Experience Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Uganda’s Budongo Forest is one of the best reserves to track Chimpanzees. Alongside a private guide, follow natural trails while tracking the sounds and signs of chimpanzee activity. Budongo is also a haven for monkeys, birds, butterflies, and medicinal plants, so every step brings new discoveries. Whether you’re an avid wildlife lover or simply curious about our primate cousins, this trek offers a rare window into the life of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Upgrade to a full-day tour for a 'chimpanzee habituation experience' and watch how they slowly get accustomed to human beings.

- Learn about chimpanzees from your tour guide.

- See other primates and several plant species on your walk.

- Choose a half-day or full-day tour to fit your schedule.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Meals

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Kolping Hotel Masindi

Plot 24, 30 Ntuha Road Masindi Uganda

Kabalega Resort

Masindi Port Road Masindi Uganda

Country Inn Masindi

Masindi Uganda

Motel Tuku

Plot 1 Kijunjubwa Road, Saltek House Opposite Masindi Stadium, Masindi Uganda

Masindi Hotel

22-34 Butiaba Road, Masindi Uganda

What To Expect

Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking

Budongo forest reserve is one of the best places to track Chimpanzees in Uganda. Tracking is done either in the morning or the afternoon based on preference and availability of Chimpanzee permits. This tour typically starts after a winding drive to the beautiful forest, followed by a briefing from your designated park ranger. The trek may take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the Chimps' location that day. Once a troop is found, you’ll spend up to one hour observing these primates, which share 98% of our DNA. You'll witness incredible behavior such as grooming, foraging, vocalizing, feeding, playing, and swinging through the canopy with remarkable agility—an awe-inspiring experience that’s both intimate and wild. You shall also be exposed to other primates, plants, and shrubs of this vast forest.

4 hours • Admission Included

Options

Chimp Habituation Experience

Duration: 12 hours
Pickup included

Half-Day Private Chimp Trek

Duration: 4 hours
Pickup included

Reviews

4.71

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent guides
Sergio M,
Jun 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
3.00
The guides, excellent persons that lives around Budongo Forest were awesome, everything good with them. But I don't know why at the beggining they told us nobody got adviced them about our booking, that was a cause of uncertainty for a while.
Breathtaking experience!
S3064HWtobiass,
Dec 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an unforgettable experience led by the really knowledgeable guide Joe! He had so many information to share cause he’s doing it for over a decade now! He knew all the paths the chimps are gonna take and gave me incredible insights into the life of a chimpanzee family! Highly recommended!
A must experience!!
Xavier L,
Aug 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We saw around 15 chimps, the guide was really good, with excellent knowledge and takinf care of the animals all the time. We spent one hour with them
Magical experience
F9708ITmelaniet,
Aug 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience was very unique and much more than I expected. Nicholas was our guide and we really enjoyed his calm, friendly and careful guiding. He introduced us well and we could ask many questions. It was very magical to be so close to the chimpanzees and watch them having their breakfast. What I liked most is, that this forest ist very lonely and they make sure it is not overcrowded with tourists and the chimpanzees are not disturbed!
Incredilble!
Vrohnie,
Jul 31, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great adventure with our Guide Nicholas and Theo the ranger. After 10mins in the incredilble wild forest they noticed the Chimpanzees an we quickly followed the noise. And then we saw some on the path, one really close to us and many at the trees! Just amazing ❤️
Fabulous chimpanzee tour
Gabi A,
Jul 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were out early in the morning and saw numerous chimpanzees. They bounced from tree to tree and talked loudly. We were able to take great pictures and videos.
Chimpanzee Trek
bethanyl982,
May 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a great time! The guides were very knowledgeable. We found the chimpanzees pretty quickly and also enjoyed just taking in all the views. Would advise wearing shoes that can get muddy.