Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most popular and exciting activities in Budongo Forest. Located in northwestern Uganda and part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Budongo Forest is home to one of the most intelligent animals—chimpanzees.
Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives after gorillas. They are very social animals and live in groups of 20 or more members. These groups are led by an alpha male, who is responsible for protecting the troop. Chimpanzees are omnivores, feeding mostly on fruits, leaves, seeds, and stems, but they also eat small insects.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest begins early in the morning at the Budongo Forest Reserve station.
Before the trek, tourists are given a briefing about the rules and guidelines to follow for safety and to protect the chimpanzees.
Some of the key rules include:
- Keep a distance of at least 7 meters from the chimpanzees
- Do not trek if you are sick
- Avoid making noise in the forest
After the briefing, a trained park guide leads the tourists along forest trails, and the trekking begins.
The guide also shares useful information about the forest and the chimpanzees, including their behavior and feeding habits.
The trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on how far the chimpanzees are from the starting point.
Once the chimpanzees are found, tourists get the chance to observe them closely in their natural home. Visitors will see how they move through the trees and how they eat.
Tourists also get to observe their behavior, including their ways of communication. Chimpanzees use different sounds and facial expressions to express themselves.
Besides chimpanzee trekking, other activities in Budongo Forest include guided forest walks, bird watching, and community visits.
Visitors who wish to do chimpanzee trekking must get a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Only 16 permits are available each day, so it is advised to book early. Each trekking permit costs USD 130 per person per trek.
It is best to book your permit at least 3 months in advance, especially during the high season, as permits sell out quickly.
The best time for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season—between June and August, and from December to February—when the forest trails are easier to walk through.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest is a rewarding activity. It gives tourists a chance to connect with our closest relatives and also helps support the conservation of the forest.
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