Budongo Forest reserve is located in Western part of Uganda approximately a 4 hours drive away from Kampala as you head to the famous Murchison Falls national Park,covering an area of 793 sq km of which 53% it is a forest and the other area is grassland.
This forest reserve is home to different wildlife species such as over 359 bird species, 465 species of trees, 9 primate species, 289 butterfly species, and 24 species of mammals as well as 130 species of moths. Budongo forest is also famous for mahogany trees and a big number of Chimpanzees approximately 600 to 700 chimpanzees.
The reserve has 6 groups of Chimpanzees to be habituated and trekked all year round, this means that visitors are always at high chances of seeing these primates. Trekking starts at 7:00 am as you are led by the ranger guides to look for these amazing primates that share a DNA of about 98% with the human beings.
Chimpanzee trekking can take you 30 minutes or even a full day, how long it takes is mainly dependent on the location of these primates. The Budongo forest reserve is managed both by the Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Jane Good all Institute.
You will be picked up by your driver guide from your hotel and drive northwards Budongo reserve for chimpanzee trekking. You will go through Masindi where you will enjoy viewing the beautiful vegetation, fell free to take photos as many as you can. The guide will explain to you each and every detail of concerning your trip along the way. Upon your arrival at Pabidi, have lunch at any lodge/restaurant of your choice as you prepare to go for Chimpanzee tracking.
As you track you will be guided by the ranger guides who are skilled and knowledgeable about these primates, during this you will also be able to see various tree species like the mahogany, monkeys like vervet, olive monkeys, snakes and birds can also be spotted. After trekking, you will start off your journey back to Kampala whereby you will arrive in the late afternoon. Trekking can take a long time sometimes but it is always worth it, being a great experience and time watching these primates.
Option Two
This a one day tour in Uganda starting from Kabale or Kisoro towns, these towns are both situated on the beautiful edges of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. The gorilla tour includes 1 gorilla permit at $ 600 per person and will be included in the final costing. This national park was opened in 1993 and covers an area of 33 sq meters. It has got over 4 habituated gorilla groups including; Habinyanja, Mubare, Nkuringo and Rusengura. More so, the park also is home to 12 gorilla families that are open to trekking by the tourists
The animals that are found here include; over 120 mammals, 27 species of chameleon, 348 bird species, 220 butterflies, also lots of flora is found in the park including; 1000 flowering plants, 163 tree species, 104 species of ferns and many more. The birds mostly found here include; the horn birds and the Turacos. The primate species mainly found here include; mountain gorillas, colobus monkeys and chimpanzees
You will be picked up by your driver guide at 6:00 am after your early breakfast from your hotel either in Kabale or Kisoro. Transfer to the mighty Bwindi Impenetrable National park, whereby you will arrive at the park headquarters at the time of briefing, there after you will be grouped in a group of 8, though some times only 2 or 3 or 4 trackers may trek; this is based on the season, be advised to carry enough water for drinking as well as enough snacks or packed lunch since the trek is so strenuous and can take from one to eight hours depending on how these endangered giants move within the natural habitat
The park rangers will accompany you to the rain forest to begin your search of the mountain gorillas. Trekking can be tough some times, so one needs a walking stick. It also needs someone who is strong enough and physically fit. The trekkers should also carry rain coats and boots since the weather is unpredictable and just changes. You will also need to use the porters to help you carry your luggage at a cost of $10.
The moment you come eye to eye with the gorillas, your rangers will guide and show you how to handle and behave while with them, mainly by standing 6 meters away from the gorillas as you enjoy viewing them. It’s always hard to tell how long the trek will take, since in most cases it is depend on the movement and location of the gentle giants. Immediately, after the trek, continue to the park headquarters and get back to the road towards Kabale or Kisoro.
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