2 Days Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking
2 Days Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking | Budongo Forest Reserve sits atop the Albertine Rift, part of the Great Rift Valley that cuts through Africa from North to South. It comprises about 825 square kilometres of which 430 km2 is continuous forest. Its survival is the result of years of continuous protection by kings, governments, conservationists and the local people.
The 2002 census by Uganda Wildlife Authority determined that about 5000 chimpanzees remain in twelve forest blocks and the Budongo central forest reserve is home to about 880 chimpanzees making it one of the best chimpanzee trekking destinations after Kibale National park the famous primate capital.
Chimpanzees live in communities containing up to 120 individuals. These communities are territorial and live in defined home ranges a territory that can support an 125 entire community of chimpanzees requires many square kilometers of forest habitat.
The movement of chimpanzees is dictated by a variety of environmental and social factors. The distribution of food and water, the presence of predators, the availability of cycling females and the size and movements of neighboring communities all affect the group’s use of their habitat.
Day 1 of 2 Days Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking : Transfer to Budongo forest
On this day, you will embark on an unforgettable journey with a scenic drive to Budongo Forest, a pristine wilderness nestled in the heart of Uganda. As you traverse the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to verdant valleys, anticipation builds for the adventures that lie ahead.
The road winds through quaint villages and lush countryside, offering glimpses of local life and culture along the way. Upon reaching Budongo Forest, the air is alive with the sounds of nature, beckoning you to explore its hidden treasures. Whether you’re drawn to the captivating chimpanzee encounters, exhilarating forest treks, or simply the serenity of the ancient trees, a drive to Budongo Forest promises an escape into the beauty of Uganda’s natural heritage. Pack your sense of adventure and embark on a road trip to remember, as you discover the wonders of Budongo Forest firsthand.
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
Very early in the morning, you will leave your hotel geared up for the chimpanzee trekking.
Your guide will take you through a general briefing about the dos and don’ts while trekking the chimpanzee and more information about the chimpanzee community you are to track that day.
Once the briefing is done, you will start your tracking deep into the thick jungle. Your guide will keep on communicating with the advance team that you are following and since chimpanzee move very much faster than gorillas while feeding, you may require some fast walking or even running after them.
The chimpanzees are fully habituated and that means they are used to human presence and there is no worry being close to them. However, these are wild animals that roam the whole forest in search for food throughout the day high in the tree canopies and on the ground. Seeing them will entirely depend on your speed and the luck of the day.
Budongo is beyond chimpanzees, the forest is high-rise apartment living. At each level, species find a niche. On the forest floor duikers and bushbucks go about their secretive ways, while fungi and insects are busy breaking down leaf litter. Mid-level in the forest plentiful bird, reptile and insect life abound. The primates rule the treetops attracted by the bounty of seasonal fruits.
Strangler figs, a keystone species in the forest, are parasitic on other trees. Their seeds are deposited by treetop animals. As the fig tree grows, it strangles its host. Strangler figs are ecologically important, providing shelter, breeding sites and nutritional fruits to chimpanzees, monkeys and birds.
Invertebrates are important to the forest. They aerate the soil, break down leaf litter, pollinate plants and are food for many species.
Later after your trek, you will set off back to Kampala or Entebbe straight to the airport or you preferred hotel of the day.
END OF TOUR