What is the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest

What is the age limit for Budongo forest chimpanzee trekking? Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest reserve is not allowed for those under the age of 12 years. Trekking does not have maximum age for visitors provided one can access the forest, and be able to trek in the forest. The age limit mainly focuses of Kids/Minors as a way to control exposing them to the rough wild forest, they can make noise which can scare or charge the chimpanzees and other wild animals as well as easily spreading the cold diseases. Budongo Forest reserve is a tropical Rain forest located in Murchison falls National Park in North western Uganda in Masindi district. Budongo is a 4-5hours drive from Kampala city/Entebbe offers an extremely rich biodiversity including species of mammals, primates and butterflies.

Budongo forest is the natural habitat of more than 600 chimpanzees, of which a small community has been habituated for eco-tourism purposes. This family consists of 80 individuals, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these amazing apes in their natural environment. Other primates that can be observed are the Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. Budongo forest and its activities is under the management of Uganda Lodges as it was authorized by Uganda wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority. Contact Eco Adventure Safaris to tailor your interest into a memorable experience on your visit to Uganda.  We do provide adequate information to travelers on chimpanzee permits, trekking, habituation, Uganda general travel information and alternative activities in budongo forest reserve.

What is the cost of chimpanzee permits in Budongo forest reserve?

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 treks start early morning with 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 like the forest Elephants.

What Chimpanzee Communities in Budongo Forest Reserve?

What is the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest? Budongo Forest reserve has about 700 chimpanzees and these have been conserved for years and steadily the groups are growing and increasing in Numbers. The chimpanzees in Budongo forest we first studied in 1960 and conservation has been going on to sustain the chimpanzees in the forest thus attracting more visitors to come and see them. There are several communities that have been habituated over the years and these include;

Sonso Chimpanzee community stays near River Sonso and it have more than 85 members, it is among the old group first habituated in Budongo forest.  Waibira Chimpanzee community has more than 100 members, this community was formed after a few individuals split from the Sonso community and they produced and multiplied in number. Kaniyo- Pabidi Chimpanzee Community was habituated by Jane Good all Institute and now the group is under the management of Budongo Eco-Lodge, the group is on the road side from Masindi to Murchison falls National Park. Waisoke Chimpanzee Community has been habituated and its territory is near the Waisoke River. It split from the Sonso community as well and other members joined from other communities as well. The chimpanzees can move from Far East of the forest to the north and their movement cannot be guaranteed daily. Chimpanzee trekking requires you to be fit and able to walk but in case you are not very fit, there is always help from the guides and Porters to make sure you successful have a great experience with the chimpanzees.

How can one access Budongo Forest Reserve?

Budongo Forest Reserve can be accessed by road as it only 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Masindi /Budongo central Forest Reserve. You can access the forest reserve from the main gate of Murchison falls national park and you will be required to Pay Park entrance fees, As all our packages are inclusive, you should not worry at all as you will have chance to even visit the tops of the falls and participate in other activities as per your interest.

You can as well visit Budongo forest reserve by air, there are daily domestic flights to Pakuba, Chobe, Bugunga Airstrips in Murchison falls National Park, and this reduces your drive time to only one hour by flight. Aerolink Uganda operates Morning and afternoon flights to Murchison from Entebbe international Airport, considering your itinerary you can opt for chattered or scheduled flights to see the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve.

Where can one stay to see the Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest Reserve?

Most of the travelers have always opted to stay with in Murchison Falls National Park as it have a variety of lodges and which are close to Budongo Forest Reserve. There are number of options ranging from budget to Luxury lodges. You can stay at Bakers lodge, Murchison River lodge, Paraa safari lodge as luxury options, then Pakuba Safari Lodge and Kabalega wilderness camp for midrange option, you can stay Red chilli Hideaway, Pumba safari lodge for budget clients. Yes you can stay in Budongo forest as well at budongo Eco lodge which is a budget lodge as you listen to the sounds of from the forest.

Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris to see chimpanzees Budongo forest reserve

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing chimpanzee experiences to Uganda and Rwanda but have now expanded to offer safaris to Tanzania, Kenya and D R Congo. For the last ten years, we have overtime assembled a team mixed with young and energetic staff guided by well experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. If contacted, one of our staff will assist in providing accurate and timely information that you can rely on within the Five Minutes. Eco Adventure Safaris is highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor and Trust Pilot, contact us here about What is the age limit for Budongo forest chimpanzee trekking.