The main highlight of Budongo Forest Reserve is tracking a habituated group of about 80 chimpanzees around Kaniyo Pabidi. Guided by an expert ranger, you will walk through forest trails in search of them. Once the chimpanzees are found, you are allowed to spend up to one hour observing their behavior. They may be feeding in the treetops, resting, or grooming on the ground. If they are moving through the forest, following them can be an exciting and active experience.
Besides chimpanzees, Budongo Forest Reserve is home to several other primates that can be seen along the forest trails, including black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons. At night, you may find nocturnal species such as potto and different types of galagos.
The forest also shelters the elusive tree pangolin, which is rarely seen. On the ground, watch for the small checkered elephant shrew, while the giant forest squirrel can often be spotted in the trees above. After dark, the loud calls of tree hyrax are sometimes heard echoing through the forest.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve is possible year-round, though recent records show the highest success in spotting chimps occurs between April and August.
For the most comfortable walking conditions, the drier months—from December to March and again in June and July—are ideal. After heavy rainfall, forest trails can become muddy and more challenging to navigate.
Birdlife in Budongo Forest Reserve is rewarding throughout the year. The main fruiting season runs from June to September, providing abundant food and bringing many birds into their breeding plumage. Migratory species are present from November to April, although they are not the main focus for birdwatching here. December to February is the driest period, while April to May and September to October experience the heaviest rainfall. Heavy rains can make some roads impassable, and slippery forest trails may limit the time available for birdwatching.
450+
Nov to Apr
Kaniyo Pabidi, the main hub for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve, is often visited on the way to or from Murchison Falls National Park. It sits alongside the main paved road linking the capital, Kampala, to Paraa (the park headquarters) via the small town of Masindi. Travel time is roughly 1 hour* from the lodges near Paraa, or about 45 minutes* from Masindi.
Kaniyo Pabidi is around 240 km (150 mi) north of Kampala and another 40 km (25 mi) from Entebbe. Driving from Kampala typically takes at least 5 hours*, with an extra hour* from Entebbe. From the southwest, the 280 km (175 mi) journey from Fort Portal takes approximately 6 hours*.
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main entry point into Uganda, located about 46 km (29 mi) from Kampala. If you book your trip with Bush 2 City Adventure, airport pickup is included, and we can also collect you from your hotel.
To book your flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), check travel sites such as Skyscanner and also visit airline websites directly. These sources will show available flights, schedules, and current ticket prices.
Domestic flights—either chartered or scheduled—are usually arranged by Bush 2 City Adventure as part of your safari package. You can fly to Pakuba Airfield from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield using either scheduled or chartered flights. The following airlines operate scheduled services:
Please check our How To Get to Uganda page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.
Budongo Forest Reserve is generally very safe to visit. Wildlife reserves and national parks in Uganda experience almost no crime, and your guide will ensure your safety during your visit. For the latest information on safety in Budongo Forest and across Uganda, refer to official government travel advisories (see the “Government Travel Advice for Uganda” link below).
Precautions against malaria and some vaccinations are recommended before visiting Budongo Forest Reserve. Consult your local travel clinic or doctor before your trip. Malaria protection includes taking antimalarial medication and applying mosquito repellent—products containing DEET are the most effective. Wearing clothing that covers exposed skin in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, is also advised.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve is generally very safe. When you follow your guide’s instructions, the habituated chimpanzees pose no threat. Be sure to pay close attention during the safety briefing before your trek. For additional guidance, see the “Chimp Trekking Safety Precautions” section below.
The main highlight of Budongo Forest Reserve is tracking a habituated group of about 80 chimpanzees around Kaniyo Pabidi. Guided by an expert ranger, you will walk through forest trails in search of them. Once the chimpanzees are found, you are allowed to spend up to one hour observing their behavior. They may be feeding in the treetops, resting, or grooming on the ground. If they are moving through the forest, following them can be an exciting and active experience.
Besides chimpanzees, Budongo Forest Reserve is home to several other primates that can be seen along the forest trails, including black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons. At night, you may find nocturnal species such as potto and different types of galagos.
The forest also shelters the elusive tree pangolin, which is rarely seen. On the ground, watch for the small checkered elephant shrew, while the giant forest squirrel can often be spotted in the trees above. After dark, the loud calls of tree hyrax are sometimes heard echoing through the forest.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve is possible year-round, though recent records show the highest success in spotting chimps occurs between April and August.
For the most comfortable walking conditions, the drier months—from December to March and again in June and July—are ideal. After heavy rainfall, forest trails can become muddy and more challenging to navigate.
Birdlife in Budongo Forest Reserve is rewarding throughout the year. The main fruiting season runs from June to September, providing abundant food and bringing many birds into their breeding plumage. Migratory species are present from November to April, although they are not the main focus for birdwatching here. December to February is the driest period, while April to May and September to October experience the heaviest rainfall. Heavy rains can make some roads impassable, and slippery forest trails may limit the time available for birdwatching.
450+
Nov to Apr
Kaniyo Pabidi, the main hub for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve, is often visited on the way to or from Murchison Falls National Park. It sits alongside the main paved road linking the capital, Kampala, to Paraa (the park headquarters) via the small town of Masindi. Travel time is roughly 1 hour* from the lodges near Paraa, or about 45 minutes* from Masindi.
Kaniyo Pabidi is around 240 km (150 mi) north of Kampala and another 40 km (25 mi) from Entebbe. Driving from Kampala typically takes at least 5 hours*, with an extra hour* from Entebbe. From the southwest, the 280 km (175 mi) journey from Fort Portal takes approximately 6 hours*.
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main entry point into Uganda, located about 46 km (29 mi) from Kampala. If you book your trip with Bush 2 City Adventure, airport pickup is included, and we can also collect you from your hotel.
To book your flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), check travel sites such as Skyscanner and also visit airline websites directly. These sources will show available flights, schedules, and current ticket prices.
Domestic flights—either chartered or scheduled—are usually arranged by Bush 2 City Adventure as part of your safari package. You can fly to Pakuba Airfield from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield using either scheduled or chartered flights. The following airlines operate scheduled services:
Please check our How To Get to Uganda page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.
Budongo Forest Reserve is generally very safe to visit. Wildlife reserves and national parks in Uganda experience almost no crime, and your guide will ensure your safety during your visit. For the latest information on safety in Budongo Forest and across Uganda, refer to official government travel advisories (see the “Government Travel Advice for Uganda” link below).
Precautions against malaria and some vaccinations are recommended before visiting Budongo Forest Reserve. Consult your local travel clinic or doctor before your trip. Malaria protection includes taking antimalarial medication and applying mosquito repellent—products containing DEET are the most effective. Wearing clothing that covers exposed skin in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, is also advised.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve is generally very safe. When you follow your guide’s instructions, the habituated chimpanzees pose no threat. Be sure to pay close attention during the safety briefing before your trek. For additional guidance, see the “Chimp Trekking Safety Precautions” section below.
