Chimpanzee Trekking In Murchison Falls Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Murchison Falls Park is one of the most amazing and popular activities within the dense woodlands of Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park. Uganda’s greatest Chimpanzee population can be found in Budongo Forest, a typical natural forest in Masindi District that is a component of the Murchison Falls conservation area. In addition, there are 24 kinds of animals, 450 species of trees (including mahogany), and approximately 360 species of birds living there. Three ecotourism areas in Budongo are managed by The Jane Goodall Institute and include Kaniyo Pabidi, Busingiro, and Sonso Sections. In addition to Chimpanzees, you might get the chance to view other primates such as Olive Baboons, Bush Babies, Red-tailed, Blue, White, and Black Colobus Monkeys, Mangabeys, and many others.

What should I expect during the Chimpanzee trekking experience?

The main attraction for Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is Kaniyo Pabidi, where guests can expect an exhilarating up-close encounter with these intriguing animals. There are two Chimpanzee trekking sessions per day, one in the morning at 7 a.m. and another in the afternoon at 3 p.m. You must show up at the headquarters, Kaniyo Pabidi eco-site, in order to receive a briefing on the rules pertaining to the trekking activity.

Several Chimpanzee families will be allocated to you in groups of eight, accompanied by ranger guides. Following this briefing, you will follow the trails into the forest. The exercise could take over to three hours, including an hour spent observing Chimpanzees. On the island of Rabongo, a tropical river forest covers the area and is home to Chimpanzees as well as other primates like Red-tailed, Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys, Nubian Olive Baboons and others.

Chimpanzee Habituation

You can participate in the chimpanzee habituation experience if you would like to spend a little more time with them. Breakfast early in the morning is followed by a trip to meet your guide at 6 a.m. You may find the location of the chimpanzees’ previous nightly nest-building there. The chimpanzees will be your daytime companions as you see them in their natural environment from the time they wake up (around 6.30 am) until they construct their new nests for the night. The goal of this encounter is to help the chimpanzees get used to and comfortable with human presence. The only two locations in Uganda where one can experience Chimpanzee habitat are Budongo Forest in Murchison and Kibale National Park.

What is the best time to do Chimpanzee trekking?

For Chimpanzee trekking, October through January is the ideal time to go. The grass is short, the fruits are ripening, and the pathways are dry throughout these months. But when food and water are in short supply, these Chimpanzees might retreat farther into the forest, making it more difficult to locate them. With the cooler temperatures and less rainfall in June and July, there is intense rivalry for accommodations as well as permits. So be sure to make reservations far in advance if you want to visit during this time.

What is the cost of a Chimpanzee permit?

You must obtain a Chimpanzee permit in order to conduct a successful Chimpanzee trekking expedition. They are available for purchase at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices, and as of this writing, each one costs $200. There are only 16 permits available for Chimpanzee trekking each day, and you have to be over 15 years old to buy one. Furthermore, only eight people can trek per shift in the designated Chimpanzee family.

Other Activities

Besides Chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences, Murchison Falls National Park is home to a diverse range of activities such as nature walks and sport fishing game viewing in the savannah grasslands with animal species like Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, Leopards, antelopes, and others. Birdwatching, especially for special birds like water, forest, savannah, and migratory birds, for example, the threatened Shoebill Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Senegal Thick-knee, Red-throated Bee-eater, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Nahan’s Patridge and water birds such as African Darter, Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle, African Skimmers, and others, can also be seen on a boat ride, among others.

What should I carry for Chimpanzee trekking?

Visitors who wish to conduct and explore this unique experience of Chimpanzee trekking successfully, always plan accordingly not to leave behind the following equipment:

• Camera
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Lightweight waterproof trousers
• A quick-dry long-sleeved T-shirt
• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• A hat
• Thick socks
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Bottled drinking water
• Sun screen cream
• Insect repellent

Accommodation in Murchison Falls Park

For any visitor who wishes to participate in Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, the accommodation options in Murchison Falls National Park are scattered between three locations: the Albert Nile, Paraa and the Victoria Nile, and Kaniyo Pabidi and the Masindi Road. These lodges range from budget, mid-range, to luxury, depending on various factors, including your budget, group size, and duration of stay. Lodges include Budongo Eco Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Red Chill Rest Camp, Sambiya River Lodge, and Murchison Back Packers, among others.

If you are planning a memorable safari, please book with Journeys Uganda to avoid regrets.