Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest- Kaniyo Pabidi Murchison Falls Uganda

Located in Murchison Falls National Park Budongo Forest Reserve is 793 square kilometers of which only 53% is forest and the rest grassland. 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.

In Kaniyo Pabidi, six groups have been habituated. In May, June, July and August visitors have over a 90% chance of seeing the chimps. In February, March, April and September this drops to 70%, and in October, November, December and January, when food is scarcer, chances drop to 50%.

In the Busingiro Eco-Tourism Site, chimp tracking is most successful on the grid trail, where a 200m-grid system ensures ease of access through the forest.

For chimp tracking its best to start early around 7.00 am. The guides follow the daily movements of the habituated chimpanzee groups. Three years of recording their movements indicate July, August and September offer a 90% success rate of seeing the chimps. In February , March , April, May and September this decreases to 70 %, and in October, November, December and January when food is scarcer chances drop to 50%. The fluctuating fruiting seasons of the forest trees determine the chimp’s movements. It can take 30 minutes or all day to find them.

Only children 7 years and upwards are allowed chimp tracking. Groups are limited to 6 people.

Activity rates 2013

Forest Activity	Foreign Non-residents	Foreign Residents	Uganda Citizens
Chimp Tracking (2-4 hrs) - low season	USD $ 75	USD $ 65	USD $ 35
Chimp Tracking (2-4 hrs) - high season	USD $ 85	USD $ 75	USD $ 40
Chimp Habitation (full day)	USD $ 150	USD $ 100	USD $ 75
Forest Walk (2.5 hr)	USD $ 25	USD $ 25	USD $ 15
Bird Walk (3 hrs)	USD $ 20	USD $ 20	USD $ 15
Bird Walk (full day)	USD $ 35	USD $ 30	USD $ 20
Prices are in US dollars per person and are subject to change. A surcharge of USD $5 per person will be levied for visitors who have not made bookings and payments at the head office in Kampala. The minimum age for chimp tracking is 15 years. Entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park are not included. Low season: 1st March - 15th June and 1st October - 15th December. High season: 16th December - 28th February and 16th June - 30th September. Chimp habituation is not available during peak season months July, August and September

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 illadiposis found nowhere else in East Africe. The area is relatively flat and thus easy to trek.

Chimpanzee Tracking Tour and Safari Packages in Uganda

2 Days Budongo Chimpanzee tour

1 day Budongo, Kaniyo Pabidi Chimpanzee Tracking Tour

3 Days Chimpanzee, Murchison Falls tour

Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Kibale for 3 Days

Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Kibale for 2 Days