Murchison Falls Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Track Wild Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest

Step into the lush canopies of the historic Budongo Forest—located in the southern sector of Murchison Falls National Park—for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking adventure. Guided by expert local trackers, you will trek through dense tropical trails, listening for echoing calls and observing our closest living relatives in their natural habitat. Watch closely as these intelligent, highly social primates engage in playful interactions, grooming, and complex daily behaviors up close.

In addition to the chimpanzees, Budongo Forest is a vibrant sanctuary for other resident primates, including olive baboons, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. This immersive trek offers a thrilling wildlife encounter while deepening your appreciation for Uganda's rich biodiversity.


Key Trek Details & Pricing

  • Price: $350 Per Person
  • What’s Included: Official chimpanzee tracking permit and roundtrip transport from  hotel in Murchison falls to Budongo Forest.
  • What’s Excluded: General Murchison Falls National Park entry fees.
  • Booking Notice: Chimpanzee trekking requires an official permit, so advance booking of at least 7 days is essential to secure your spot.

 

How to Book

Ready to meet the chimpanzees of Budongo Forest? Contact the Mbale Hikers & Outdoor Club team today to reserve your permits and arrange your trek:

Join Our Next Expedition

Listen to the canopy echo with primate calls on a guided trek into the heart of Murchison's lush wilderness. 

Ultimate Uganda Safari: Rafting, Savanna & Gorilla Trekking

Unleash your inner explorer on this epic Ugandan adventure!

 

Price: From $2,770 Per Person


Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights (Optional 1-Day Lake Mburo Extension Available)


Unleash your inner explorer on this epic Ugandan adventure! This once-in-a-lifetime expedition combines the thrill of whitewater rafting on the legendary River Nile in Jinja with classic savanna game drives and the awe-inspiring experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Charge through Jinja’s mighty Nile rapids on a wild and unforgettable ride. Next, embark on a wildlife safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park to witness a dazzling tapestry of wildlife—from towering elephants and tree-climbing lions to lumbering hippos and vibrant birdlife. Finally, delve deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to stand face-to-face with magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Seamlessly blending heart-pounding thrills, profound wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes, this is the ultimate bucket-list adventure.


Safari Itinerary


Day 1: Pick Up from Entebbe & Transfer to Jinja

Your driver-guide will pick you up and drive approximately 3 hours to Jinja. Settle into your hotel and relax as you prepare for the next day's whitewater rafting adventure on the Nile.

  • Optional Activities: Bungee jumping, quad biking, Source of the Nile boat cruise, or a Jinja city walk.
  • Accommodation: Buutu Nest B&B
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner


Day 2: Full Day Whitewater Rafting on the Nile

After an early breakfast, join a safety briefing before taking on the mighty River Nile. Navigate big-volume rapids guided by an expert team before returning to base for lunch. Spend the evening unwinding as you prepare for the journey west.

  • Accommodation: Buutu Nest B&B
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive

Arise for breakfast and embark on a scenic 7-to-8-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a photo-stop at the Equator crossing to stand in both hemispheres at once. Arrive at the park in the late afternoon for an evening game drive across the savanna.

  • Accommodation: Bush Lodge
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 4: Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, journey through the rolling green hills and tea plantations of western Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Take in the dramatic countryside views before arriving at your lodge in the late evening.

  • Accommodation: Gorilla Treetops
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Following an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters at 8:00 AM for a briefing. Led by UWA ranger guides, trek narrow forest paths in search of a mountain gorilla family (treks take between 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla movement). Spend a magical 1 hour observing these gentle giants eat, groom, and play up close. After a picnic lunch in the forest, transfer to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxing evening.

  • Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe / Airport Drop-off

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the island-dotted lake. You may opt for a morning walking safari or boat stroll before embarking on the drive back to Entebbe (arriving in the early evening) for your onward flight or drop-off.

  • Accommodation: Not included
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch


Optional Safari Add-On

  • Extra Day in Lake Mburo National Park: +$500 Per Person
    Extend your safari by 1 day to explore Lake Mburo National Park for guided walking safaris, zebra herds, and night game drives.


Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

What is Included

  • 1 Official Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit per person
  • Private 4x4 / 4WD Safari Vehicle with professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Shared accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • All meals as listed (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • All UWA Conservation Fees and National Park Entry Fees
  • Lake Bunyonyi tour
  • Scheduled game drives and listed activities
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
  • Bottled drinking water and fresh fruits in the vehicle
  • Government taxes

What is Excluded

  • Personal Medical & Travel Insurance
  • International flights & Uganda Entry Visa fees
  • Alcoholic and soft beverages at lodges
  • Optional activities not explicitly listed in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Gratuities and tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staff


Book Your Safari Today

Ready to experience the best of Uganda? Contact the Mbale Hikers & Outdoor Club team to reserve your safari:

Nile Rafting & Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

Experience the best of Uganda's adventure! Combine thrilling white-water rafting on the legendary Nile in Jinja with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.