Budongo Forest at a glance
Budongo is a moist, semi-deciduous tropical forest at the upper end of the Albertine Rift. It is a Central Forest Reserve with about 435 square kilometres of unbroken forest cover. For visitors it is the forest side of a Murchison Falls trip: a morning with chimpanzees instead of a game drive.
Tracking starts at Kaniyo Pabidi. The lodge at the forest edge is closed, but the forest activities carry on. Birdwatchers also use the Royal Mile and Busingiro. The research station in the forest does not receive tourists, so visit one of the places above instead.
Our pick: a safari with chimp trekking in Budongo
A three-day trip that combines the falls and a game drive with chimpanzee trekking in the forest.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Budongo Forest and Murchison Falls tours
Safaris and day trips that include chimpanzee tracking or forest walks near Murchison Falls. Check what each tour includes before you book.
Budongo Forest chimpanzee tracking
What to expect on the day.
Two start times
Tracking runs every day with two visit times. Ask for the exact briefing time when you book.
The walk
A trek typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are that day.
With the animals
Once the group is found, you stay about 1 hour. Under the general UWA tariff, visitors keep at least 10 m away, do not use flash and do not chase the animals. Nobody with an illness should join.
Age and health
Budongo asks for a minimum age of 15 for tracking and habituation. Ask the operator about current mask and group rules when you book.
Seeing chimpanzees is never guaranteed. For another chimpanzee forest, see our sister guide to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale.
Budongo Forest prices 2026 to 2027
Per person, in US dollars, including VAT. Valid from 1 June 2026 to 31 December 2027. Murchison Falls park entry is not included, and there is no cash payment on site.
| Activity | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Ugandan citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimpanzee tracking, low season | $120 | $110 | $80 |
| Chimpanzee tracking, high season | $130 | $120 | $85 |
| Chimpanzee habituation | $230 | $160 | $90 |
| Guided forest walk, 2.5 hours | $40 | $40 | $30 |
| Bird walk, 3 hours | $60 | $60 | $45 |
| Birdwatching, full day | $110 | $110 | $85 |
The Ugandan citizen column applies to Ugandan citizens, not to all East African citizens. Habituation is not offered in July, August, September and November. Ask when you book which months count as high season. For most visitors who want one forest morning, tracking is the activity to choose.
Habituation, forest walks and the research station
Habituation is the longer, dearer option at $230 for foreign non-residents, with the same minimum age of 15. It is not offered in July, August, September and November. The guided forest walk of 2.5 hours at $40 suits visitors who want to see the forest itself rather than follow a chimpanzee group.
The research station in the forest studies chimpanzees and does not take tourists. Its health protocol, with quarantine and mask rules, is written for researchers, staff and station visitors. It does not automatically apply to every tourist group at Kaniyo Pabidi, so ask the operator about the current rules for your day. Murchison Falls park entry is a separate fee, $45 for foreign non-resident adults in 2026.
Royal Mile and Busingiro: birding in Budongo
The Royal Mile is a red sand track through tall forest, and it is one of the places where birdwatchers go. Busingiro is another birding area. Current entry fees, guide rules, booking and seasonal closures for both are best confirmed with the operator before you go, because they differ from the tracking price list.
Chimpanzee tracking is not part of the Busingiro or Royal Mile visit. If you want chimpanzees, book tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi. If you want birds, ask about the bird walk at 3 hours or the full day. See our shoebill guide for the best-known bird of the area.
Chimpanzees in Uganda: Budongo or Kibale?
Which forest to choose.
Budongo fits a Murchison Falls trip because it lies close to the park and to Masindi. Kibale is a separate chimpanzee destination with its own guide. If your trip takes in both, you can do both, but plan the stages with care. The two are different experiences with their own rules, times and prices, so do not assume the Kibale format here.
Buses and matatus run from Kampala to Masindi. From there, plan on a private transfer, because there is no public transport from Masindi to the research station. Confirm the way to your forest site with the operator. Our Masindi guide and getting there guide explain the route. A Murchison Falls safari can be combined with a forest morning.
Budongo Forest: frequently asked questions
How much does chimpanzee tracking in Budongo cost?
For foreign non-residents, $120 in low season and $130 in high season per person, from 1 June 2026 to 31 December 2027. Park entry is not included.
How old do I need to be?
Budongo asks for a minimum age of 15 for tracking and habituation, which is stricter than the general tariff.
How long does tracking take?
A trek typically takes 2 to 4 hours, and you spend about 1 hour with the chimpanzees once they are found.
Can I see chimpanzees on the Royal Mile?
The Royal Mile is a birdwatching area. Book tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi if you want chimpanzees.
Can I pay cash at the forest?
No. There is no cash payment on site, so arrange payment when you book.
Can I visit the research station?
No, the research station does not take tourists. Chimpanzee tracking starts at Kaniyo Pabidi, and birdwatchers use the Royal Mile and Busingiro.