Not far from the quiet luxury of Nile Safari Lodge, where mornings begin with sweeping views of the River Nile, another world awaits, green and humming with life. Just 35 km away lies Budongo Forest, East Africa’s largest mahogany forest and home to Uganda’s largest population of wild chimpanzees. Here, within the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area, you’ll find one of Uganda’s most moving wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking.

Your day begins early. After a peaceful breakfast at the lodge, you set off for Kaniyo Pabidi, the entrance to Budongo’s protected chimpanzee habitat. This remarkable forest, managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in partnership with the Budongo Conservation Field Station, offers a rare chance to walk among one of nature’s most intelligent and expressive species. Uganda is home to approximately 5,000 wild chimpanzees, which inhabit several reserves and forests.

Guided by expert Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers, you’ll follow signs of chimpanzee activity: feeding spots, distant calls, fresh nests in the trees. Then, after a quiet build-up of anticipation, there they are. A mother and infant nestled in the shadows. A group of juveniles tumbling through the branches. An elder watching you, still and thoughtful. For one unforgettable hour, you’re in their world.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is as responsible as it is rewarding. Group sizes are small, and each trek is carefully managed to reduce human impact. Guests must be 12 years and older, physically fit, and in good health to protect both visitors and the chimpanzees.
Permits must be booked in advance and paid in full, and the Nile Safari Lodge team is happy to handle all the arrangements on your behalf, ensuring a smooth, effortless experience.
Every permit directly supports conservation and community efforts, from protecting chimpanzee habitats and funding ranger patrols to engaging nearby communities in sustainable tourism.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, whether in Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, or Budongo Forest, is more than just an extraordinary wildlife experience. It’s a testament to how responsible tourism can protect endangered species and uplift the communities that share their habitats.