Enganzi Safari Lodge:

On the Kichwamba escarpment, we find a lovely lodge. This lodge is made from local materials that reflect African tradition. From this lodge, you can see the rift valley’s rolling flats as well as Mount Rwenzori.

It has 5 cottages with comfortable beds, including single, twin, and double beds. If there are more than two people, there is an extra bed. It is also a good starting point for exploring the park’s beauty. Boat rides, game drives, chimp trekking, bird watching, and other activities are examples. A bar lounge, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi are also available.

Marafiki safari Lodge

Marafiki lodge is located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, overlooking Lake George. The sun rises from behind the dark silhouette of the Kyambura Gorge on the far shores of Lake George at Marafiki. The lodge was designed and handcrafted using local materials by artisans from the surrounding community. Spacious private Bandas with raised wooden floors made of eucalyptus gum poles and canvas, allowing you to roll up the walls and enjoy stunning views of the lake and game park

You can enjoy a truly perfect African morning with an en-suite open-air shower, bathing as the sun rises over the lake, then in the moonlight under the stars, before dining next to the campfire. There are three luxury furnished Safari Tents with park views for the slightly more adventurous, and a luxurious timber cabin that can accommodate 16 people in four spacious dormitory rooms for the budget travelers.

The Ishasha Jungle Lodge:

Ishasha Jungle Lodge is located 2 kilometers from Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Katokye Gate, along the River Ntungwe. This is one of the Midrange Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector. This is an ideal location for photographic safaris in the Ishasha sector, as well as a stopover on your way to Bwindi National Park. The lodge is surrounded by riparian forest and acacia Savannah vegetation.

Six cottages with two beds, a bathroom, and a shower are available. All cottages are well-spaced to provide privacy and a true sense of freedom. The lodge also has tents that are surrounded by a variety of plant life.

The Bush Lodge:

Bush Lodge is a Midrange Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers visitors on safari mid-range accommodation facilities. It is located in an environmentally sensitive area and is made up of bandas that give the impression of being in the wilderness. This lodge also offers views of various wildlife species, the Kazinga channel, and the rolling savannah. They have non self-contained and self-contained tents as well as bandas. Some of the amenities include; a raised wooden platform, an eco-toilet, outside showers and large mosquito netted windows.

Park View Safari Lodge: It is located on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park, about a 10-minute drive from the park’s main entrance. The lodge has the following amenities: Showers, running hot and cold water, electricity, a private balcony, a restaurant, parking, a swimming pool, a travel desk, a library, a gift shop, and laundry service.

Ihamba Lake Side Safari Lodge: Ihamba Lakeside Lodge is located near Kamendero fishing village on the shores of Lake Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers the following amenities: African-inspired rooms, en suite bathrooms, a private deck, a large dining area, laundry, banquet facilities, free parking, lounge, swimming pool, free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar

Despite being landlocked, Uganda is endowed with numerous national parks, mountains, lakes, and rivers that are home to a diverse range of birds, animals, and plants. Uganda has the largest number of the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the world, making it one of the best travel destinations. Uganda has the largest Chimpanzee population in East Africa, and visitors can easily see the big five (leopards, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and elephants) – Uganda is the best place to spot tree climbing lions while on Uganda Wildlife safaris.

Uganda Wildlife safaris attractions

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the incredible mountain gorillas of the Virunga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. This is one of the Uganda Wildlife safaris that comes highly recommended by previous visitors. No other wildlife encounter in Africa, according to some, compares to the unforgettable thrill of getting up close and personal with Uganda’s wild gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas cannot thrive outside of their natural habitat. They are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which are two isolated rainforest jungles in east and central Africa. Like a medieval king’s fortress, these nations are fiercely guarding these last few enormous apes.

Game viewing in Uganda.

It’s no secret that Africa is best known for its wilderness wonders, and Uganda has a sizable share of the wild pie thanks to an incredible array of wild animals. Uganda’s untamed wilderness is home to a diverse range of savannah and forest wildlife. Mountain gorillas and chimps get the most attention, but Uganda has more than 13 primate species and some of the best primate viewing opportunities in Africa. The safari’s Big are present in Uganda’s untamed wilderness. The official list of animals found in Uganda includes 342 species of mammals from both west and east Africa. Large mammals account for 132 of the species found in Uganda, with the remaining species being small mammals. There are 94 bat species, 70 rats and mice, 33 shrews and otter shrews, eight gerbils, four elephant shrews, and a single golden mole among the small mammals.

Uganda Wildlife safaris destinations

Murchison Falls National Park: 

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest conservation area in Uganda, located in Northwestern Uganda (Masindi District). The park, which spans over 3,800 square kilometers, is named after one of its most popular attractions, the Murchison Falls. The Murchison Falls are formed when the Nile River flows through a narrow gorge before plunging 42 meters in a mighty roar. The park is not what it used to be due to past insecurity in the country and unrestricted poaching. However, the park has recovered as a result of more recent conservation efforts.

The waterfall is a popular attraction, but the park is also rich in wildlife. The park is home to the largest population of the now-endangered Rothschild Giraffes in East Africa, with over 1.550 animals. Visitors on a Uganda Wildlife tour can expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, and birds as they cruise up and down the Nile. As you can see in our 4 day Murchison Falls safari package, the park’s Budongo forest is famous for chimp trekking.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: 

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda covers 2,056 square kilometers and is located near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is Uganda’s most visited park, famous for its tree climbing lions in Ishasha and the Uganda Kob. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife safari enjoy the park’s lush green scenery and diverse collection of plant, animal, and bird species. The park is home to over 660 recorded bird species, including the Kingfisher, flamingos, eagles, and storks. The park also contains the endangered Shoebill Stork. The park includes a variety of tree species, craters, savanna grasslands, swamps, lakes, and other volcanic features. A three-day safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park provides the best opportunity to see 4 of the big five while on a Uganda wildlife tour. The park is home to buffaloes, hippos, baboons, elephants, and various antelope species. Nile crocodiles can be seen in Lake Edward and Lake George, birding and game viewing at the Kazinga Channel, and chimp tracking in the Kyambura gorge. The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park on a Uganda tour is during the dry season.

Kidepo valley national park

The spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the remote north eastern corner of Uganda and covers approximately 1,440 km2. Because of its remote location, the park receives fewer visitors but it is second to none in terms of variety and sheer abundance of flora and fauna. This hidden gem is a great representation of how Africa used to be before greater human intervention. CN Travel ranked it as one of the top three parks in Africa. The Kidepo Valley National Park is a stunning collection of mountains and unspoiled Savannah. A safari in Uganda allows visitors to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, oryx, buffalo and many more. The park also has bush babies, elephants, ostriches, baboons, and approximately 220 bird species. The kanangorok hot springs can also be found in the park’s northern section. The animals coexist with nomadic pastoralists such as the Karamajong and Ik people who live high on Morungole Mountain. Visitors on a Uganda wildlife tour can look forward to a special treat during their safari in Kidepo National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park:

Located in the south-western corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a lush green primeval forest. Because of its landscape and biological diversity, UNESCO has designated Bwindi as a World Heritage Site. Bwindi National Park’s breathtaking green and beautiful forests are home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The remaining species are only found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorilla tracking is regarded as one of the top three activities to consider when visiting Africa and a Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be matched. Aside from gorilla tours, Bwindi is a birder’s paradise with Colobus monkeys. Bee-eaters, chap-ins flycatchers, black-billed turacos, and African green broadbills are among the bird species. During the wet season, when all resident and migratory birds congregate to feast on the abundant forest fruits and insects, birding in Uganda is at its best.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Mgahinga is a gorilla trekking destination in southwestern Uganda. Mgahinga gorilla trekking entails visiting the park’s one habituated mountain gorilla family. Golden monkeys are only found in Mgahinga, Uganda. More golden monkey groups can be found in Rwanda. The park is not solely dedicated to gorillas and monkeys. The park is home to jackals, woodland elephants, buffalo and a few antelope species. Visitors on a Uganda safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda can also hike one of the park’s three volcanoes (Mount Sabinyo, Mt. Muhavura, and Mt. Gahinga) or go cave exploring on the Batwa trail.

Kibale Forest National Park:

Located near the Rwenzori Mountains, the park borders Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kibale forest is well-known for chimp tracking – it is the best place in East Africa to track chimps. Chimpanzees can be found throughout Uganda and Africa, but the sheer number (1500) in Kibale forest ensures a close encounter with them while on a Uganda safari. Nature walks and a visit to the Bigodi swamp can be combined with chimp trekking in Kibale forest. Aside from chimps, the park is home to 13 other monkey species, including red colobus, L’Hoest’s, and grey-checked mangabeys. The park is home to giant forest hogs, antelopes, and over 100 butterfly species. Kibale National Park in Uganda has sections covered by swamps and grasslands and is a great place to go bird watching, with over 290 species.

Lake Mburo national park.

Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest but most accessible national park from Kampala. Lake Mburo is the largest of the park’s 12 water bodies. Zebras can be found in Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park. With over 300 species congregating at the lake and its swampy shores, the park is a birder’s paradise. The absence of elephants in the park benefits the vast woodland. Antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, jackals, and hyenas abound in the park’s Savannah grass. The dry season is the best time to see animals on safari because they congregate at Lake Mburo to drink water.

The Rwenzori Mountains:

Uganda has many mountains, but the Rwenzori Mountains stand out. Tourists enjoy hiking to the top of the snow-capped Margherita peak, which is located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mountain slopes are covered in dense forests, which are home to primates, forest hogs, and a variety of bird and butterfly species. A stop by these beautiful mountains while on safari in Uganda will reward nature lovers with breathtaking scenery.

Mount Elgon national park:

Mount Elgon National Park is located in the country’s east, on the border between Uganda and Kenya. Mount Elgon is the park’s main attraction. The mountain is an extinct volcano with a 42-kilometer-wide caldera. Hikers love the Wagagai summit, as well as the hot springs and other features that make Mount Elgon National Park so appealing. Natural forests, bushes, waterfalls, caves, gorges, and canyons dot the mountain slopes. There are also various bird species and primates in the park (Colobus Monkeys, blue monkeys and vevert monkeys among others). This park should be included on any Uganda Wildlife safaris.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

This is a rhino sanctuary located on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. The sanctuary’s goal is to protect the country’s rhinos and eventually restock the larger parks. In many Ugandan parks, rhinos have been poached for their valuable horns. The sanctuary protects rhinos from poachers and human interference, allowing them to reproduce in a safe environment. The park has over 60 rangers and guards, and visitors can interact with conservationists to learn more about the project and Rhinos. When organizing Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls National Park, most tour companies include a stopover at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Aside from rhinos, rangers can assist visitors in spotting monkeys, antelopes and crocodiles. The sanctuary is ideal for relaxing, nature walks, and canoeing while observing approximately 240 bird species.

Other tourist destinations in Uganda

Lake Bunyonyi:

Lake Bunyonyi, with its 29 islands, is widely regarded as Uganda’s most beautiful lake. The lake is close to the Rwandan border and the towns of Kabale and Kisoro. Although the lake is one of the deepest in Africa, it is the sheer scenic beauty that distinguishes it and draws both international and local visitors. It provides great intimate spots to relax and watch the day go by while planning your next activity. One can also go watch the Batwa Pygmies’ traditional dances or hop from one island to another by boat, spotting the various island villages, schools, and settlements. The lake is close to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and visitors like to stop by on their way to see mountain gorillas.

Source of the Nile:

A safari in Uganda should include a two-day visit to the Nile’s source in Jinja, which includes whitewater rafting. The Nile River is one of the world’s three longest lakes, passing through several countries after leaving Uganda, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Jinja is a small, peaceful, and well-planned former industrial town with stunning scenery. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with a nice Nile Beer (local beer inspired by the Nile). The Nile River also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking, and the increasingly popular bungee jumping.

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre:

The Uganda government established the center in Entebbe for the purpose of education and wildlife conservation. The center was recently renovated and has expanded significantly in recent years. The number and variety of animals, birds, and reptiles has grown. Those visiting Uganda for short workshops and conferences will find the Entebbe Zoo to be an excellent place to sample the country’s flora and fauna.

Sipi Falls:

The Sipi Falls are some of Uganda’s most beautiful waterfalls. The Sipi Falls, located at the foot of Mount Elgon, are one of Uganda’s most popular tourist attractions. There are three levels, with the highest level attracting the most visitors.

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth

Several game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park will allow you to see a variety of interesting things in the park for a wonderful Uganda safari trip. There are three sessions of safari game drives conducted in the Park that is; morning, afternoon, and evening game drives. The morning game drive, which starts as early as 06: 30 am, gives you a chance to view a variety of herbivores in the park catching their first feed of the day. Also, you will be able to catch the predators on their way back to their hideouts. Thus, expect immense sights of Elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, oribis, impalas, lions, leopards, and many other exciting attractions. The game drive lasts at least 4 hours, after which you return to your lodge for breakfast.

During the nighttime game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will have the opportunity to view a variety of nocturnal animals in the park catching their prey in the wild, such as lions, leopards, hyenas, etc. While in the park, you can also participate in nocturnal game drives, which will allow you to see how the park comes to life when the sun goes down. Among the notable bird species that can be seen during the night game drives are night jars.

Game drives in the Ishasha sector (Tree-climbing lions)

The Ishasha sector, located in the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, is one of just three spots in Africa where you can witness tree-climbing lions. The lions are said to have evolved this odd behavior for various reasons among which include; avoiding tsetse flies and the heat of the lower ground. Being perched on acacia and fig tree branches also helps them to spot their prey easily, since they can see them from a great height. Aside from the tree-climbing lions, there are also the Uganda Kobs, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, and zebras that can be viewed in this sector.

Experiential game drive

Tourists to Queen Elizabeth National Park can also engage in lion trekking, one of the most thrilling experiences in the Park. The experiential game drive allows visitors to visit the lion pride with the use of a radio collar, to understand their behavior and how they coexist with one another. You will learn how carnivores build their territories by urinating along the area they have defined for their territory, which helps to avoid other lion pride from raiding their territory. You may also observe female lions hunting in the wild while spending time with the carnivores.

Other pursuits in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Another protected region that offers good chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda is Kyambura Gorge. The rainforest is located in the far eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 1-kilometer-long and 300-foot-deep “Valley of the Apes” canyon is bordered by huge savannah grasslands, rift valley craters, and the Rwenzori Mountains, which provide a brooding backdrop to the spectacular panorama. The gorge is home to chimpanzees, among other primates. Trekking chimpanzees down the steep slopes of the ravine, past the vines and gigantic fig trees, will transport you to an underground forest.

You’ll be wading through streams and crossing rivers in search of the chimp group; once there, you can spend an hour observing them feed, socialize, play, and go about their daily rudimentary activities. It’s like peering into a time machine and seeing Homo sapiens two million years ago. Chimpanzee permits for Kyambura cost USD 50 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 40 for foreign residents, and UGX 30,000 for East African Citizens. Every day, there are two guided chimp excursions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Boat Trips on Kazinga Channel

The boat cruise along the Kazinga channel is one of the highlights of a Uganda safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The boat cruise will allow you to see a variety of water birds in the park, including White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers, Osprey, Double-tooth Barbet, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, and Spot-flanked Barbet, African Fish Eagle, Pygmy Kingfisher, White-browed Coucal, Grey-capped Warbler Spur You will also see a variety of creatures, such as elephants, quenching their thirst from the bank. The channel, which joins Lake Edward and Lake George, is also a habitat for countless hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Birding

Participate in birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which will expose you to a variety of rewarding bird species. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most memorable birding destinations in Uganda with over 612 recorded bird species. Among these include Spur-winged Geese, Little Grebe, Common Moorhen, Hadada Ibis, African Fish Eagle, Pygmy Kingfisher, White-browed Coucal, Grey-capped Warbler African Darter, African Wattled Lapwing, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Common Squacco Heron, Crowned Lapwing, and Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, to mention but a few.

The Kyambura gorge gets its name from a legend in which the river once flooded and swept up local people with their property. When the waters receded, people followed the river in pursuit of their friends but were unsuccessful. So they returned lamenting that Kyambura meaning “I couldn’t find it” in the native language, thus naming the place Kyambura. This picturesque valley was formed by the turbulent waters of the Kyambura River. The gorge contains a rain forest and a river that serves as a home for some of the park’s species.

The only area in Queen Elizabeth National Park where habituated chimps can be found is in Kyambura Gorge. It also houses primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, and vervet monkeys. Birds such as the African pigmy kingfisher, Blue headed kingfisher, falcons, black and white conquering hornbill, and many others can be spotted.

According to biologists, there are only 80 chimps left in the gorge. The chimps in this region have been habituated for about two years, so they are comfortable with humans and can go about their everyday lives in their presence.

Chimpanzee tracking permits can be purchased through your tour company or they can be purchased directly at the park headquarters or the (VIC) Visitor Information Center in Mweya.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is not tough, but it does include trudging up and down hills seeking for chimps, which can be easily found owing to their loud yells and hooting that can be heard from a distance.  If no voices are heard, you may follow their foot prints. When the Chimps are spotted, they can be observed playing, engaging with each other, mating. These chimps here frequently climb down the trees when they detect people, allowing you the opportunity to snap fantastic shots of them up close.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is divided into two sessions: morning and afternoon. There are only 8 permits available per session, for a total of 16 permits per day. If you include this hiking adventure in your itinerary, you will be assigned a guide who will accompany you to the gorge following the briefing. The entire exercise lasts approximately 2-3 hours.

The odds of seeing chimps in Kyambura gorge are lower than in Kibale Forest National Park because the chimps occasionally wander too far down the gorge hunting for food, making it difficult to get them. On making contact, the experience is unforgettable. Only persons above the age of 12 are permitted to track chimps because they must be old enough to withstand the physical and emotional aspects of the exercise.

Trekkers can also view hippopotamus, elephants bathing in the valley, and other forest animals and primates along the river, in addition to the chimps.

Aside from Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge, other activities include nature walks and birding. The gorge may be explored on foot, providing you the opportunity to engage with wildlife and nature. Don’t miss out on this wonderful wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Queen Elizabeth Park.

Chimpanzee trekking regulations:

The rules and guidelines are the same as in other Ugandan chimp tracking areas:

You must follow these basic chimp trekking regulations throughout the forest pathways for your own safety and the preservation of the chimps.

• Because chimps share 98% of their DNA genes with humans, they can catch your sickness. When you are sick, you must not visit the forest to track them.
• People interested in chimp tracking must be at least 12 years old.
• Leave no litter in the forest. In other words, whatever you take there should be carried back with you.
• If you need to urinate or defecate, do so off the route and bury your waste in a 30-centimeter-deep hole with any toilet paper.

Keep as quiet as possible if you want to see more and enjoy everything the woodland has to offer.

• Keep at least 8 meters (25 feet) away from the chimp at all times. • Do not copy the chimp’s vocalization; you may not do it correctly and will not get valuable experience.
• Do not eat near the chimps. • Never chase the chimps; you may get terrible outcomes because they are wild even while acclimated.
• Avoid using flush photography because it may frighten the chimp away.
• Pay attention to everything your guide says; you’ll have a great time in the forest jungle.

Other things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

DRIVES IN GAME

The picturesque game drives that allow you to see even the most elusive of the park’s animals are the main pleasure of a visit. The exhilarating drives, which are best done in the morning, include up close sight of the park’s wildlife from the luxury of a car. Your driver guide is familiar with the various trucks in the park and will take you in search of various species.

During the game drives, you might see an elephant, the world’s largest land mammal, feeding with its trunk, a lion preying on an antelope, or a hyena eagerly waiting to consume the lion’s carcass.

leftovers from a long way away Throughout the day, several animal groups such as buffalo herds and Uganda kobs traverse the game area. Warthogs, leopards, and the huge forest hog are among the other animals you may encounter on your game drive.

Birding

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular birding destination in Uganda. The park is a home for over 600 bird species, so avid bird watchers will have a field day. Sedge warblers, Papyrus canary, martial eagle, pink-backed pelican, yellow-throated cuckoo, and Verreaux’s Eagle Owl are just a few of the birds that will grace your photographic memories as they occupy the park’s vast grasslands, woods, and wetlands. Don’t miss the flamingos at Katwe and Bunyampaba salt lakes.

A boat trip

The boat trip/launch cruise on the Kazinga Canal, a long natural water channel connecting Lake Edward to Lake George, is an exciting event for park visitors.

During the trip, passengers can take in the different sights and sounds that the park’s abundant aquatic life has to offer. Aside from the big hippopotamuses swimming in the waterways, the fearsome Nile crocodiles sunbathing peacefully on the channel banks for a taste of the warm sun are some of the once-in-a-lifetime encounters you will have on the tour. The Pied Kingfishers attempting to catch a meal are not to be missed.

ISHASHA’S TREE CLIMBING LIONS

It’s not every day that you see a lion climbing a tree; in fact, climbing one was thought to be a safe option if you ever found yourself being followed by one. Not while in the Ishasha section, which is part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lions perched on acacia and fig trees are a magical sight to behold here.

Whether it is for a better view of their surroundings, including potential prey such as the Uganda Kob that grazes nearby, for a cool breeze in the trees, or to avoid the notorious bites from the tsetse flies on the ground below, the reason for the lions choosing residence up the trees remains a mystery. The Ishasha sector, where these lions can be found, is accessible while traveling to or from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on the way to or from gorilla trekking in the forest. Aside from the magnificent tree climbing king of the jungle, the sector is also home to herds of buffalo, vast numbers of elephants, warthogs, and antelopes, all of which make for a fantastic trip to the game park.

Kibale is known as the world’s primate capital due to the vast variety of primates and for being the greatest spot in East Africa to trek chimpanzees. Kibale shelters more than 1500 chimpanzees (almost half of the world’s population of chimpanzees). The Park also has 12 other primate species including monkeys, and olive baboons, among others. Besides that, Kibale is home to approximately 324 bird species, including the Black-capped Apalis, African Pitta, Crowned Eagle, Woodland Warbler, Black-eared Ground Thrush, Blue-headed Sunbirds, Yellow-spotted Nicator, Little Greenbul, Black-bee Eater, etc. Wild animals in the Park also include Golden cats, Warthogs, Hippos, Buffaloes, Forest Elephants, Bush Pigs, Bushbucks, Sitatungas, Duikers, Mongooses, Buffaloes, and leopards, among others. Lions from Queen Elizabeth National Park also visit the park regularly. In addition, there are various butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles.

Kibale Forest National Park is surrounded by the Batoro and Bakiga natives, however, as mentioned from the beginning, chimpanzees are the main attraction in the Park.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Chimpanzees in Uganda can be trekked in Toro-Semliki game reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest Reserve, Kibale Forest National Park, and Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Those interested in seeing chimps in captivity can go to the Ngamba Island sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimps or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre near Entebbe (Entebbe Zoo).

Nonetheless, Kibale Forest National Park, with a population of approximately 1500 chimps, is undoubtedly the best area in the world for trekking chimps. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale begins at 8 a.m. with a briefing from rangers at the Kanyanchu visitor’s center. Conducted by rangers, the briefing covers crucial components of the activity such as what to expect, how long the activity will last, and how to behave around the primates. The rangers will also provide a basic history of the forest and chimps in general. After the briefing, it’s time to head out into the jungle and search for the chimpanzees. The ranger walks around with a gun to scare off large species that are too wild, such as elephants and chimps (not habituated).

The best part about following chimps in Kibale is that you don’t have to trek for long to find a troop. Kibale Forest National Park is the only place where you can nearly always see chimps. The apes are quite loud, and you can hear them hooting from miles away before you see them. You will, however, have to follow them – sometimes at tremendous speed – to catch up with them. Chimps are keen observers, so much so that by the time you notice them, they will have already noticed you.

Chimpanzees are not as gentle as mountain gorillas though! Expect a lot of drama and activity once you’re in the thick of it. You’ll get to see them hunt for food, breastfeed, groom each other, and mate. Fights between members of the group or larger males are also possible. Each chimp, like us, has its personality and behavior. Some people are quiet, others are bashful, and some enjoy bullying others. Group dynamics and politics in chimpanzees exist, just as they do in humans. While on the trek, always follow the Guide’s lead because they are familiar with each chimp’s behavior and personality. They will advise you on which individuals to approach and which to avoid. Chimpanzee trekking can cause neck pain because the primates prefer to stay on top of the trees. You must be cautious of fallen fruit, pee, and even excrement. After the chimps have calmed down, you are only permitted one hour with them. And while you are at it, you can enjoy snapping the best shots of the chimps in their habitat.

The price of Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

For chimpanzee trekking, one requires a chimpanzee trekking permit to visit the chimps in Kibale. These permits cost $200 for foreign non-residents, $150 for foreign residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African Citizens. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience costs $250 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and UGX 200,000 for East African Citizens. This cost includes park entry fees and ranger costs. You can hire a porter for $20 if you are transporting big equipment such as cameras. The chimpanzee trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permits may be obtained on the day of trekking; however, we strongly advise you to book in advance with the authority or with your tour company.

Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

The optimal time for chimp monitoring in Uganda, like most equatorial countries, has two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season lasts from April to May and from October to November, whereas the dry season lasts from December to early March. The dry season is the greatest time for chimp trekking in Kibale forest. However, due to the forest’s popularity for chimp trekking, it can become congested during the dry season. If you want to view the chimps as well as other activities and animal adventures in the other game parks, the dry season is best. If you are simply visiting Uganda to view the chimps, I recommend visiting during the low season (rainy season) to avoid crowds. Furthermore, Kibale is a rain forest, thus rain should be expected at any time of year. Book for the morning session if feasible because the weather in the afternoon is unpredictable.

How to get to Kibale Forest National Park

If you are traveling alone, you will need to take a bus or taxi from Kampala Fort Portal town, which is about 300 kilometers away. Kibale Forest National Park is 36 kilometers away from Fort Portal. For international visitors, the most convenient method to go to the park is to schedule a safari with a reputable tour company. They will handle everything, including meals, transportation, lodging, and a guide/driver.

Guidelines for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is only available to individuals over the age of 12. Exceptions can be given if a youngster is old enough, fit, strong, and able to follow the Rangers’ instructions.
• Only six persons can track a specific chimp colony per session. A large number of unfamiliar faces may make the chimps uneasy and aggressive.
• Always listen to and follow your Guide’s directions during the chimpanzee trekking. They have a good understanding of what the chimps are communicating. You are not permitted to enter the forest unless accompanied by an approved Guide.
• When chimps are sick or ill with transmissible diseases such as flu, cough, or diarrhea, it is impossible to trek them.
• Chimps are more unpredictable than gorillas. Keep an 8-meter distance from the nearest chimpanzee troop.
• It is forbidden to eat or drink near the chimps. They may take your meal violently or forcefully.
• Using flash cameras is not permitted while trekking with chimpanzees.
• Before going out to trek the chimps, try to eat a substantial breakfast. Remember to use the restroom before venturing into the wilderness. You never know how long the journey will be. For individuals who want to go on long calls deep in the forest, the rangers frequently dig a hole.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park packing List

We propose that you bring the following materials to have the most interesting experience tracking the chimps: –

• A rucksack: A lightweight backpack to transport vital items such as cameras, binoculars, refreshments, and extra clothing.
• Good hiking boots: The shoes must be strong, have high traction and be water resistant. You’ll be climbing slick, muddy slopes.
• Stockings with clothing: Clothing for chilly weather and a rain jacket are required. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended to protect you from sharp grass and insects. Stockings should be quick-drying, woolen (if possible), and water-resistant (if possible).
• Insect Repellents: Don’t forget to bring some insect repellents. In tropical rain forests, there exists a wide variety of insects. Most are innocuous, but if they can find their way to you, they will worry you.
• Binoculars and a camera: A decent camera to capture the chimps’ memorable moments and a binocular to spot them while still on top of the trees. The binoculars and camera should not be too hefty that you become fatigued. To obtain nice images of the chimps when on top of the trees, the camera should have good zoom lenses. There are no flash cameras permitted.
• Water and a snack: These are crucial in case the exercise lasts longer than intended and you become hungry or thirsty.

Other things to do in Kibale Forest National Park

Primate Walk

Kibale is home to 12 other smaller primates, in addition to chimpanzees. Because of the enormous variety and number of monkeys, the park is commonly referred to as the world’s primate capital. Unfortunately, you cannot have it all. Kibale is devoid of mountain gorillas. If such were the case, it would be one of Africa’s most visited national parks. Along the way, you’ll see red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, baboons, bush babies, pottos, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Birdwatching:

Uganda is home to an astounding diversity of birds, and Kibale Forest is one of the best areas in Uganda to go bird-watching. The African grey parrot, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Double-toothed Barbet, Great Blue Turaco, Green Crombec, Hairy-breasted Barbet, little Greenbul, Lizard Buzzard, olive long-tailed cuckoo, Pygmy Kingfisher, Western green tinker bird, etc., are among the 375 recorded bird species in Kibale.

Nature Walks

Nature walks are organized at Kibale Forest National Park to allow people to get up close and personal with forest wildlife including chimpanzees, monkeys, butterflies, birds, insects, and wild animals. The nature walks are divided into three sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The activity begins at the Kanyanchu Tourist Centre and might last up to three hours. Several small primates and birds will be encountered as you trail through the forest. You might even get lucky and see the chimps while walking along one of the existing pathways. The park organizes night walks too, to spot nocturnal primates such as bush infants and pottos. Night nature walks begin at 8:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Tour:

The Bigodi wetlands are close to Kibale forest and are one of the best spots in Uganda to see birds. It’s also an excellent place to see primates and butterflies. The excursion is strolling a 4.5-kilometer track with an expert Guide to spot around 139 different bird species. The Kibale Association for Rural Development (KAFRED), a community-based organization, manages the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The group is also in charge of the Magombe wetland. KAFRED offers hikes into the marshes that make use of constructed routes and boardwalks. The marsh is rich in vegetation, particularly papyrus, which serves as a breeding place for several birds. The sanctuary also hosts the sitatunga antelope, hippos, several amphibians, and reptiles.

Crater Lakes Exploration:

The enormous African Rift valley cuts through much of western Uganda, leaving many crater lakes in its wake. The lakes are organized into four clusters: Kasende, Katwe, Fort Portal, and Bunyaruguru. The Kasende cluster is located in Kibale’s western region. Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the other hand, is home to the Katwe cluster (close to Mweya Lodge). The Kasende cluster in Kibale Forest National Park contains multiple lakes that serve as sanctuaries for endemic birds. Visiting these lakes provides wonderful vistas as well as the opportunity to enjoy great wildness and wildlife.

Accommodation in Kibale forest national park

Kibale National Park features a variety of hotel alternatives, including cheap, mid-range, and luxury options. Among these are:

 Primate Lodge

This lodge is located in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. The environment is spectacular, and if you want to experience the authentic African wilderness, here is the place to go. It is ideal for individuals interested in chimp trekking and the habituation experience. The lodge is made of beautiful local materials and has solar-powered rooms. Primate Lodge has 16 rooms divided among luxury and ordinary cottages. All of the cottages are self-contained, with room service, free WiFi, and a verandah. Laundry services and a small library are among other amenities provided to residents. Residents can also go to the campfire or the bar for refreshments in the evening. By hiring locals, the lodge gives back to the community.

Crater Safari Lodge:

This award-winning eco-lodge is located 7 kilometers from the park. If you’re going on a chimp tour, this is arguably one of the greatest spots to spend the night. Crater safari resort provides a true wilderness experience. Each of the 21 rooms has a balcony with breathtaking views of a crater lake. The resort offers a bar, swimming pool, restaurant, and lounge. It hosts a campfire in the evenings for residents to exchange stories about their experiences in Uganda.

The Kyaninga Lodge:

This luxurious lodge overlooks one of Uganda’s deepest crater lakes, Lake Kyaninga. The lodge features nine spacious individual cottages that are self-contained and designed to provide true tranquility and a sense of being out in the African wilderness. The cottages include comfy mattresses with plush cushions and a balcony with far-reaching views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. The bathrooms are composed of marble and feature both hot and cold showers. The main restaurant and room service serve both foreign and local cuisine. During the hot season, you can cool yourself in the pool or go to the bar for some Ugandan beer or soft beverages.

Guest House in the Chimpanzee Forest:

This is one of the most popular budget and mid-range lodges among Kibale Forest National Park accommodation facilities. The Guesthouse is located near the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Visitors Center. The Chimpanzee Guest House offers breathtaking views of the surrounding tea fields and woodland. Visitors can swim in the enormous swimming pool and the rooms are self-contained.

Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve chimps

Chimpanzees are the main draw of Kalinzu Forest. Chimpanzees may become extinct in ten more nations within the next decade, according to researchers and conservationists. Although there are about 5,000 chimps in Uganda, 90% of the chimp population has been lost in the last 80 years.

Chimpanzees are fascinating because they appear and act like humans. In fact, they share at least 98% of our DNA. Chimps give birth every 5 years and raise their offspring until they are about 12 years old. They live in huge communities, each with its own culture. Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent and have been observed using a range of tools and techniques to hunt insects, smaller primates, and antelopes. Chimpanzee communities, unlike gorilla communities, are constantly developing, with female adolescents in particular leaving the group to join others.

The greatest threat to chimps in Africa is habitat loss due to deforestation. Chimpanzees are frequently poached for their flesh by Congolese tribes and sold as pets to illegal animal enthusiasts. Thousands of chimps have died in Uganda over the last century as a result of snares and other traps set up for other species such as antelopes. The government has taken measures and proclaimed chimp killing illegal and collaborating with animal conservation organizations such as the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island to safeguard the chimps. All major national parks and forest reserves, including Budongo, have strict safeguards in place to protect the primates and prosecute anyone caught killing a chimp.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu forest

The primary activity that attracts visitors to Kalinzu forest is chimp trekking. The Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is home to one of Uganda’s largest chimp colonies. After Kibale Forest in Uganda, it is possibly the best area to monitor chimps. Close to 50 of the forest reserve’s 320 chimps are habituated (open to tourism). Despite the fact that Queen Elizabeth National Park has its own chimp group near Kyambura Gorge, most tourists from the park prefer watching chimps in Kalinzu. The Mweya peninsular of Queen Elizabeth National Park provides easy access to the forest. The trip takes only around 40 minutes. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest is not as strenuous as gorilla tracking. However, you must be physically fit to walk for 3 to 4 hours through occasionally challenging terrain. The journey may take you across steep slopes and muddy woodland areas. Though chimps normally live in lower terrain than mountain gorillas, they are incredibly mobile and must be followed at great speed, which can be exhausting.

Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu woodland begins in the morning and is guided by an armed ranger. The chimps are familiar with the rangers and guides because they were involved in their habituation phase. Chimpanzees may not be friendly to complete strangers, which is why the activity must be conducted by an authorized guide.

There are two shifts: morning and afternoon. The morning shift begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by the afternoon shift at 3:00 p.m. Each shift provides a distinct experience. The chimps are extremely active in the mornings as they go out to eat and defend their territory. The chimps are full in the afternoons and prefer to relax and avoid the sun’s heat.

The tracking of chimps in Kalinzu Forest begins with a briefing from the guide and rangers. Visitors are separated into three groups during the briefing based on their general fitness and pace. Following the briefing, you will proceed to the forest in search of the chimps. Some tackers would have left considerably earlier to pinpoint the chimps’ exact location by this point. While hiking to find the chimps, you may come see various forest critters, birds, and primates such as baboons, blue monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. The head trackers interact with the guide by phone, informing him or her of the chimps’ activities and whereabouts.

Chimps are extremely mobile and spend a significant amount of time on top of trees. Finding them and photographing them involves some skill and effort. After about an hour or two of pursuing the chimps through dense jungle, steep terrain, and being covered in tree branches, ants, and shrubs, your attention is suddenly called to the monkeys’ distant sounds. You would have discovered their position in no time. Observe their behavior and social dynamics as they swing from tree to tree for one hour.

Some may be resting, while others may be mating or grooming one another. Individual chimps may approach you, but the majority will keep their distance. You’ll note that they use different noises to convey various emotions. You figure out what each hoot means by seeing how other chimps react to it.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest are 95% successful. Chimp permits in the Kalinzu forest costs $50. This is significantly cheaper than the $200 fee levied by Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee permits can be obtained at the reservation center or a tour operator. Though chimp permits in Kalinzu forest can be obtained on the day of tracking, it is best to book ahead of time to be on the safe side.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest rules and recommendations:

The Forestry Authority of Uganda manages the Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve. Before and throughout the chimp tracking activity, guests must be aware of and follow certain guidelines. These rules are intended to protect both visitors and forest creatures.

1. Only six persons can track a single chimp colony every session. This is done to avoid overpopulation and aggravation of the chimps.
2. To monitor chimps in Kalinzu Forest, you must be at least 12 years old.
3. Visitors are only permitted to spend one hour with the chimps. This is done to reduce illness spread while also avoiding agitating or alerting them.
4. Keep your voice low while around the chimps.
5. Avoid eating food while around the chimps.
6. Avoid provoking the chimps.
7. Stay with your group or on the main trail. Even when going to ease yourself, always have company.
8. Visitors are not permitted to track chimps without the assistance of an authorized Guide. This is due to the fact that chimps might get violent when they see strange faces.
9. Visitors with the illness, cough, diarrhea, or any other communicable ailment are not permitted to approach the chimps to avoid danger of infection.
10. Maintain a distance of at least 8 meters from the chimp.
11. Using flash photographs is prohibited because it may agitate the chimps.
12. Always follow the Guides’ recommendations and avoid getting too close to chimps. They are more aggressive than gorillas, and despite their small size, they are more powerful than most humans.
13. Do not leave litter in the forest while tracking chimps.
14. When going out to monitor the chimps, it is critical to bring a snack and drinking water with you.
15. Bring sturdy hiking boots, long stockings, a hat, and long trousers and shirts. Remember to bring a hiking stick and a rain jacket, especially during the wet season.
16. Chimps spend a lot of time on top of trees, therefore a decent binocular will make your trip more enjoyable.

Other things to do in Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Nature hikes:

Nature treks with a guide in the Kalinzu forest are very unforgettable. You become immersed in an entirely different world of deep forests, breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, singing birds, and primate sounds. The forest, as well as the Rwenzori mountain ranges and Queen Elizabeth National Park, may be seen from the top of Kishunja Hill Viewpoint. Outside the forest, you might be guided to see lovely tea plantations. Your Guide will tell you all about the forest, its old myths, and its inhabitants. The valley route, waterfall trails, river trail, and Palm path are the four primary nature trails in the forest. The valley walk leads you through beautiful valleys and forest canopies.

This trail takes 4 hours to complete, and by then, you will have seen many of the forest’s critters and primates. The waterfall hike takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete. The kilyantama waterfall is the main draw here. The walk traverses through high elevation places with magnificent views of the forest. For those interested in chimps, the River trail is the greatest option. Visitors will also come to the River Kajojo, where elephants used to take their baths. The river trail takes roughly an hour to complete.

The palm trail, on the other hand, is a two-hour hike through flat terrain with opportunities to see unusual tree species such as the flame tree, whose leaves are thought to increase female sex drive, the Dragon tree, and the Raphia Palms, which are used to make traditional mats.

Game drives

The Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve is near Queen Elizabeth National Park and the magnificent Maramagambo forest. Some park species, including leopards, wild pigs, and antelopes, cross into the forest to forage. It is possible to make arrangements to visit the region of the forest bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park in order to witness some of the huge creatures and even big cats.

Birdwatching:

The Kalinzu Forest is a birdwatcher’s heaven. It is one of the top birding spots in Uganda. The Black and White Casket, Cuckoos, Great Blue Turaco, and Sunbirds are among the species in the forest. Expect to see various forest critters, primates, flora, and breathtaking landscapes while you search for the birds. Birdwatching is best done early in the morning.

Butterflies Identification:

You can walk out to the forest in the morning or evening with a guide and identify the over 200 species of butterflies. Camping: In the center of the forest, a camping site has been established where tourists may live close to nature and enjoy the lovely African night while listening to the fascinating noises of night creatures.

How to Get to the Kalinzu Forest

The forest is around 375 kilometers from Kampala. It is ideally positioned along the Mbarara-Kasese Highway, near the Ishaha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In reality, its offices were erected in a location where people could go to and from Queen Elizabeth National Park. To travel to Kalinzu Forest from Kampala, take a bus from the main bus station to Butare. The trip up to the forest reserve headquarters from Kampala takes approximately 5 hours and costs about $4. You first stop in Butare, then take a cab or boda boda (motorcycle taxi) to the visitor welcome center. Arrange a safari that takes you through the beautiful forest with your trusted local operator.

Despite the muck, the greatest time to follow chimps is during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the trees are lush and fruitful, limiting the mobility of chimp populations. Visitors can find them without having to go a long distance. But during the dry season, chimpanzees prefer to venture deeper into the trees in search of food. Visitors are typically advised to book their chimp permits months in advance. There is a restriction to how many people can trek a specific chimp community each day, which is entirely dependent on whether you trek in Uganda or Rwanda. In most situations, it is 6 people per community in a single session.

Chimpanzee trekking normally begins with a briefing from a guide in the morning. Visitors cannot enter the forest on their own and must be accompanied by a park guide or ranger. The rangers help track down chimp colonies by following evidence left behind. Furthermore, habituated chimps may recognize the familiar faces of the guides, which reassures them. The guides may also begin by looking for them in the vicinity of where they built their last night’s nest. Most parks and reserves that allow tourists to view chimps have two trekking sessions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. However, the chimps are more active in the morning when they go out to feed. In the afternoon, several of the members are nesting and grooming one another as they seek shelter from the sun’s rays.

Expect to be escorted by armed rangers/guards while trekking the chimps. Maximum safety for visitors is often ensured during the trek, for instance; by firing in the air, the rangers scare away other wild animals such as buffaloes and elephants that may pose a threat to visitors. Trekking chimpanzees might take hours depending on the season, and the place you visit. However, unlike mountain gorillas, which are very quiet with occasional barks from the dominant male, determining their specific location is not difficult. Chimpanzees are obstinate, unruly, and boisterous.

Trekkers can identify them by their hoots and barks. Once you’ve found a group, expect to spend a long time tracking them across hills, dense woodland, and foliage – often at high speed. Be cautious of the fallen fruit and chimp urine. Be patient as the chimps may take some time to descend from the trees and settle down on the ground. Once they’re on the ground, you’ll have multiple opportunities to snap beautiful shots and watch their unique behavior and personality.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda

Chimpanzee habituation refers to the act of helping wild Chimpanzees get accustomed to human presence in their environment through prolonged/continuous and sustained visits. The process is conducted by competent researchers and park guides/wardens. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, it might take up to two years for chimps to become entirely used to people in their natural environment. Wild chimps will flee or treat people with suspicion. The price for a chimp habituation experience is slightly higher than that for a conventional chimp trekking, providing greater value for money. Unfortunately, chimp habituation experiences are not currently available in Rwanda. It is only possible in Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda and Tanzania in the whole of East Africa.

Unlike conventional chimp trekking, visitors spend the entire day following these fascinating creatures during the chimp habituation experience. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is more difficult, yet fulfilling, and visitors participate in all habituation-related tasks. During the experience, visitors are allowed 4-hours to spend time in the company of the chimpanzees, as opposed to the one-hour trekking, where visitors remain at a safe distance. Visitors must get up before dawn to meet the guides and search for the chimps before they leave their nests.

In the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda, visitors spend the 4 hours learning about the chimps’ behaviors, habits, and lifestyle in their natural environment. You will be able to observe them as they wake up and prepare for the day’s activities including feeding, resting, caring for their young, protecting their territories, and finally building their nests on top of trees. Because the event lasts all day, lunch is frequently given. By the end of the event, you should be familiar with all of the participants, including their physical characteristics and personalities. The activity concludes when the chimps retire to their nests for the night.

Kalinzu forest is a home to over 300 chimpanzees with over 50 chimp members habituated, making chimp trekking one of the major tourist activities in Kalinzu forest. It also hosts over 370 bird species, other 6 primate species and over 260 butterflies that give a rewarding experience especially during nature guided walks along the forest ridges. It’s also a home to other nocturnal primate species including galagos, bush babies and pottos. These give you a rewarding experience during night guided walks.

Tourism Activities in the Forest;

Chimpanzee trekking

Kalinzu forest is one of the best places where you can trek chimpanzees at a cheaper price compared to other destinations where Chimpanzee trekking activity takes place including Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary, Budongo forest, Kyambura gorge, and Kibale forest national park. It’s a home to over 300 chimpanzees and over 50 of which are habituated that facilitate chimp tracking making it the key tourist activity in the forest. Its takes about 3 to 4 hours and there are 2 sessions per day both morning and afternoon. You will attend a briefing before the activity to learn about the do’s and don’ts of chimp trekking but in summary, you will spend with them at least one hour taking pictures in close range. Remember to come with your hiking shoes, rain jackets, wear long sleeved and carry at least 2 bottles of water. You will be required to keep your voices low while during the activity and spend at least 8 m away from the chimps. Carry your binoculars to sight chimps that are not in close range because most of them tend to climb and stay on top of high trees.

Bird watching

Kalinzu Forest is also a good place for bird lovers with over 350 recorded different bird species. Go for a 2-hour bird watching exercise where you will have a chance to see these forest birds including Great Blue Turaco, Cuckoos, black and White Casket, and Sunbirds among others. While on your bird watching exercise, you will see the giant forest trees, butterflies and several other primate species.

Guided nature walks;

You can also do guided nature walks in the forest that takes about 2 to 6 hours depending on the trail. You can do day guided walks or night guided walks to see nocturnal animals like bush babies, galagos, and pottos. Kalinzu forest has 4 forest trails that facilitate guided walks which include; valley trail that gives spectacular views of the rift valley area and takes about 4 hours, waterfall trail which passes in wet terrain and hilly areas in the forest and lead you to a water fall popularly known as Kilyantama which takes about 4 hours. Palm trail with a lot of palm trees and rare flame tree known to arouse sexual desires in women. Women from the neighboring communities used to flood this area in search for this plant. Finally, there is River trail that leads you to river Kajonjo where Elephants used to converge and bathe. While on your guided walk, you will encounter other species of primates including chimpanzees, olive baboons, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, white colobus monkeys among others. The guide will also explain to you about the history of the forest and how it has evolved, its threats and its benefits to the neighboring communities.

Accommodation;

There are several accommodation establishments around Kalinzu and others from Queen Elizabeth some of which include; Camping in the middle of the forest Mweya Safari Lodges, Mweya hostel, Jacana and Park View Safari Lodges, Kyambura game lodge, Katara lodge, Baboon lodge, Kasenyi game lodge, Elephant plains, Pumba lodge, Bush Lodge among others

Accessing Kalinzu forest;

You can access it by road using Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese road which is about 370km from Kampala that takes approximately 5 hours. You will branch from Butare bus stop in Bushenyi district and drive straight about 10km to the reception of Kalinzu forest where you will be booked in and assigned your guide to take you on your preferred tourism activity.

You can also fly to Mweya airstrip from Kajansi or Entebbe international airport using local chartered flights to shorten the distance and connect with a vehicle to Kalinzu forest which will take you about 45minutes.

Its composed of tropical rain forests with over 465 recorded plant species with the most notable giant forest mahogany trees some of which measure up to 60m high. Other existing tree species include; Spiky fagara, iron wood, parasitic figs among others. Budongo is also a home to primate species especially the chimpanzees some of which are fully habituated making it the key tourism activity that takes place in the forest. Other primate species include; olive baboons, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, white colobus monkeys among others. The forest also hosts nocturnal species that include galagos and pottos. Budongo forest is also a home to different bird species some of which include; Yellow Footed Flycatcher, camaronensis, Ceratogymna fistulator, Neafrapus cassini, Batis ituriensis, Smithornis rufolateralis, Sylvietta denti.

Some times, you will sight other mammals in the forest that come from the neighboring Murchison falls national park which may include; elephants and buffaloes among others. It acts as a catchment area to the neighbouring lake Albert with over 4 water streams that draw its waters into lake Albert. They include rivers Sonso, Siba, Kamirambwa and Waisoke.

The weather in Budongo is composed of both wet and dry seasons, with the wet season receiving rainfall that ranges between 1200 to 2200mm mostly in the moths of March to May and September to November.

Tourism Activities in the Forest;

Chimpanzee trekking;

Budongo forest has habituated chimpanzees that facilitate chimp trekking which is the key tourism activity in the forest. Budongo forest contains 2 key eco tourism centers where chimp trekking takes palace which include; Kaniyo pabidi and Busingiro. Chimp tracking takes place both in the morning and in the afternoon lasting between 2 to 4 hours. Chimp trekking is currently managed by Greatlakes safaris as a concession and as such, booking can be done directly to them or through your reliable tour operator. The trekking starts with briefing done at Budongo Eco lodge information office. The chances of seeing these chimps is certain since they are habituated, however, during the periods of scarcity of fruits, they tend to over move in search for what to eat, which implies that clients will also need to move a lot to have a clear sight of them.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience;

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience involves enabling chimps to get familiar with human presence. This is a full day activity where you will go with researchers to explore the behaviors of chimpanzees which experience starts right from nesting. This process of chimpanzee habituation takes about 2 years for chimps to get used to people. When the group is considered to be fully habituated, it is declared ready for tracking. The activity is highly regulated in terms of numbers who do the activity in order to have enhanced experiences. Chimp habituation will help you explore the behaviors of chimps, their way of leaving including feeding, mating and nesting among others.

Forest walks;

You can go for guided forest walk to explore the beauty of the forest with its tropical rain forests especially the giant mahogany being the most dominant some of which measure about 80 metres tall and 20 meters in circumference. You will learn about the conservation efforts of the forest, its threats and how it has benefited the neighboring community. While on the nature walk, you will be able to sight other primate species like chimps, olive baboons and different monkey species. You will also have a chance to see bird species and a variety of butterflies.

Birding:

Budongo forest is also a home to over 390 different bird species recorded some of which include; Yellow Footed Flycatcher, camaronensis, Ceratogymna fistulator, Neafrapus cassini, Batis ituriensis, Smithornis rufolateralis, Sylvietta denti. Others include Yellow Footed Flycatcher, camaronensis, Ceratogymna fistulator, Neafrapus cassini, Batis ituriensis, Smithornis rufolateralis, Sylvietta denti as well as Ixonotus guttatus, White-spotted Flufftail, Yellow and Grey Long bill, yellow footed fly catcher. Yellow-browned Camaroptera, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Yellow-manted Weaver and Yellow-spotted Barbet among others. Birding normally starts from Nyanyeba Forestry College to Research Station and lasts about 2 to 3 hours. It also has over 290 butterfly species which you will view while on this bird experience. The forest also hosts Royal Mile, one of the top bird watching tracks in the country.

Accommodation 

Budongo Eco Lodge

Operated by Uganda lodges, it is the nearest which is about 30 km north of Masindi town located in Murchison Falls national park. Turn left after 8 km from the Kichumbayobo gate and drive straight to the lodge

Hotel Victory Bijja

Its about 20 km from Budongo Forest and located in Masindi town few meters off Centenary Bank branch Masindi.

Kabalega Resort Hotel

located in Masindi town and is about 21.7km from the forest.

How to get to Budongo

The forest is about 200km from Kampala city center and takes about 3 hours to drive from Kampala to Budongo. Its also about 20 km from Masindi town which is the nearest town to Budongo Forest. You can as well arrange local flights and fly through Pakuba airstrip in Murchison falls national park and connect with a hire vehicle from the park which is about 18 km.

The main attraction in the Murchison falls National Park is the stretch of rapids covering over 80 kms with the sightings of rainbow all the times. The Falls can be reached using the boat on the famous boat cruise along the river Nile or a hike to the top of the falls. Murchison falls National Park is divided into two; the northern bank and southern bank which is bisected by the Victoria Nile. The northern bank section of the park contains savanna and borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland. The south is dominated by woodland and forest patches.

Murchison falls national park has the highest number of mammals that makes it rich in game drive experiences. Some of the mammals include; leopard, lions, hyenas, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, Nile crocodile, water buck, bush buck and other different species of antelopes which are found on the norther bank, while the southern bank is mostly occupied by the chimpanzee found in Budongo forest making chimpanzee tracking the most dominant tourism activity

Murchison falls is managed as a conservation area that consists of other game reserves that form part of the eco-system that forms part of Murchison Falls conservation Area. Some of these reserves include: Bugungu wildlife reserve, Kabwoya wildlife reserve, Karuma wildlife reserve, Ajai wildlife reserve and East Madi Wildlife reserve.

Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed from Kampala through 2 gates; through Tangi gate using Kampala-Karuma Pakwack road, and Kikyumbanyobo gate through Masindi

The major tourist activities include the following:

Guided Game drives (Day and night): Murchison falls national park is endowed with the highest number of wild animals making it a favorable place for game viewing. Game drives can be done during the day; in the morning (6;30 Am to 12:00 noon) and in the evening from 4:00PM to 7:00 PM. Game drives can also be done at night from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Animals expected to be sighted during game drives include; Antelopes, Rothschild giraffes, elephants, buffalos, hyenas, lions and leopards among others. Game drives take place in the northern bank of Victoria Nile that contain savanna and borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland. All game drives take place in the northern bank of the park.

Launch Cruise; This is also the most interesting activity in this park. Normally what has been missed during the game drives is likely to be sighted here. There are high chances to see animals coming to drink water during sunny. The Launch cruise lasts for 3 hours and goes to either the top of the falls or the Albert delta. However, the most famous one goes to the top of the falls where you will be able to view the falls in close range and take nice photographs that will give you lasting memories. The launch cruise is scheduled according to the available bookings of the day. There are boats available that take both small groups of 5 people and big groups of 40 people. While on this launch cruise, you will be able to see other animals on the shores including buffaloes, elephants, hippos, Nile crocodile and a variety of bird species.

Hiking top of the falls. This is a 45-minute guided nature walk which gives you an opportunity to view the falls from different points. The client will have a chance to watch waves of white water of Murchison falls and listen to the water roaring like a lion and seeing the river banding through narrow gorge. The UWA ranger guide will lead you to this hike and will explain the history of falls and the value attached to it. On this hike, there is also an opportunity to encounter with other wild animals, primates and bird species. There is a restaurant at the top of the falls and you will have an opportunity to refreshen, have a snack or a drink as you rest from the hike.

Guided Nature walks. Murchison falls national park has beautiful scenery which can be explored on a guided nature walk by foot in Rambogo forest and Kaniyo Pabidi in the southern bank which provides an opportunity to sight many primates and birds. The famous guided nature walk preferred by most clients is to the Nile Delta where the famous shoe bill can be sighted especially when the water levels have reduced on Lake Albert delta. Nature walks can also be done through the forests especially for botanists with particular interests in different species of plants. Nature walks take 3 to 4 hours

Birding; Murchison Falls National is a good birding destination with its famous Shoe bill sighted along the Albert Delta waters. Murchison falls hosts over 451 bird species including; savannah forest birds, water birds, and Albertine rift endemics birds. The main bird that attracts tourists is a shoebill usually seen in dry season from January to March along the delta. Other bird species include; marabou stork, Abyssinian ground Hornbill, secretary birds, black bellied Bustards, widow bird and open- billed storks, swallowed tailed, red throated bee eaters, and kingfishers. Bird watching treks can also be done along Sabirya river lodge or Mubako junction both on the south bank and walk along the north bank from Paraa, passing Emmy river. Birding watching lasts between 3 to 4 hours and is led by professional Birder guides.

Sport Fishing; Sport fishing is done any time of the year provided the client has an annual fishing permit that costs $50. This is done on the Victoria Nile where clients are provided with boats to sail themselves to do spot fishing and catch different fish species including; Nile perch, tiger fish, cat fish, electric fish among others. In addition, UWA conducts an annual sport fishing competition through sponsors/companies who run the competition. Interested clients will pay to participate in this competition once its announced. Clients who win by catching the largest fish are awarded. During the same event, Sponsors donate gifts like motorcycles to UWA to support her conservation efforts.

Chimpanzee trekking: This takes place in the southern bank of the park in Budongo Forest. Budongo forest has both habituated and non-habituated chimpanzees. This provides an opportunity to clients to do chimp trekking either in the morning and afternoon. Professional guides will give you a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of chimp tracking and will then lead you to the chimpanzees, and once you encounter them, you will have an opportunity to view them for 1 full hour while taking photos in close range. Chimp trekking lasts between 3 to 5 hours

Hot air ballooning:

This is considered scarily, but provides exciting and a unique experience that gives great memories to tourists. Hot air balloon safaris take place in the norther bank where most of the wild animals are found, lasting between 3 to 4 hours. It takes place throughout the day and it includes; sunrise, post sunrise hot air balloon, bush and breakfast sunset hot air balloon

Some of the Accommodation in Murchison falls national park include:

Chobe safari lodge

Paraaa safari lodge

Pakuba lodge

Nile safari lodge

Sambiya river lodge

Chili budget camp

UWA managed bandas.