Budongo forest is a part of Murchison falls National Park that has the highest number of chimpanzees. It harbors over 360bird species, 450tree species and 24 species of mammals. You will also notice baboons and different types of monkeys in the forest. CHIMPANZEE TRACKING IN MURCHISON FALLS is so unique and we explore how.
Rabongo forest is an island covered by tropical river forests. This is where one can find a few chimpanzees and various monkey types. Chimpanzee tracking is therefore less common here.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY OF TREKKING ENTAIL?
At Murchison falls National Park, chimpanzee trekking happens twice daily at 7am and 3pm. To begin with, trekkers will have to arrive a few minutes before the trekking time at Kaniyo-Pabidi eco site for a briefing about the trek. Then, they will head into the forest, guide by well-trained Uganda Wildlife Authority guide. Following the demarcated trails in the forest, he trek is a fun activity as the guides share information about nature, which lasts about three to four hours and involves an hour of observing the chimpanzees.
CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
Chimpanzees share up to 98percent DNA with humans and are interesting creatures to watch as they go about their day. It is not surprising that some people, having spent one hour observing the chimpanzees, still want more. Murchison falls National Park offers the habituation experience to this category of visitors who would want to spend a whole day observing the chimpanzees.
Having do chimpanzee tracking in Murchison Falls, the visitors are set up for a tent by the staff at the park. This is close to where the chimpanzees are to spend the night or were tracked from. Then, early morning, the visitors are served breakfast before they head out to meet the guide at 6am. From there, the trekkers will find where the chimpanzees built their nests the night before and will therefore spend the day watching the chimpanzees go about their day from when they wake up to when they build their new nests for the night. The experience is meant to make the chimpanzees to be comfortable with the presence of humans.
Budongo forest in Murchison falls National Park and Kibale National Park are the only two places in Uganda that offer the Chimp experience.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?
The best time to go for chimp tracking is between the months of October and January. As it is a hot season, hence the trails on which the trekkers move from are dry and navigation is easier because the grass is also short. The fruits on trees (on which the chimpanzees feed on) are ripening hence they will be spotted as they hunt for food (the fruits). However, due to water scarcity, the chimpanzees may move deeper into the forests thereby making the tracking process take longer.
In the cooler months of June and July, the competition for accommodation and permits is high so it is necessary for one to book several months earlier if they in tend to visit within that period.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
A permit for CHIMPANZEE TRACKING IN MURCHISON FALLS , purchased at Uganda Wildlife Authority offices. It should be prior to the chimpanzee trekking activity, is at $80 each at the time of writing. Only 16permits are sold per day strictly to persons above 15years of age. The chimpanzee habituation experience costs $230 at the time of writing.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
A camera to capture those thrilling moments.
A backpack to carry your belonging
A safari bag to carry light things need during the activities
Light clothing
A torch- especially necessary during camping
Thick socks
Boot shoes for the trek
A hat
Shades – to protect the eyes from wind and butterflies especially during the boat cruise
Gloves
Sun cream
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
WHERE CAN I STAY?
The accommodation at Murchison falls National Park ranges from budget accommodation, mid-range to luxury accommodation. To suit the tastes of the different visitors of the park and is split among three locations namely; the Albert Nile, The Victoria Nile and the Kaniyo-Pabidi and the Masindi road.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO AT MURCHISON FALLS?
Murchison falls National Park is the largest National Park. With a diversity of habitats, wildlife densities and natural landscapes making it the most exciting wilderness areas on the western safari circuit.
The game drives in the park offer excellent wildlife sightings including the big five. With the exception of the Rhinoceros which can be found at Zziwa rhino sanctuary. One will need at least three days at the park. Its the only to exhaust most of the activities the park has to offer, yet still, there will be a lot more to explore.
