Chimpanzee Tracking is one of the adventure activities that tourists can enjoy on a safari through Murchison Falls National Park. This amazing adventure can be taken in Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi, two amazing forests that are part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Within the forests, there are designated track which travelers can follow and hike deep into the forest to look for these great apes. Chimpanzee Tracking is one of the most rewarding adventures that tourists enjoy on a safari through the park.
Budongo Forest is situated approximately 4 hours’ drive northwest of the capital city Kampala on the way to the prominent Murchison Falls National Park. This is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa as well as habitat to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. The major tourist sites within this forest are: the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site, Busingiro Ecotourism site and Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site which are located at boundaries to Murchison Falls National Park and dominated by Mahogany and Iron-wood trees. Budongo Forest boasts of a high biodiversity of 24 species of small animals 9 of which are primates, 465 species of trees and shrubs, 359 species of birds, 289 species of butterflies and 130 species of moths. The forest is renowned for its high number of mahogany trees and chimpanzees. The forest is believed to contain some 600-700 chimpanzees.
As a result of this great biodiversity two eco-tourism sites have been set and optimized for tour activities – Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro eco-tourism sites. These two sites have chimpanzees that have been habituated for chimpanzee tracking. Trail networks have been established for nature walks. You get an up-close view of the mahogany trees, iron wood trees and other vegetation. In addition to the chimpanzees and other primate species such as monkeys, one can also view several bird species such as Chocolate-backed kingfisher, the White-thighed Hornbill and Puvel’s illadopsis found nowhere else in East Africa. The area is relatively flat and thus easy to trek.
Activities to enjoy within this forest include:
Birding
Kaniyo Pabidi forest is among the most ideal places in Uganda to have a guided bird watching tour by the Royal Mile that extends from Nyabyeya Forestry College to the research station.Among the various bird species that have been recorded in this forest are more than 360 species that will certainly reward you with a very amazing birding safari experience in this great forest in Uganda. in addition there are 290 butterflies species, 130 Moths species, 465 tree species, as well as 24 mammals nine of which are actually primates.
Chimpanzee tracking experience
Budongo Forest is an excellent spot to track chimpanzees. Most travelers on safaris through Murchison Falls National Park include tracking the wild chimpanzees within this forest. The success rate in seeing Chimpanzees is quite high here and only outdone by Kibale Forest.There are morning and afternoon chimpanzee tracking times and for those visiting Murchison Falls National Park this can be done on the way to or from Murchison Falls National Park adding another activity to your safari there.
Chimp tracking its best to start early around 7.00 am, the guides follow the daily movements of the habituated chimpanzee groups.The Budongo Forest area chimpanzee tracking area of Kaniyo Pabidi is managed by the Jane Goodall Institute providing visitors with one of the best Chimpanzee Tracking experiences in Uganda.
Guided Nature Walks
Guided nature walks can be taken here through woodland and savanna terrain. Visitors can see wildlife here on Nature walks and Hikes since Budongo Forest is part of the Murchison Falls Wildlife Reserve and animals enter the park, some to live here, and others visit and return to their regular habitat. You can spot wildlife licking salt in in the forest clearings. Large mammals also wander into this part of park such as Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes and Leopards.
Practical Advice
Chimpanzee Tracking is conducted in small groups and prior booking for chimpanzee permits is important.
Chimpanzee Permits cost US$ 150 per person.
For the safety of hiker please put on appropriate clothing for hiking including jungle shoes.