eastern portion of Murchison Falls National Park, and it takes take one and a half hours of driving to reach there.

Visitors can enter Budongo forest through the Kichumbanyobo gate at Murchison Falls National Park, which is located in the national park’s southern section. Visitors must travel 8 kilometers from here to the forest headquarters, which are located at the Budongo-eco Lodge.
How much is a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Uganda’s Budongo Forest?
Tourists interested in chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest in Uganda must pay $130 per person for foreign non-residents and foreign residents, as well as UGX $85 for East African nationals.
What is the best time for Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Budongo Forest?
The chimpanzee trekking experience in Uganda is best done during the months of March and May, as well as in November. Because there is less tourist traffic in the Kibale and Budongo forests at this season, tourists may simply track the chimpanzees and get considerably closer to them.

What to pack for a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Budongo Forest?
Visitors planning on performing chimpanzee habituation in Uganda should bring the following items:
- Remember to bring a valid copy of your passport or ID, as you will be requested to display it at the park entrance gate as well as the Budongo Forest headquarters.
- Bring your Chimpanzee permit with you since you will not be able to practice chimpanzee tracking unless you have your permit.
- Carry extra mineral water with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Bring a lunch and snacks for the day.
- An excellent set of hiking boots.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved pants.
- Sunscreen and bug repellent to protect yourself from sunburns and mosquito bites; furthermore, remember to carry a flash light and camera.


