
Filming Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest
December 12, 2021
Is Kalinzu forest safe for chimpanzee trekking
December 12, 2021Price of Budongo chimpanzee permits compared with Kalinzu. Chimpanzees are the biggest pull factor for tourism in Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest with chimpanzee trekking as the most participated in an activity in both forests. Budongo Central Forest reserve and its activities is under the management of Uganda Lodges and National Forestry Authority whereas for Kalinzu this is managed by National Forestry Authority. Chimpanzee permits are very essential for you to be allowed to trek chimpanzees in Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu Forest. Contact Eco Adventure Safaris to tailor your interest and we will help you secure these permits for you. We do provide adequate information to travelers on chimpanzee permits, trekking, Uganda general travel information and alternative activities in Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest.
The Budongo Forest Reserve allows you to view and stay with the chimpanzees for one hour and four hours depending. The chimpanzee permit habituation for Budongo Forest Reserve costs USD230 per person Non-Foreign Residents, USD160 Per person for Foreign Residents and USD90 for Uganda Citizens, This chimpanzee habituation permit allows you to view and stay with the chimpanzees for four hours as you move with them, observe the way they feed, live and communicate. It is an experience conducted by the Researchers and Forest guides.
The chimpanzee Trekking permit is issued for those interested to see the chimpanzees that are already used to people and only allows one hour of viewing and staying with the chimpanzee once you find them. This permit costs USD 130 per person Non-Foreign Residents, USD120 Per person Foreign Residents and USD85 per person for Uganda Citizens. There are two sessions for chimpanzee trekking in budongo Namely; Morning session that starts at 8:00am and afternoon session that starts at Mid-day through put the year.
The cost of a chimpanzee permit in Kalinzu forest is $50. This is far less than the $130 charged for trekking in Budongo forest. Chimpanzee permits can be booked at the reception Centre of the reserve or more conveniently through a tour operator. Though Chimpanzee permits in Kalinzu forest can be got on the day of tracking, it is important to book in advance to be on the safer side.
The chimpanzee treks at both Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest start early morning with a briefing about the dos and don’ts at the forest headquarters, you are later grouped in groups of members each with Park guides, Rangers who lead you to the forest for your chimpanzee experience. The trek takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. Once the chimps are found you will stay for one hour with these amazing creatures to watch them eating, resting and playing. The trek gives of chances of viewing other primates, reptiles and mammals and the chances of seeing chimpanzees at Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest are 95%.
In terms of Chimpanzee families, Budongo Central Forest reserve has more chimpanzee families open for trekking than Kalinzu forest.
In terms of the best Chimpanzee trekking experience, the whole truth is that both Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest have chimpanzees and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing chimpanzees in Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest are 95% so which ever forest you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Central forest also gives you an option to spend more time with the chimpanzees through chimpanzee habituation experience, a chimpanzee habituation permit costs USD230 per person Non-Foreign Residents, USD160 Per person Foreign Residents and USD90 for Uganda Citizens giving you more hours encounter with the semi habituated chimpanzees under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking.
In terms of Lodges, Both Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest have Budget accommodations and camping grounds in forests, the Mid Range and Upmarket Lodges can also be found close to the forest that is in Queen Elizabeth National Park close to Kalinzu forest and Murchison falls National Park close to Budongo forest.
Where to stay in Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest
In Bundongo forest lodge options where to stay include Budongo Eco Lodge, Murchison river Lodge, you can as well stay in Masindi town at Masindi Kolping Hotel. At Kalinzu Forest lodge options where to stay include Kyangabi crater resort, Enganzi Game Lodge, Katara Lodge and Irungu Forest safari Lodge.
Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest
Both Budongo Central Forest reserve and Kalinzu forest are open for chimpanzee trekking all year round but it is also important to note that these forests are tropical rain forests and can receive rain at any time. The best months to trek chimpanzees are June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.
Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris your Chimpanzee Trek?
Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing chimpanzee safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about Price of Budongo chimpanzee permits compared with Kalinzu.