Budongo Forest is a tropical rainforest located in northwestern Uganda, within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park. It is one of the largest mahogany forests in East Africa and is particularly famous for its chimpanzee population and diverse wildlife:
Key Features of Budongo Forest:
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Home to over 600 chimpanzees, it is one of the best places in Uganda for chimp trekking.
- Biodiversity: The forest hosts more than 360 bird species, 290 butterfly species, and various mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.
- Mahogany Trees: Some of the largest mahogany trees in Africa grow here, reaching up to 80 meters in height.
- Royal Mile: A famous stretch in the forest known for excellent birdwatching, especially for rare species like the African dwarf kingfisher.
- Eco-Tourism & Conservation: Managed partly by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Jane Goodall Institute, with ongoing conservation projects.
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Transfer to Kabalega Resort Hotel Masindi near Budongo Forest.
We depart from Kampala at 8am and arrive 12am at Kabalega resort hotel Masindi, where you check in.
This is a most delightful area of Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest is an oasis of tranquillity
where one can truly feel at one with nature. This is the oldest Mahogany Tree Forest in East Africa – and
steps have been taken to preserve this most wonderful forest with its tall and majestic trees. The Forest
has been under constant threat by loggers out to make a few shillings instead of looking to the future
and preserving this magnificent forest for future generations. Budongo Forest will seem like an oasis to
you, the quiet being broken by the sounds of birds, primates nearby – very different from a forest in
North America or Europe. Certainly, a place to come and spend a couple of days in peace with creation.
After lunch take a guided forest walk a round the lodge and discover the beauty of this awesome place
yourself.
Activities: Birding Adventure and several monkeys at the swamp,
Relaxation at the pool maybe with beers.
Dinner at Kabalega Resort as budongo eco lodge inside the park is closed for renovation.
DAY 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Central Forest Reserve.
Breakfast in Kabalega Resort and we drive (35mins) to Budongo central forest reserve, where you can
embark on a captivating three to four-hour small group adventure. a three-to-four-hour small group
experience visiting some of the habituated Chimpanzees of Budongo Forest- spending an hour with
them and observing them. Each day, chimpanzees like gorillas move to another location for the night
building new nests for that day. Budongo forest is a project of both the Jane Goodall Institute
and Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Enjoy your time with the chimpanzees.
Late Lunch at Kabalega Resort hotel/Masindi Hotel.
Depart for Kampala and return in the late afternoon.
Tour Price for 2 days chimpanzee tracking per person on this Uganda Safari $460
USD Budget option
Tour cost includes:
Ø Chimpanzee tracking permit $130 USD from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Ø Full board accommodation with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner),
Bottled drinking water on safari,
Ø Private 4×4 ground transportation
Ø English-speaking driver guide,
Ø Guides in national parks.
