Budongo Forest

Pros & Cons

• Chimpanzee trekking and full day habituation experience
• Accommodation available at Kaniyo Pabidi or nearby Murchison Falls NP
• Lower fees for chimp trekking than in popular Kibale NP
• Excellent birding
• Pristine forest
• Busingiro has no accommodation or activities available

Wildlife

Many primate species are easily encountered. Aside from chimpanzees, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, black-and-white colobus and olive baboon can be seen. Nocturnal creatures include potto and several galago species. Also of interest are the high number of birds and butterflies recorded. Herds of buffalo and elephant visit the park from neighboring savannah reserve, Murchison Falls. Although you might see their tracks, they are seldom encountered.

• More about Budongo's wildlife

Scenery

This pristine forest reserve has an amazing number (465 in total) of plant species recorded. Most notable are the impressive giant mahogany trees up to 60m high. Other beautiful trees to look out for are the spiky Fagara trees, parasitic strangler figs and iron wood trees. The latter is regularly used by chimpanzees for communication by drumming on their trunks.

Weather & Climate

Throughout the year, maximum daytime temperatures in Budongo Forest hover around 31°C/88°F, thanks to its position near the equator. In the Wet season (March to October), the rain eases off a bit during June and July. The precipitation practically disappears in the Dry season (November to February), providing a welcome break from the tropical humidity.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

The wildlife watching is good in Budongo year-round. However, it is at its best in the Dry season (November to February), and in the middle of the year when the Wet season rains temporarily lighten (June and July). The drier tracks at these times make chimpanzee trekking and birding that much easier.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Budongo?

• Budongo chimp trekking tours
• Tour operators for Budongo