Game Reserve
Budongo Forest
Uganda 793 km² (306 mi²) Est. 1932
About Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest Reserve is East Africa's largest mahogany forest and one of Uganda's best chimpanzee tracking destinations. This 793-square-kilometre block of tropical rainforest on the escarpment above Lake Albert shelters approximately 600 chimpanzees — one of Uganda's largest populations.
The forest is managed by the Budongo Conservation Field Station, one of Africa's longest-running primate research projects. Chimpanzee tracking is offered through the Kaniyo Pabidi sector, with high success rates. Budongo is often combined with Murchison Falls as it lies just outside the park's southern boundary.
0
Safari Tours
4.0
Avg Rating
94
Years Protected
Highlights
- Excellent chimpanzee tracking with high success rates
- East Africa's largest mahogany forest
- Long-running primate research station
- Perfect pairing with Murchison Falls National Park
Considerations
- Forest trails can be muddy and challenging
- High malaria risk in the lowland forest
- Less well-known than Kibale for chimp tracking
- Limited accommodation within the forest
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
Not present
🐆
Leopard
Not present
🐘
Elephant
Not present
🦬
Buffalo
Not present
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Chimpanzee
Common
Baboon
Common
Vervet Monkey
Common
Ground Hornbill
Occasional
Bush Baby
Occasional
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Budongo is located on the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park, approximately 4-5 hours from Kampala via Masindi. The Kaniyo Pabidi ecotourism site is the main access point for chimp tracking.
Nearest Airport
Pakuba Airstrip
Nearest City
Masindi
Drive Time
4.5 hours