Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi

3 min readJun 26, 2022

Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest Kaniyo-Pabidi is a one day activity done at the Murchison Falls National Park which has primates and lots of birds, located in Murchison Falls National Park Budongo Forest Reserve, one of the most extensive forest in East Africa, well know as research station for chimpanzee, to track this chimps you need permission from the forestry department or from Uganda wildlife Authority. The forest is 793 square kilometers of which only 53% is forest and the rest grassland. Budongo Forest boasts of a high biodiversity of 24 species of small animals 9 of which are primates, 465 species of trees and shrubs, 359 species of birds, 289 species of butterflies and 130 species of moths. The forest is renowned for its high number of mahogany trees and chimpanzees. The forest is believed to contain some 600–700 chimpanzees.

In Kaniyo Pabidi, six groups have been habituated. In May, June, July and August visitors have over a 90% chance of seeing the chimps.

In February, March, April and September this drops to 70%, and in October, November, December and January, when food is scarcer, chances drop to 50%. For chimp tracking its best to start early around 7.00 am. The guides follow the daily movements of the habituated chimpanzee groups. Three years of recording their movements indicate July, August and September offer a 90% success rate of seeing the chimps. In February , March , April, May and September this decreases to 70 %, and in October, November, December and January when food is scarcer chances drop to 50%. The fluctuating fruiting seasons of the forest trees determine the chimps movements. It can take 30 minutes or all day to find them. Only children 7 years and upwards are allowed chimp tracking. Groups are limited to 6 people.

1 Day Itinerary for Chimpanzee Tracking Tour In Budondo Forest

A perfect Mini-Safari from Kampala if you want to see Chimpanzees in the abundance Wild and have limited time.
We leave Kampala at 6 am for your 4 hours drive north to Budongo Forest. Drive through the Ugandan countryside which alone is worth the trip toward Masindi. There is lots to see and picture opportunities along the way, therefore, it’s recommended to bring your camera. You will be in a comfortable vehicle, English speaking driver, bottled water for your comfort. Arrive at Kaniyo Pabidi at Budongo Forest and have lunch.

Chimpanzee tracking after lunch in this original Mahogany Forest. You will be tracking habituated chimpanzees which means that they are used to humans. This is a process that takes several years. They are not tame, but simply used to having humans near them and near them you come and see them up close. Other animals to see in the forests are: scaly-tailed flying, tree pangolin, potto, giant forest squirrel, duickers and so many more, the bird life, is rich with examples like:turacos,kingfishers, barbers, woodpeckers, butterflies and etc.

After tracking return to Kampala by 7 pm a full day, but well worth it and a most rewarding experience. Your best one day Chimpanzee tracking experience while in Uganda.
Each day, chimpanzees like gorillas move to another location for the night building new nests for that day. Budongo Forest is a project of both the Jane Goodall Institute and Uganda Wildlife Authority. Enjoy your time with the chimpanzees.

If you like an overnight trip there is a basic lodging facility available at a reasonable price and for those staying there is a restaurant where Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is served.

Chimpanzee tracking is available for those over 15 years of age and in in good health, no colds, flu or any other transmittable illnesses.

Apart from Chimpanzee Tracking we also have other program itineraries:

Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi

1 Day Itinerary for Chimpanzee Tracking Tour In Budondo Forest

Written by Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel

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