Budongo Central Forest Reserve

Budongo is a prime chimpanzee tracking location. Here you will find the largest chimpanzee colony in Uganda. You will also find the largest mahogany forest in the region.

Budongo Forest is just 130km from to Murchison Falls. You can easily combine visits to Murchison Falls and Budongo Forest.

How to get to Budongo Forest

Visitors come to track chimpanzees at Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest.

Budongo is a 3 to 4-hour drive from Kampala. You can fly in from Entebbe or Kampala.

What to wear while on Safari in Budongo Central Forest Reserve

Please note that you are dressing for a visit to a tropical forest. Get maximum protection from mosquito bites, branches, twigs, thorns, and nettles.

Wear comfortable fabric to absorb sweat. Shoes need to be treaded and waterproof. Clothes should cover your arms, legs, and chest. Apply insect repellant on your skin.

When to Visit Budongo Forest

The best time to go Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Central Forest Reserve is from October to January. The Chimpanzees travel further out when fruits are scarce.

You can expect to spend one hour observing a chimpanzee family.

Who can Go Chimpanzee Tracking?

Because chimpanzees are so much like humans, they are capable of getting sick from something like Tuberculosis or the flu.

Only healthy people who are free from infections can visit the chimpanzees. Chimpanzee tracking is only allowed for visitors who are 15 or older.

Finally, each individual needs a chimpanzee tracking permit. The permit costs $120.

You must be fit enough for a three-hour hike.

When to Visit Budongo Forest

Chimpanzees are easier to track in December, January, and February when it is dry. June, July, August, and September are also suitable for chimpanzee tracking.

June and July are even better because the temperatures are lower. They are the most popular Chimpanzee tracking months for Budongo Forest National Park.h

Avoid April-May and August-October. The trails are slippery in the rain.Best Time to Go to Uganda by Major Park

Accommodation in Budongo Forest

• Masindi Hotel – Luxury.
• New Court View Hotel – Midrange.
• Budongo Eco Lodge – Mid range.
• Kabalega Resort Hotel – Budget.
• Hotel Victory Bijja – Budget.

Budongo Central Forest Reserve Attractions

• Budongo is best known for Chimpanzee tracking. You will go hiking in the forest and spend an hour observing chimpanzees.
• Budongo Forest is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. The Royal Mile is a top bird-watching site between Nyabyeya Forestry College and the Research Station. More than 360 bird species live at Budongo Central Forest Reserve.
• The Yellow-footed Flycatcher and the Biome of the Guinea Congo Forest are rare birds found here.
• There are also 290 types of butterflies and 130 different moths.
• There is large mahogany and ironwood forest in Budongo. These are just the highlights. More than 465 tree species are here in Budongo Central Forest Reserve Attractions.
• Four rivers flow out of the Bugongo Forest and into Lake Albert: Sonso, Waisoke, Wake, and Bubwa.