One of East Africa’s most vast and biodiverse rainforests, Budongo Forest supports around 800 chimpanzees, the largest such population in Uganda. It sits above the Albertine Rift , protected in a forest reserve that borders Murchison Falls National Park and is part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area. The main focal point is Kaniyo Pabidi, an underused site that is also rated highly by bird-watchers.
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Best Time To Go
- April to August (Best for chimp trekking)
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High Season
- June to September (Peak time for Uganda)
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Size
- 790km² / 305mi²
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Altitude
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728-1,145m /2,388-3,757ft
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Pros & Cons
- is cheaper than in Kibale National Park
- Easily visited from Murchison Falls NP or Masindi town
- Excellent guiding
- Very low tourist numbers
- Exceptional birding with several rare and localized species
- Pristine jungle-like forest interior
- Limited accommodations in the immediate area
- Chimp sightings are less certain than Kibale in the rainy season
Wildlife
Although chimpanzees are the star attraction, several other primates are present in Budongo. Look out for large troops of olive baboon on the main road, and red-tailed monkey, and black-and-white colobus in the forest proper. Nocturnal primates include potto and several galago species. Buffalo and elephant from neighboring Murchison Falls NP regularly visit Budongo, but they are rarely encountered. More than 360 bird and 250 butterfly species have been recorded.
More about Budongo’s wildlifeScenery
This pristine forest doesn’t offer sweeping vistas, but the interior has a compelling jungle-like feel. Most impressive among an astonishing checklist of 450 trees are the African mahoganies, which can grow to a height of 60m/200ft. Look out too for parasitic strangler figs, which often kill their host tree, leaving a hollow center in their trunk. Chimps communicate by drumming their fists on the of the Uganda ironwood (muhimbi) and like to nest in the same tree’s canopy.
Activities
Guided chimp trekking excursions are focused on a habituated community of around 80 individuals whose range is centered on Kaniyo Pabidi. This is the most popular activity in Budongo and it usually runs twice daily, leaving at 8 AM and 2 PM. The success rate is generally higher in the morning than in the afternoon. The other main activity is bird-watching walks, which offer a high chance of seeing several rarities thanks to the high quality of guiding.
Weather & Climate
Throughout the year, maximum daytime temperatures in Budongo Forest hover around 29°C/84°F, thanks to its position near the equator. In the Wet season (March to November), the rain eases off a bit during June and July. The rainfall practically disappears in the Dry season (December to February), providing a welcome break from the tropical humidity, although it can be very hot.
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
is available in Budongo throughout the year. Hiking conditions are best in the Dry season (December to February) and in the middle of the year (June and July), when the Wet season rains temporarily lighten. The drier tracks at these times make walking in the forest much easier. However, in recent years, the highest success rate for locating chimps has generally been over April to August.
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