Budongo Primates & Forest Immersion: A 2-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure

Tour Overview

Journey Junction Presents: An intimate encounter with our wild cousins in the heart of Uganda's majestic Budongo Forest.

Tour Overview: This two-day, one-night expedition is designed for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. You will delve into the ancient Budongo Forest Reserve, part of the mighty Murchison Falls ecosystem, for a profound chimpanzee trekking experience. Beyond the chimps, you'll discover the forest's rich biodiversity, learn about conservation, and enjoy moments of serene immersion.

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala to Budongo Forest – Arrival & Royal Mile Trek

• Morning (7:00 AM - 11:30 AM): Your adventure begins! Our Journey Junction guide will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Enjoy a scenic drive northwest, passing through rural Ugandan landscapes, traditional villages, and lush plantations. A stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is highly recommended (optional at extra cost) for a thrilling rhino trek on foot a fantastic prelude to your primate adventure.
• Midday (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at the charming Budongo Eco-Lodge (or similar). Nestled on the forest edge, the lodge offers stunning views and sounds of the canopy. Complete your check-in and enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared lunch on the lodge's terrace.
• Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM): The Royal Mile Nature Walk. Before the main chimp trek, we introduce you to the forest with a guided walk along the famous "Royal Mile," renowned as one of East Africa's best birding and butterfly spots. Your expert guide will point out towering mahogany trees, explain the forest ecology, and help you spot other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. This is a gentle, informative warm-up.
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards): Return to the lodge. Freshen up and relax with a sundowner drink as you listen to the forest's evening chorus. Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local and international cuisine. Before retiring, your guide will give a detailed briefing about the next day's chimpanzee trekking, including rules, etiquette, and what to expect.

• Overnight: Budongo Eco-Lodge (or similar).
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Return to Kampala/Entebbe

• Early Morning (5:30 AM - 6:30 AM): Wake up to the calls of chimpanzees and birds. A quick cup of coffee or tea with light snacks is provided to energize you for the trek ahead.• Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience. This is the highlight! We transfer to the Budongo Forest field station for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will then enter the forest with your ranger guide and trackers. The trek can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the habituated chimp community. Walking through the dense, green forest is an adventure in itself. Upon locating the chimpanzees, you will be granted one full hour to observe them a truly magical experience. Watch them feed, play, groom, and swing through the trees in their natural family groups.
• Midday (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM): Return to the lodge. It's time to celebrate your successful trek! Share stories over a well-deserved, leisurely lunch and check out of your room.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM onwards): Journey Back. Begin the return trip to Kampala or Entebbe, filled with memories of the forest and its inhabitants. We will make a comfort stop along the way. Expect to arrive at your drop-off point by early evening (around 6:00 PM).


What to Pack:

• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for forest protection).
• Light rain jacket or poncho.• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Binoculars and camera (with spare batteries/memory cards).
• Daypack with water bottle.
• Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation during the trek).• A sense of adventure and respect for wildlife!

Ready to trek with Journey Junction? Contact us to book your unforgettable encounter with the chimpanzees of Budongo!