Budongo Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking & Primate Adventures in Uganda

Budongo forest is located in Masindi district, falling within the northwestern part of Uganda just 3hours drive from Kampala city. Budongo forest lies on the escarpment northeast of Lake Albert and it is part of Murchison falls national park. It is Uganda’s largest natural forest covering an area of 825sq kilometers and the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa as well as habitat to over 600 chimpanzees, other primate species and the rare forest bird species such as the illadopsis puveli and the yellow-footed flycatcher.

Budongo forest has 2 major tourism sites which include; kaniyo pabidi eco-tourism site and Busingiro eco-tourism site and it is celebrated for its rich ecological diversity which offers visitors a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Africa’s untouched wilderness. From exhilarating chimp tracking adventures to serene forest walks in the spanning vast expanses of lush greenery and towering Mahogany trees, The Forest promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Activities Done in Budongo Central Forest

1. Chimpanzee tracking

Budongo forest reserve is one of the best places to track chimpanzees in Uganda and it is the main activity that draws tourists to the forest whereby most of the tracking takes place at kaniyo pabidi site in the south of Murchison falls national park. Enjoy a guided primate walk in the lush expanses of the tropical forest as your searching for chimpanzees. Tracking usually begins with a briefing at the Budongo Eco Lodge’s information Centre.

The forest includes well marked routes that allow tourists to see chimps and other small monkeys and birds. Chimp tracking is regularly available, offering 2 viewing shifts to maximize your chances of encountering these fascinating creatures. The hike typically takes 2 to 4 hours, adapting to the movement of the chimpanzees as they traverse their natural habitat. Upon locating the chimps, marvel at their behaviors as you spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they eat, rest, and play, offering you a rare glimpse into their daily lives amidst the lush surroundings of Budongo Forest.

2. Chimpanzee habituation

Budongo Forest has been a hub for chimpanzee habituation since 1992 and the process enables chimps to get used to human presence around them, while preserving their natural behaviors. It takes 2 years to fully habituate a tamed chimpanzee community aiming to foster a harmonious coexistence. During the Habituation Experience, you’ll spend a full day alongside professional guides, shadowing the chimps as they go about their daily routines. From dawn till dusk, you’ll witness firsthand fascinating behaviors and interactions of these remarkable creatures. Embark on an extraordinary journey of Chimpanzee Habituation Experience as you immerse yourself in the world of our closest cousins. The best time to habituate is during off seasons when where there are few visitors in the park.

3. Bird Watching

Budongo Forest is a true bird lover’s paradise with 360 bird species and one of Uganda’s top spots for bird watching. Embark on this thrilling bird watching safaris for both half or full day with expert guides leading the way through the woodland forest.

Also get a chance to explore the famous “Royal Mile” in Busingiro region just a short distance from Budongo Eco Lodge. This picturesque forest avenue is a haven for birdwatchers, offering sightings of unique species like the Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Paradise Flycatcher, Guinea Congo forest-Biome, pitta reichenowi, yellow footed flycatcher and illadopsis puveli

4. Nature walks/ forest walks

Undertake a deep guided nature trek through the well-maintained forest trails, offering a captivating glimpse into the enchanting tropical rainforest. Delve deeper into the ecosystem as you stroll past ancient Mahogany trees of more than 70years and marvel at the myriad species of butterflies gracing your path. With its flat terrain, these forest walks are ideal for all types of visitors, providing a leisurely yet immersive experience amidst the lush surroundings. Dive into the heart of nature and uncover the secrets of Budongo Forest on these unforgettable excursions.

5. Butterfly watching in Budongo Forest

Butterfly watching in Budongo Forest is a captivating activity, immersing visitors in the rich tapestry of Uganda’s natural beauty. Renowned for its incredible biodiversity, the forest is home to over 250 species of butterflies, making it a prime destination for lepidopterists and nature enthusiasts alike. As you meander through the lush trails, you’ll be greeted by the fluttering wings of striking species such as the African Giant Swallowtail and the Green Banded Swallowtail. The diverse flora, featuring over 465 tree species, creates a perfect environment for these butterflies, providing ample nectar sources and breeding grounds.

Best time to visit Budongo forest

Budongo forest experiences a hot tropical climate and may be visited at any time of year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season which lasts from June to July and November to February. The dry season in Budongo forest is ideal for nature walks since the forest trails are dry and passable.

However, the wet season in the months of March to May and August to November is also a great time to visit Budongo forest because there will be plenty of food for the chimps due to the rains, so you will be able to view the chimps near the eco-lodge in Budongo forest as opposed to the dry season when there is a scarcity of food, forcing the chimpanzees to move deep into the forest in search of food, making trekking difficult and tiring. The rainy season is also an excellent time for bird viewing since there will be lots of fruits for the birds and you will be able to see migrating species, making your safari more enjoyable.

Where to stay 

Budongo forest has a variety of lodging alternatives depending on one’s budget and these are available within the forest reserve, Masindi town and Murchison falls national park with Budongo eco lodge as the nearest accommodation facility though it is currently closed for maintenance but there are more options

How to get to Budongo  forest

Budongo forest is found in northern Uganda. The journey from Kampala to the reserve takes 3 hours. From Kampala, proceed through Masindi town before continuing on to the forest reserve.

You can also fly to Pakuba airfield from Entebbe airport or kajjansi airstrip.