Chimp Tracking in Murchison Falls

Activity Description

Meet your closest cousins!!! Chimpanzees share 98.8% of their DNA with humans and tracking these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat is a magical experience. Chimpanzee tracking is available in various different areas around Uganda but Budongo forest is among the best spots in the country. The forest is the largest natural mahogany forest in East Africa, covering an area of 825 sq km and hosts 600 individuals in total. Around 100 of these are fully habituated for tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi.

The Kaniyo Pabidi Eco-tourism site, which was initially managed by The Jane Goodall Institute, is now managed by Uganda Lodges, together with the National Forest Authority (NFA) . Over the past 12 years they have developed this forest reserve, with its unique species of primates, birds and plants.

Following the pre-tracking briefing, you will walk or drive to the trailhead for the start of an unforgettable adventure – hiking in the footsteps of a habituated family of chimpanzees. En route your guide will enthrall you with stories and facts about the forest and the other species of primates, birds and other big mammals which may also be sighted. Upon finding the chimpanzees you will spend an unforgettable hour with them as they go about their daily life: feeding, playing, grooming, taking care of their young, howling and screeching in their natural habitat.

06:30 Deart for Budongo Forest
You will depart early from Red Chilli. Please make sure you order a packed meal the night before if you require one, as the kitchen will not be open when you leave. Long trousers and/or long sleeves are recommended, as are insect repellent, binoculars, rain coat, drinking water and camera equipment.

08:00 Briefing
Arrive at Budongo Forest headquarters, where you will receive your briefing from your guide before starting the trekking

08:15 Chimpanzee Tracking
Set off on your trek in search of the chimps. This can take up to 4 hours depending on where the group you are tracking are currently located. Upon finding them, a maximum of 1 hour can be spent with the chimps, observing their behaviour.

12:00 Head back to Red Chilli
After returning to the headquarters you will set off back to Red Chilli, where you should be back in time for lunch.

Arrangements

Duration5 hours 30 minutes

WhenAll Year Round. Subject to availability

WhereRed Chilli Rest Camp, Murchison Falls

WeatherWeather dependent

What to WearSturdy walking shoes and long trousers for hiking; light coloured clothing (NB There are tsetse flies in some of the park, which are attracted to blue or dark colours)

Things to BringA photocopy of your passport, including the visa page; torch; malaria prophylaxis; insect repellent; sunscreen, sun hat/cap, sunglasses, water bottle, binoculars; camera equipment, walking shows, rain coat, chargers/power bank, plenty of drinking water/snacks; any other personal affects.

Guests or SpectatorsOnly Paying guests allowed.