Chimpanzee Filming Tour In Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee Filming Tour In Budongo Forest : Filming Chimpanzees in Budongo forest, chimpanzees are the biggest pull factor for tourism in Budongo Central Forest reserve with chimpanzee trekking as the most participated in activity in both forests. Budongo Central Forest reserve and its activities is under the management Uganda Lodges and National Forestry Authority. Budongo Central Forest reserve is located in the southwestern region of the Murchison Falls National Park and it is continuous with the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Budongo forest is situated on the escarpments northeast of the Lake Albert covering an area of 825 square kilometers. The reserve is famously known for abundance of African mahogany trees as well as chimpanzees inhabiting in the forest, mahogany trees in the forest are more than 80 meters tall with a circumference of 20 meters.
A chimpanzee filming tour in Budongo Central Forest Reserve is an exciting adventure that lets you get up close and personal with these fascinating primates. The forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees of 700 chimpanzees The chimpanzees in Budongo forest we first studied in 1960 and conservation has been going on to sustain the chimpanzees in the forest thus attracting more visitors to come and see them. There are several communities that have been habituated over the years and these include; Sonso, Waibira, Kaniyo- Pabidi and Waisoke. With the help of an experienced guide, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures up close. As you make your way through the forest, keep your eyes peeled for the chimpanzees’ nests, which are often high up in the trees.
Note that, this exciting activity is conducted in two sessions for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Namely; Morning session that starts at 8:00am and afternoon session that starts at Mid-day throughout the year.
The treks start early morning with briefing about the rules and regulations at the forest headquarters. After you’ll be grouped in groups of members each with Park guides, Rangers who lead you to the forest for your chimpanzee experience. The trek takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. Once the chimps are found you will stay for one hour with these amazing creatures to watch them eating, resting and playing. The trek gives of chances of viewing other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and nocturnal primates such as pottos and galago species, reptiles and mammals like the forest Elephants. You will also have the added chance to spot different bird species.
During the filming tour, you’ll have the chance to capture stunning footage of the chimpanzees as they go about their daily activities. You might see them foraging for food, playing with each other, or even displaying aggressive behavior. Your guide will provide valuable insights into the behavior and social structures of the chimpanzees, helping you to better understand these fascinating animals
As you walk through the forest, the sounds of the chimpanzees will become more pronounced, and you’ll start to feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The chimpanzees may be heard calling to each other, or you might catch a glimpse of them swinging through the trees. When you finally come face to face with the chimpanzees, be sure to remain calm and follow your guide’s instructions. This will help to ensure that both you and the chimpanzees have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The chimpanzee filming tour in Budongo Central Forest Reserve is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories. As you reflect on your time in the forest, you’ll appreciate the unique opportunity you had to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat. With the stunning footage and photos, you’ve captured, you’ll be able to relive the experience and share it with friends and family.
Cost of chimpanzee permit in Budongo Central Forest Reserve
The cost of chimpanzee filming tour in Budongo Central Forest Reserve depends on the type of the permit you get.
Chimpanzee habituation permit
For tourist planning to embark on a chimpanzee filming tour while on a chimpanzee habituation experience. The permit costs $ 230 per person Non-Foreign Residents, $ 160 Per person Foreign Residents and $ 90 for East African Citizens, this chimpanzee habituation permit allows you to observe and stay with the chimpanzees in their presence for four hours. while with these incredible creatures, you’ll have the chance to move with them, observe the way they feed, live and communicate. It is an experience conducted by the Researchers and Forest guides.
Chimpanzee tracking permit
For Chimpanzee tracking permit costs $ 130 per person Non-Foreign Residents, $ 120 Per person Foreign Residents and $ 85 per person for East African Citizens. This permit only allows one hour of observing and staying with the chimpanzee once you find them in their natural habitat.
Requirements to Chimpanzee Filming tour in Budongo Central Forest Reserve
To film chimpanzees in Budongo forest, you need to obtain a filming permit from the National Forest Authority (NFA) and a media card from the Uganda media council. the media card cost $ 175 for 30 days of filming and $ 225 for up to 60 days. you’ll also need to clear your filming requirements with customs. Other requirements one needs to move with while on a chimpanzee filming tour in Budongo forest includes; tourist visa, hire vehicle , Waterproof knee-length hike boots, Neutral-coloured long-sleeved shirts , Neutral-coloured trousers, Waterproof rain jacket, coat, or windbreaker, Warm sweater, Bottled drinking water, Snacks, Waterproof day backpack, A camera, Binoculars, Insect repellent, Sunscreen, Flashlight and extra batteries, Toiletries , Wet wipes, First aid kit, Chimp tracking rules among others
Best time for a Chimpanzee Filming Tour in Budongo forest?
The ideal time to embark on a chimpanzee filming tour in Budongo Forest is between June and October, as well as from December to March. During these months, Uganda Safari experiences a dry season with light rainfall, which makes it easier to trek through the forest. The vegetation is also less dense, allowing for better visibility of the chimpanzees, which makes for fantastic photography opportunities.
Conversely, from April to May and in November, the weather is wetter. This causes the plants to grow taller, leading to more challenging viewing conditions. However, during this wet season, the treks are usually shorter. That’s because the chimpanzees have easier access to food and don’t have to travel as far to find it.
Where to stay in Budongo Central Forest reserve
There are a number of accommodations facilities in Budongo Forest Reserve where you can stay during your amazing chimpanzee filming tour. Most of the tourists have always opted to stay with in Murchison Falls National Park as it has a variety of lodges and which are close to Budongo Forest Reserve. The accommodation ranges from luxury, mid-range or budgets including Budongo Eco Lodge, Bakers lodge, Murchison River lodge, Paraa safari lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Kabalega wilderness camp, red chilli Hideaway, Pumba safari lodge, Murchison Backpackers, Sambiya River Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Chimpanzee Filming tour in Budongo central Forest reserve and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.
