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How Many Hours Can You Spend with Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve?
Experiencing the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve is a remarkable adventure that many travelers cherish. The time you spend with these fascinating primates is truly a lifetime experience. The chimpanzee permit you purchase is well worth it, allowing you to connect with these endangered species in their natural habitat.
Located in Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda, Budongo Forest is a tropical rainforest renowned for its rich biodiversity. It’s about a 4- to 5-hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe and is home to over 600 chimpanzees, with a specific community of around 80 individuals that have been habituated for eco-tourism. In addition to chimpanzees, you might also encounter other primates such as Black-and-White Colobus monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Red-tailed Monkeys.
Chimpanzee Viewing Options
In Budongo, the time you can spend with the chimpanzees varies based on the type of permit you choose.
- Chimpanzee Habituation Permit: This option allows you to spend up to four hours with the chimpanzees. It costs USD 230 for non-foreign residents, USD 160 for foreign residents, and USD 90 for Ugandan citizens. During this time, you’ll move with the chimps, observing their feeding habits, social interactions, and communication under the guidance of experienced researchers and forest guides.
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permit: This permit allows for a one-hour visit with the chimpanzees that are already accustomed to human presence. The cost is USD 130 for non-foreign residents, USD 120 for foreign residents, and USD 85 for Ugandan citizens. Trekking sessions are available in the morning, starting at 8:00 AM, and in the afternoon, beginning at midday.
The trek typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the chimps’ movements. After a briefing at the forest headquarters, you’ll be grouped with park guides who will lead you into the forest. Once you locate the chimps, you’ll have one hour to observe them as they eat, rest, and play. Along the way, you might also see other wildlife, including forest elephants and various reptiles.
Chimpanzee Communities in Budongo Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest is home to around 700 chimpanzees, with several communities that have been habituated over the years.
- Sonso Chimpanzee Community: This group, located near River Sonso, has over 85 members and is one of the oldest habituated communities in Budongo.
- Waibira Chimpanzee Community: With more than 100 members, this community formed after some individuals split from the Sonso group.
- Kaniyo-Pabidi Chimpanzee Community: Habituated by the Jane Goodall Institute, this group is now managed by Budongo Eco-Lodge and can be found along the road from Masindi to Murchison Falls.
- Waisoke Chimpanzee Community: This community, located near Waisoke River, was formed from members who split from the Sonso community and includes individuals from other groups.
While the chimpanzees can roam across the forest, their exact locations can vary from day to day. Trekking to see them requires a certain level of fitness, but guides and porters are available to assist those who may need help to ensure everyone enjoys this incredible experience.
How to Book Chimpanzee Permits for Budongo Forest Reserve
Booking your chimpanzee permits for Budongo Forest Reserve is a straightforward process with Excursia Adventures. Simply reach out to us via email, sharing your interest in trekking the chimpanzees along with your preferred travel dates. We’ll check the availability of permits and let you know if your desired dates work or suggest alternatives if needed.
Once we confirm availability, we’ll send you an invoice for the permit payment. You can choose to pay by credit card or bank transfer. After we receive your payment, we’ll secure your permits and send you a scanned receipt for your records. Whether you’re planning a special occasion like a wedding anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or family vacation, booking your chimpanzee permits early is essential, especially since they tend to sell out quickly during peak season.
Popular Chimpanzee Tours to Budongo Forest Reserve
We offer a variety of exciting tours, including:
- 3-Day Chimpanzee Trek
- 4-Day Chimpanzee Double Trek
- 4-Day Chimpanzee and Birding Experience
- 5-Day Chimpanzee and Game Safari
- 5-Day Chimpanzee and Rhino Tracking Safari
Why Choose Budongo Forest Reserve for Chimpanzee Trekking?
Chimpanzee permits in Budongo Forest Reserve are relatively affordable compared to those for Kibale Forest National Park, costing USD 130 versus USD 200 per person. Visiting Budongo also gives you the chance to explore Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s largest parks, and complete your Big Five experience with rhino tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A chimpanzee tour in Budongo is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss. Contact us for tailored packages that suit your interests.
Getting to Budongo Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest Reserve is easily accessible by road, with a drive from Kampala or Entebbe taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. You can enter the forest reserve through the main gate of Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll need to pay the park entrance fee. All our packages include this fee, so you can also enjoy activities like visiting the top of the falls based on your interests.
If you prefer to fly, there are daily domestic flights to Pakuba, Chobe, and Bugunga airstrips within Murchison Falls National Park, reducing your travel time to about one hour. Aerolink Uganda operates morning and afternoon flights from Entebbe International Airport, allowing you to choose between chartered and scheduled flights to reach the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve.
Where to Stay Near Budongo Forest Reserve
Many travelers choose to stay within Murchison Falls National Park, which offers a range of lodges close to Budongo Forest Reserve. Accommodation options vary from budget to luxury, including:
- Luxury Options: Bakers Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge
- Midrange Options: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Camp
- Budget Options: Red Chilli Hideaway, Pumba Safari Lodge
For a unique experience, you can also stay at Budongo Eco Lodge, a budget-friendly option where you can immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest.
Book Your Chimpanzee Trek with Excursia Adventures
At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable chimpanzee treks in Budongo Forest Reserve, along with a variety of customizable Uganda safari packages. Our dedicated team, comprised of both energetic young staff and experienced managers, is passionate about creating authentic experiences for our travelers. We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews from other adventurers who have traveled with us.
Contact us to learn more about how many hours you can spend with the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve, and let us help you plan your perfect adventure!
