Did you know that Budongo forest offers a great adventure for the chimpanzee habituation experience in Uganda?
Budongo forest is among the renowned forest reserves in Uganda. It is located in northwestern Uganda neighbouring the mighty Murchison Falls National Park. The forest covers an area of 825 square kilometers and is famous for harboring chimpanzees the human’s close relatives. The forest also includes activities like bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and chimpanzee habituation.
Budongo forest is part of the Murchison Falls National Park conservation area which means that there is a high effort of conservation. Most tourists interested in visiting Murchison Falls combine it with Budongo Forest due to its adventure experiences. The forest is now managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Jane Goodall Institute.
Chimpanzee habituation is a process where chimpanzees are trained to get used to human presence while in the wild. The experience lasts for 4 hours in the presence of the chimpanzees but the overall experience can last for about 6 to 8 hours. The chimpanzee habituation experience is a fascinating process that not only provides insights into the behaviors and social structures of these intelligent primates but also plays a critical role in their conservation.
Chimpanzee habituation is done in such a way that animals do not perceive humans as a threat, allowing tourists and researchers to observe them closely in their natural habitat. This experience is very delicate and time-consuming, requiring patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of chimpanzee behaviors.
Chimpanzee habituation permits in Budongo forest cost USD 250 for foreign non-residents USD 160 per person for foreign residents and USD 90 for East African citizens. The chimpanzee habituation process in Budongo forest is only carried out during the low season in March to May and September to November. During the habituation process, you will be able to watch chimps carry out their daily routine, monitor and record their behaviors, and movements, and take photos.
Apart from chimpanzee habituation, Budongo forest offers other great activities such as chimpanzee tracking where tourists are given a chance to spend an hour in the presence of these primates capturing memories. Additionally, bird watching since the forest homes over 360 bird species. Some of the birds that can be spotted include white thigh hornbill, Ituri batis, blue-throated roller, yellow-footed flycatcher, and more.
What to pack for chimpanzee habituation experience?
There is a lot to pack for your chimpanzee habituation experience and among others are.
- Insect repellant to protect you from biting insects
- long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect you from scrunches
- Hiking shoes for easy walking
- Rain gear to protect you from rain
- Camera and extra batteries to capture great memories
- Energy snacks and reusable water bottle, and enough drinking water to keep you hydrated
- Accessories such as face mask, hut, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- First aid box, and many more.
How to access Budongo Forest Reserve
By road
From Kampala take Masindi road covering about 210 kilometers and then head to Murchison Falls National Park. This will take about 3 to 4 hour’s drive.
By air
Board a charter flight from Kajjansi airstrip to Pakuba airfield and then a short drive to Budongo forest.
Several accommodation facilities range from budget to midrange to luxury. We advise our clients to book in advance to avoid disappointments. Our expert team is ready to organize the best and most memorable safari to Budongo forest for a chimpanzee habituation experience. We can also combine it with other activities in Murchison Falls National Park such as game drives, boat cruises, sport fishing, hiking to the top of falls, or even bird watching.