Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation Experience in Budongo Central Forest

Budongo Forest Reserve, which is a part of Murchison Falls National Park, is located in Uganda’s Masindi District. It is Uganda’s largest natural forest, spanning over 826 square kilometers. There is untouched forest on half of this. The Kaniyo Pabidi, Busingiro, and Sonso portions are the three main tourist destinations within the forest. Polish refugees took refuge in this enormous forest during World War II.

The only reminder of their brief presence in this isolated desert is a Catholic church. The woodland is traversed by four rivers that empty into Lake Albert. Sonso, Waisoke, Siba, and Kamirambwa are among them. The Budongo forest is well-known for its mahogany trees and sizable chimpanzee population. Mahogany trees can reach a maximum height of 85 meters in diameter and 21 meters in length. In addition to the mahogany trees of Budongo Forest, there are more than 464 other tree species, 24 animals, 300 butterflies, and nine different kinds of primates.

The most popular activity here is chimpanzee trekking, which is followed by nature walks. This vast woodland is home to more than 600 chimps. A smaller population has become accustomed to tourism. A lengthy track (more than 114 km) through the forest allows visitors to see chimps, other primates, and birds. Olive Baboons, Blue Monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and Blue Monkeys are among the other primates. Because Budongo Forest is a part of the larger Murchison Falls National Park conservation area, visitors may be able to see huge mammals including buffaloes, lions, and leopards as before returning to the plains, they pass through the forest.

The Budongo Forest Reserve is a haven for birds. African Emerald Cuckoo, African Pied, African Shrike Flycatcher, Black and White Casqued Hornbills, Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-throated Roller, Brown Twinspot, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Cassin’s Honeyguide, and Cassin’s Spinetail are among the more than 355 species that can be found here.

Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Crested Malimbe, Crowned Eagle, Dusky long-tailed Cuckoo, Forest Robin, Grey-headed Sunbird, Chestnut Crowned Eremomera, Chestnut-Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo, Ugandacapped Flycatcher, The forest biome of Guinea-Congo Kingfishers, Ituri Batis, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, and Illadopsis puveli Pygmy Crakes, Sabine’s Spinetail, Slender-billed Greenbul, Speckled Tinkerbird, Western Black-headed Oriole, White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow and Grey Longbill, Yellow and Grey Longbill, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Little Green Sunbird, Olive Green Camaroptera, Parmoptila Woodhousei, Piping, Pitta reichenowi, and Yellow-footed Fly catcher.

These include the yellow-spotted barbet, yellow-crested woodpecker, yellow-footed flycatcher, yellow-manted weaver, and yellow-browned camaroptera.There are two distinct seasons in Budongo Forest: rainy and dry. March through May and September through November are the wet seasons. December through February is the primary dry season.

Budongo’s chimpanzee population

Given that they share over 98% of our DNA, chimpanzees are our closest relatives. They are very clever animals that consume a wide range of foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Additionally, chimpanzees eat meat whenever the chance presents itself. Male chimps can weigh up to 70 kg when fully grown, while females can weigh up to 50 kg. In captivity, chimps can live up to 60 years. In contrast to men, female chimpanzees typically depart from their birth community after they reach adolescence, Chimpanzees are easily able to learn new tools and adjust to new settings, just like humans.

As a result, chimpanzee communities vary in general behavior based on their geographic location. Budongo chimpanzee hiking one of the last chimpanzee strongholds in Uganda is Budongo Forest. Vernon Reynolds was the first to conduct research on chimpanzees in Budongo. He was one of the first primatologists to do in-depth research on chimpanzees in their natural environment, along with Adriaan Kortlandt and Jane Goodall.

Vermon departed Uganda between 1972 and 1986 when the country entered a period of political unrest and civil warfare. When he returned in 1990, he discovered that unchecked poaching had drastically reduced the chimpanzee population. He learned that when their moms were shot dead, baby chimps were frequently sold to collectors outside of Africa. By 1995, fewer than 55 chimps were known to exist in the forest, a significant decline in the population. A team of researchers began their investigation in the woodland with financial support from RZSS, the Edinburgh Zoo, and other sources.

The Budongo Forest Project, which the researchers started, was subsequently renamed the Budongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS). In addition to guaranteeing sustainable administration of the forest reserve, BCFS integrates conservation and research. Once work began, BCFS faced numerous obstacles. Communities around Budongo Forest had encroached on it, just like they did on many other Ugandan forest reserves. Poachers set snares to catch tiny rodents and woodland antelopes as farmers farmed the forest edges. Snares left by poachers have repeatedly severed the hands and limbs of multiple chimpanzees.

The chimps’ preferred hiding place, Mahagony, has seen a significant decline in population as a result of people cutting them down for lumber. To the project started a number of initiatives to address several of the issues raised above, such as tracking the chimps’ health and daily behavioral data observations.

More than 300 chimps have also been habituated thanks to the project, which also works with nearby people to deter them from placing hazardous snares in the forest. The project makes certain that the local population receives a portion of the ecotourism profits. Goats are provided to hunters as a substitute source of income and livelihood in order to prevent poaching for forest animals. These former teachers willingly assist the BCFS team in identifying the locations of their final traps. The chimpanzee population has grown significantly as a result of the project’s excellent work. Chimpanzee poaching for domestic use has almost stopped.

Activities in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee trekking: As was previously covered in-depth, this is the primary activity that attracts visitors to the forest. One of the greatest locations in Uganda to track chimpanzees is Budongo Forest Reserve. Kaniyo Pabidi, which is situated south of Murchison Falls National Park, is where the majority of the tracking is done.

Experience of Chimpanzee Habituation in Budongo

The information center at the Budongo Eco Lodge typically provides a briefing before chimpanzee trekking in Budongo begins. Visitors may observe the chimps, along with other smaller primates and birds, thanks to the forest’s well-established routes. There are two shifts for chimpanzee trekking: morning and afternoon.

The populations of chimps live in close proximity to the Budongo Eco Lodge on the majority of the year. They do, however, move around looking for water and food at specific times of the year. Finding them is not always assured during these times of food scarcity. The only place where witnessing chimps is more likely to occur is Kibale Forest National Park. Choose to visit between October and January for the best chance of seeing the chimps. The typical duration of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is three hours. Once the chimp community has been located, visitors are only permitted to spend an hour with them.

One must be healthy and free of illnesses like tuberculosis or the flu in order to engage in the chimpanzee trekking practice. Chimpanzees are susceptible to human illnesses. Additionally, one must be to track chimpanzees, you must be at least 15 years old. Following a recent management transition to Amos Wekesa, chimpanzee permits in Budongo now cost $130. In Uganda, the minimum age to go chimpanzee trekking is twelve years old. Our 4-day wildlife safari package in Murchison Falls includes game drives in the park and chimpanzee tracking.

The BudongoExperience of Chimpanzee Habituation:

The process by which chimps become accustomed to having people around them is known as chimpanzee habituation. It takes roughly two years to complete. Visitors are also given the chance to participate in the chimpanzees’ habituation process in Budongo Forest, particularly during times when the number of visitors to the forest is lower.

The chimpanzee habituation experience is observing and learning from a chimp colony regarding their actions while being monitored by trackers and senior experts. It’s not like regular chimpanzee trekking because it lasts all day.

More time is permitted for visitors to spend with the chimps. Good hiking boots, hand gloves, long-sleeved shits or pants, sunglasses, and a cap are necessary for the optimal chimpanzee habituation experience. The cost of the Budongo Forest chimpanzee habituation event was $160 (prices may vary due to a recent management change). Compared to Kibale National Park, this number is lower.

Birdwatching:

 One of Uganda’s top locations for bird watching is Budongo Forest. With the assistance of knowledgeable guides, birdwatchers   can decide to go bird watching for a full or half day. If you want to see the majority of the species in a single day, the Royal Mile in the Busingiro area is probably the best spot to go. The primary research station and an adjacent forestry college are separated by the Royal Mile. The Guinea Congo woodland biome, Pitta reichenowi, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Illadopsis puveli, and Parmoptila woodhouse are the rare species to watch out for. You should have seen at least half of the 360 species that are present in the forest region by the end of the day.

Nature hikes:

Visitors can take nature hikes deep within the forest with the assistance of armed rangers. Seeking to explore the stunning Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism Center is strongly advised. Tall Mahagony trees that are more than 70 years old can be found at the Center. You will see a range of wild animals during the nature walks, who come to lick salt off of fallen trees. You can also explore the savanna grasslands and forests that link to the plains of Murchison Falls National Park once you’ve had enough of the forest. Some of the larger creatures, like as buffaloes, elephants, lions, and even leopards, may be seen here. Indeed, the forest itself is regularly visited by these enormous beasts. For your protection, armed rangers will be with you at all times. Remember to pack a lunch or bring some drinking water.

Explore further areas within Murchison Falls National Park:

The Budongo Forest Reserve is included in the Murchison Falls National Park and provides chances to engage in activities including as boat cruises, game drives, climbing the falls, and a cultural visit to the Boomu Women’s Group to observe how life is in a rural African hamlet. You would have seen all five of the big beasts by the time you finished your trip of Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls National Park, and the neighboring Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. For further information, see this two-day safari in Murchison Falls.

Directions to the Central Forest Reserve of Budongo

Northwest Uganda is home to Budongo Forest. The trip from Kampala to the reserve takes three hours. Before traveling to the forest reserve from Kampala, one must first drive to Masindi town. Entryway it costs $40 per person to enter Budongo Forest Reserve.

Budongo Central Forest Reserve lodging

Uganda’s Budongo Eco Lodge There are many lodging alternatives available to visitors to Budongo Forest Reserve? One’s budget ultimately determines the type of lodging they choose. Lodges and hotels are located in Masindi town, the forest reserve, or farther north in the Murchison Falls National Park. It is possible to set up outdoor camping within the reserve for those who enjoy it. Simple accommodations are also available at reasonable prices at the Research Center in Budongo Forest.

Budongo Eco Lodge:

Constructed inside the Budongo forest reserve, Budongo Eco Lodge is an inexpensive lodging option. The lodge provides the ideal setting for rest and tranquility and is located 30 kilometers from Masindi. Budongo Eco Lodge provides both dormitory rooms and cozy individual cottages with balconies. The dorm rooms are roomy and made to accommodate big tourist groups. Residents can place orders for both local and foreign cuisine at the lodge’s restaurant. You can engage in chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, chimpanzee habituation, and nature walks while you’re at the lodge. The Visitor Center sells locally created artwork and presents for those looking for a local memento.