How many hours can one spend with chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve?
How much time can one devote to chimpanzees?
You may spend as little as an hour or as much as four hours in the company of chimpanzees in Uganda’s Budongo Forest Reserve. Non-Foreign Residents: USD230, Foreign Residents: USD160, and Uganda Citizens: USD90 for the chimpanzee permit habituation in Budongo Forest Reserve. In order to get a feel for how chimpanzees live, eat, and communicate, you may get a habituation permit that lets you spend four hours in their company. Researchers and forest rangers lead the excursion.
The chimpanzee trekking permit is given to anyone who are interested in seeing habituated chimpanzees; once located, visitors are allowed one hour to observe and spend time with the animals. Each individual must pay USD 130 for non-residents, USD 150 for foreign residents, and USD 85 for Ugandan citizens in order to get this permission. At Budongo, visitors may go chimpanzee trekking at any time of day or night. The morning trip begins at 8:00 am and the afternoon trek begins at midday.
You will be briefed on the dos and don’ts at the forest headquarters in the morning, and then you will be led to the forest for your chimpanzee experience in groups of people accompanied by Park guides and Rangers. Depending on the chimps’ whereabouts, the hike might take anywhere from two to four hours. You will spend an hour with these incredible animals when you find them, watching them eat, sleep, and play. Along the way, you may see forest elephants and other primates, reptiles, and animals. Reach out to us via email at to schedule a suitable time to see the chimpanzees at Budongo Forest Reserve.
Which groups of chimpanzees inhabit the Budongo Forest Reserve?
The chimpanzee population in the Budongo Forest reserve has been slowly rising over the years, and there are now 800 of them. We first examined the chimpanzees in Budongo forest in 1960, and since then, conservation efforts have been keeping the chimpanzees alive and well, drawing in more tourists. Over the years, various groups have been accustomed, and among them are;
More than 85 individuals make up the Sonso Chimpanzee community, which is one of the oldest groups that have made Budongo Forest their home. A small group of people broke away from the Sonso village and eventually grew into the larger Waibira Chimpanzee community, which now numbers over a hundred persons. You may find the Kaniyo-Pabidi Chimpanzee Community on the way from Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park; it was habituated by the Jane Goodall Institute and is currently managed by Budongo Eco-Lodge.
Near the Waisoke River is the habituated Waisoke Chimpanzee Community. Its origins are in the Sonso community, but it has members from all around. It is not always possible to predict when chimpanzees would go from the forest’s far east to its far north. Trekking with chimpanzees demands some physical fitness, but if you’re not up to the task, the guides and porters will be more than happy to assist you.
Budongo Forest Reserve chimpanzee permits: how to book?
Katland safaris make it easy to book chimpanzee permits all year round. Just let us know when you’re interested in trekking the chimps and when you’d like to go, and we’ll check availability, confirm if the permits are available, or suggest a different date to get them. Then, we’ll send you a bill for the permits, and you can pay with a credit card or a bank transfer.
We will obtain your permissions and email you a scanned receipt for your records and perusal after we receive payment. Plan a memorable primate encounter by reserving chimpanzee permits for special occasions like wedding anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, or family vacations. During the peak season, these permits sell out fast, so it’s best to reserve and get them early.
Why should one choose Budongo Forest Reserve for chimpanzee trekking?
Compared to Kibale Forest National Park, where chimpanzee permits cost $300 per person, Budongo Forest Reserve’s permits are far more affordable at USD130 per person. In addition to the Big Five, a trip to Bubogo opens the door to Uganda’s second-largest national park, Murchison Falls, and the chance to undertake rhino tracking in the Zziwa Rhino sanctuary. Taking a chimpanzee excursion to Budongo is an unforgettable experience. For customized bundles, get in touch with us.
Budongo Forest Reserve: how can I get there?
From Kampala or Entebbe, the travel to Masindi or Budongo Central Forest Reserve takes just four or five hours by car. Access the forest reserve from the main gate of Murchison Falls National Park. Park entrance fees are required. Our all-inclusive packages include the opportunity to visit the tops of the falls and participate in other activities according to your interest, so there’s no need to worry.
In addition, you may fly to Budongo Forest Reserve from Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugunga Airstrips in Murchison Falls National Park; this will cut your travel time to only one hour. Domestic flights to these locations run daily. If you’re planning a trip to view the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve, you may take one of Aerolink Uganda’s morning or afternoon flights to Murchison. The exact time of your journey depends on your itinerary.
In Budongo Forest Reserve, where can one find a place to stay in order to see chimpanzees?
Murchison Falls National Park has long been a favourite among tourists because to its abundance of lodges and its proximity to Budongo Forest Reserve.
Lodges of all price points and levels of luxury are available. The most luxurious alternatives for lodging are the Bakers Lodge, the Murchison River Lodge, and the Paraa Safari Lodge; the most affordable options are the Pakuba Safari Lodge and the Kabalega Wilderness Camp; and for those on a tighter budget, there are the Red Chilli Hideaway and the Pumba Safari Lodge. The Budongo Eco Lodge is an affordable option in the forest, where you may enjoy a night’s sleep while listening to nature’s soothing noises.
Safaris to Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are now available from Katland, a company that got its start arranging incredible adventures to Rwanda and Uganda. Over the previous decade, we’ve built a team that includes both youthful and dynamic employees, all under the direction of seasoned directors and managers that are deeply committed to Ugandan culture and their work.
Within five minutes of your inquiry, a member of our team will respond with reliable information that is both correct and up-to-date. For a personalized safari that includes time spent with the chimpanzees in Budongo Central Forest Reserve, visit Katland Safaris’ website. We have excellent reviews and ratings on both TripAdvisor and safari bookings.