Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Vs Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Budongo Forest offers a lifetime opportunity for you to observe chimpanzees in their natural setting. Kibale and Budongo guarantee a 95% success rate of encountering chimpanzees in the wild. This is the highest chance of seeing chimpanzees that no other location offers, except the two Ugandan safari destinations. But what you should understand is that each destination has something unique for you to experience. This is why we have made a comparison between chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve.
Chimpanzee trekking/tracking in Kibale National Park
Comparison in terms of the chimpanzee population
Kibale National Park holds the highest concentration of chimpanzees compared to any destination in Uganda. In Kibale National Park alone, there are over 1,500 chimpanzees, ranging across various communities. On a chimpanzee trekking tour in Kibale, visitors embark on a search for the already habituated chimpanzee communities in designated regions like Kanyanchu.
A variety of chimp communities
Kibale National Park protects a range of habituated chimpanzee communities thus providing a higher opportunity to primate enthusiasts. About 4 communities have been fully habituated and are open for trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. You can opt for a community that is open for tourism or chimpanzee habituation.The available communities include Kanyanchu, which is the most explored by tourists on a chimpanzee tracking adventure. Kanyawara comprises about 50 and 60 members. Sebitoli is dedicated to research purposes, and in the heart of Kibale National Park, there are about 200 members.
The presence of the habituated chimpanzee communities makes it possible for tourists to embark on a journey to observe chimpanzees in their natural setting. Habituated chimp communities mean the chimpanzees are accustomed to human presence. This makes it easier for visitors to interact with these apes in the wild.
Established infrastructure
Kibale National Park features well-maintained trails with varied tourist facilities, making visitor exploration safe and easier. A variety of comfortable safari lodges and camps are available in and around Kibale for tourists to consider for overnight stays.
The current cost of chimpanzee trekking permits for Kibale Forest. A single chimpanzee permit in Kibale costs USD 250 per visitor for foreign non-residents, foreign residents USD 200 per tourist, and shs. 180 for East African citizens.
If you are interested in chimpanzee habituation, then be ready to secure a permit at USD 300 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 250 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 per person for East African citizens.
Budongo chimpanzee trekking
Budongo Forest Reserve holds relatively few chimpanzees. About 800 chimpanzees live in Budongo Forest, unlike over 1500 individuals in Kibale National Park.
If you are looking for an intimate/secluded experience, then consider Budongo Forest as your favorite destination. Budongo attracts slightly fewer guests, thus allowing you to enjoy a more secluded primate adventure.
Budongo isn’t a fully developed destination compared to Kibale when it comes to chimp trekking trails. This makes it a bit challenging for you to enjoy a trek with chimpanzees.
Proximity to Murchison Falls National Park –it is possible to combine chimpanzee trekking in Budongo with wildlife tours in Murchison Falls. Budongo lies within the extensive Murchison Falls Conservation Area. En route to Budongo, visitors can also branch off to Ziwa to enjoy rhino trekking.
Combining Budongo and wildlife allows you to experience the best of chimpanzee trekking and Big game encounters.
Relatively cheaper permits: To track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve, you should have a valid chimpanzee permit. The foreign non-residents on a chimpanzee trek can secure permits for Budongo at USD 130 per person, and USD 120 per visitor for the foreign residents, while the East African citizens obtain permits at USD 85 per visitor.
Like Kibale National Park, it is possible to book a chimpanzee permit through the local tour operator. Talk to our expert to secure your permit and also plan a successful chimpanzee trekking adventure.
When to visit Kibale and Budongo for chimpanzee trekking
Kibale and Budongo are open for chimpanzee trekking all year round. However, the ideal period to experience the best of Kibale and Budongo Forest chimpanzee trek is during the dry season. The dry season occurs twice a year with the extended phase often recorded from June to September, while the short dry months begin from December to February.
The advantage of visiting chimps during the dry months is that you can enjoy a trek free of disturbance from rain. Even if it rains it can last for a short time and a visitor can continue with the adventure. Heavy rains often make the forest floor slippery/muddy thus posing a challenge for you to navigate through as you search for chimpanzees in their natural setting.
The wet season is usually a period when heavy rains start and extend from March to May then from October to November. These are ideal for visitors who desire budget chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda.
What to pack for chimpanzee tracking in Budongo/Kibale
Pack light for your actual chimpanzee tracking tour, whether it is in Budongo or Kibale. On your packing list, include sun protection gear, waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, a daypack, a safari hat, a rain jacket, sunglasses, a camera, a pair of binoculars, extra batteries for a camera, a first aid kit, insect repellents, sunscreen, and others.
Travel Tips for Chimpanzee Trekkers
When you think about chimpanzee trekking in Kibale or Budongo, ensure that you dress appropriately. Be aware of the changing temperatures and conditions –therefore, wear something light.
When choosing what to wear, find the attire that matches the natural setting where your trek is going to be conducted.
Observe the set rules and regulations from your park ranger guide. This is to ensure that you have a safe and high-quality experience.
How to book a chimpanzee trekking tour in Uganda
Contact our experts to assist you book a chimpanzee trekking tour and permits in Uganda. We offer the most affordable chimpanzee trekking expeditions in Uganda not only in Budongo Forest or Kibale National Park, but also in other destinations including Kalinzu, Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda), Kyambura Gorge, and more. Our chimpanzee tours are flexible in that a visitor can combine them with other experiences like wildlife/game viewing etc.
