1-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Tour in Budongo Forest via Masindi

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest
• 02 Travel through Masindi and enjoy the beautiful vegetation en route to Pabidi
• 03 Spot mahogany trees, vervet monkeys, olive monkeys, birds, and other forest wildlife
• 04 Explore a biodiverse forest reserve in the Murchison Falls National Park area

Embark on a full-day tour to Budongo Forest for chimpanzee trekking through one of Uganda's richest forest reserves. Travel via Masindi to Pabidi, taking in the beautiful vegetation along the way, and explore an area known for mahogany trees, vervet monkeys, olive monkeys, and remarkable biodiversity. Budongo Forest, in the Murchison Falls National Park area, is home to over 359 bird species, 465 tree species, and 289 butterfly species, making this a rewarding wildlife experience beyond the chimpanzee trek itself.

Trekking can sometimes take a long time, but it is always worth it for the great experience and the time spent watching these primates.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Kampala

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Kampala to Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking

• Get picked up by your driver-guide from your hotel and drive northwards to Budongo Reserve for chimpanzee trekking.
• Pass through Masindi, where you will enjoy viewing the beautiful vegetation and can take as many photos as you like. Along the way, the guide will explain each detail concerning your trip. Upon arrival at Pabidi, have lunch at any lodge or restaurant of your choice as you prepare to go for chimpanzee tracking.
• See various tree species such as mahogany, as well as vervet monkeys, olive monkeys, snakes, and birds that can also be spotted in the forest.
• After trekking, start your journey back to Kampala, arriving in the late afternoon. Trekking can sometimes take a long time, but it is always worth it for the great experience and the time spent watching these primates.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Chimpanzee permits
• Transport in a 4WD vehicle
• Drinking water during the safari
• Professional English-speaking guide/driver
• Touring and photography

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Tips
• Visas
• Other personal expenses such as drinks and beverages
• Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Know before you go

• Budongo Forest Reserve is located in the western part of Uganda, approximately a 4-hour drive from Kampala as you head to the famous Murchison Falls National Park. It covers an area of 793 sq km, of which 53% is forest and the rest is grassland.
• This forest reserve is home to different wildlife species, including over 359 bird species, 465 species of trees, nine primate species, 289 butterfly species, 24 species of mammals, and 130 species of moths. Budongo Forest is also famous for mahogany trees and a large number of chimpanzees, approximately 600 to 700.
• The reserve has 6 groups of chimpanzees to be habituated and trekked all year round, which means that visitors always have a high chance of seeing these primates. Trekking starts at 7:00 am, led by ranger guides in search of these amazing primates that share about 98% of their DNA with human beings.
• Chimpanzee trekking can take 30 minutes or even a whole day; how long it takes depends mainly on the location of these primates. Budongo Forest Reserve is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Jane Good Institute.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kampala, Uganda

Tour start

Budongo Forest, Uganda

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.