Best Time to do Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest.
Travellers planning their Chimpanzee trekking safaris often ask about the best time to do chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. This article will guide you on the best time to enjoy a chimp trek in the forest. Budongo Forest is part of the Murchison Falls National Park conservation area, situated in the southern sector of the park.
The forest covers an area of about 820 square kilometers, and it’s one of the largest natural rainforests in East Africa. The forest is about a 30-minute drive from the Kichumbanyobo gate to the visitor centre inside Budongo Forest, and it’s home to the most mahogany trees in Uganda. Budongo Forest is not only home to the endangered chimpanzees, but also other wildlife species and birds such as black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and more.
Budongo Forest is open year-round, and the best time for chimpanzee trekking depends on individual preferences. It experiences two seasons, the dry season and the wet season, both offer good opportunities for trekking with these fascinating creatures. Chimpanzees are believed to be our closest relatives on Earth, sharing 98% of our DNA. Chimpanzee trekking involves searching for these primates in their natural habitats, allowing visitors to observe their behaviour in the wild.
What is the best time to do Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest.
Dry Season.
According to reviews from past travellers, the dry season is the best time to do chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, which is in the months of June to September and December to February. During this period, there is little to no rainfall, making it easier to access the forest, and the trails are less slippery or muddy, facilitating the search for chimpanzees. However, since the forest is dry, chimpanzees tend to move deep in the forest in search of food, which makes locating them challenging, and visitors have to move long distances in search of them. However, since the park is dry, the chimpanzees often move around in search of food, which can make locating them challenging as they venture deeper into the
Wet season.
Travellers can also trek with chimps during the wet season, which lasts from March to May and September to November. During this period, the forest receives ample rainfall, resulting in a dense forest where plants and trees bear fruit. This abundance of food keeps the chimpanzees nearby and reduces their movement in search of sustenance. As a result, tracking chimpanzees becomes easier, and it takes little time to locate these playful chimpanzees, as they do not venture deep into the forest for food.
Additionally, chimpanzee trekking is often combined with bird watching safaris in Budongo Forest. This time of year is ideal for bird enthusiasts, as it coincides with the arrival of migratory birds in the forest. However, it’s important to be prepared for slippery and muddy trails during the wet season, which can make hiking more challenging.
Where to stay on a chimpanzee safari.
There are various accommodation options for travellers on their chimpanzee trekking safari in Budongo Forest, ranging from budget accommodation options to luxury accommodation options, all providing a unique and memorable safari experience. These eco-friendly accommodations include Pakuba Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, and Red Chilli.
