Walk Through Uganda’s Oldest Mahogany Forest in Search of Our Closest Relatives
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest is one of Uganda’s most accessible and rewarding primate experiences. Located within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo is the largest natural forest in Uganda and home to over 600 chimpanzees, with a portion of these habituated for tourism and research purposes. Its dense mahogany and ironwood canopy, combined with rich biodiversity, makes it an ideal setting for observing chimpanzees in the wild.
Tracking typically begins early in the morning from the Kaniyo Pabidi eco-tourism site, where visitors are briefed about chimpanzee behavior, forest rules, and safety protocols. Accompanied by experienced guides and researchers, small groups venture into the forest on foot, listening for distant pant-hoots, rustling branches, and calls echoing through the trees. The duration of the trek can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the chimpanzees’ location, but the experience of coming face to face with these intelligent primates is worth every step.
Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking involves more dynamic movement, as chimps are faster, more vocal, and often spend time high in the forest canopy. Visitors may find themselves walking briskly through undergrowth to keep up, but they are often rewarded with the sight of chimps grooming, feeding, playing, or even nest-building. Their social behaviors and expressive faces reveal striking similarities to humans, making the encounter emotionally powerful and scientifically fascinating.
Budongo Forest is also a haven for birdlife, butterflies, and over 250 tree species. During the trek, guides often point out other wildlife such as monkeys, bushbucks, and colorful bird species including the chocolate-backed kingfisher and white-thighed hornbill. This makes the walk not just about chimpanzees, but a broader immersion into a thriving rainforest ecosystem.
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo is well-organized and less crowded than in Kibale Forest, offering a more relaxed and intimate experience. There are both morning and afternoon sessions available, and an optional chimpanzee habituation experience allows visitors to spend more time with the chimps and observe a wider range of their natural behaviors.