About This Destination

Budongo Forest 2025 | Chimpanzee Trekking & Birding in Uganda's Ancient Wilderness Explore Budongo Forest Reserve in 2025—prime chimpanzee tracking, 360+ bird species & pristine mahogany forests. Best eco-lodges, permits & safari combos. Budongo Forest Reserve—Uganda's Biodiversity Hotspot (2025 Update) Location: Northwest Uganda (adjacent to Murchison Falls NP) Size: 825 km² (Largest mahogany forest in East Africa) Established: 1932 Key Species: 800 chimpanzees, 360+ bird species Best Time to Visit: June-September & December-February Why Visit Budongo in 2025? Top 3 sites in Africa for chimpanzee habituation (full-day research experiences) A new canopy walkway opened March 2025 (45m high, 120m long) Critical biodiversity—24mammal & 290 butterfly species Sustainable tourism model funding forest conservation 2025 Experiences & Activities 🐵 Chimpanzee Tracking Habituation Experience ($100): Full day with researchers Standard Trekking ($50): 2-4 hour forest walks 🌳 Canopy Walkway Adventure Walk among fig trees at 45m height Spot hornbills & blue monkeys 🔭 Birdwatching Specials Target 9 primate species & rare birds Specialized guides for Puvel's Illadopsis (world's only known population) 🌿 Nature Walks Royal Mile Trail: Famous birding route Kaniyo Pabidi Sector: Mahogany cathedral forest 2025 Permit Costs Chimp Tracking: $50 (Foreigners), $40 (Residents), UGX 50,000 (East Africans) Canopy Walkway: $35 (All visitors) Full-Day Habituation: $100 (Book 6+ months ahead) Where to Stay (2025) Eco-Lodges: Budongo Eco Lodge (New treehouse units) Murchison River Lodge (Luxury tents 30 minutes away) Budget: Sambiya River Lodge (Backpacker-friendly) Getting There From Kampala: 4.5-hour drive via Masindi From Murchison Falls: 1-hour transfer Plan Your Primate Adventure! Budongo offers world-class chimp encounters without Bwindi's crowds, plus groundbreaking canopy access in 2025. A must for eco-conscious wildlife lovers. Visitor Tips: 👟 Wear: Long sleeves + boots (forest terrain) 📅 Book Early: Only 16 habituation permits/day 🌱 Eco Note: Plastic-free zone—bring reusable bottles

Activities