Everything you must know about chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma forest! Uganda National Forestry Authority has currently launched chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma Central Reserve. Located in western Uganda in the south-western part of Hoima district, the northeastern side of Kyenjojo town, and the eastern side of Lake Albert. Bugoma forest covers about 401 square kilometers (155 square miles/ 40,100heacters). Bugoma currently holds about 34 mammal species which include 9 endangered mammals listed under the IUCN’s red list.
These red-listed animals include chimpanzees, grey-cheeked Mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys, to mention but a few. Apart from chimpanzee trekking, also activities such as bird watching, manageable trekking, chimpanzee habituation, and nature walks can be done in Bugoma forest. Having you need to know more about chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma forest, look no further below is all the information you need to know.
How to get to Bugema forest?
 A trip or journey to Bugema forest is about 3 hours and 55 minutes when using the road from Kampala and about 1 hour and 21 minutes when coming from Hoima town. From Kampala, you can take the Kampala- Hoima Highway, from Entebbe you can take the Entebbe-Kampala Highway from there, take the Kampala-Hoima Highway and branch off the road about 30 km before Hoima town. You can also use an air transport boarding from Entebbe airport – Hoima airstrip which is about a 1-hour flight then board a car for about 30 minutes to Bugoma forest.
What is the main attraction in Bugoma Forest?
The main attraction which is the reason why tourists visit Bugoma forest are chimpanzees but apart from that, Bugoma forest has different attractions. Bugoma forest, apart from chimpanzees is home to other animals such as monkeys, buffaloes, bush elephants, golden cats, and Uganda kobs, to mention but a few. Activities done in Bugoma forest include chimpanzee trekking which is the most outstanding one, chimpanzee habituation, and bird watching since Bugoma forest has about 225 different bird species hence making it a good destination for bird lovers.
Chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma Forest
The main reason why tourists visit Bugoma Forest, chimpanzees living in Bugoma Forest are about 1000 hence giving you a high chance of seeing these gentle creatures. Guided trekking is provided and normally starts from 8 am and takes about 2-5 hours. After trekking these amazing creatures, you will watch them from a safe distance. Chimpanzee habituation is also provided at a given cost.
How much is a chimpanzee trekking permit in Bugoma Forest
Chimpanzee trekking permits are obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices (UWA) or obtained from a tour operator. Chimpanzee trekking at Bugoma Forest costs about 100$-150$ per person depending on the season. When planning to visit Bugoma forest for chimpanzee trekking, it is always better to purchase a trekking permit or let your tour company help you with the purchase. Early permit purchase saves time for you during your trip, safari, or tour since the processing of a permit takes some time. For a better organized and non-disappointment tour early purchase of a trekking permit must be done.
What to pack when going for a chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma forest?
Here are some of the essentials you must not forget when going for a chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma forest. You should carry long-sleeved shirts, trekking boots, hut and sunglasses, sanitizer, sunscreen, gloves, a light waterproof jacket, hiking bag pack. For personal documents, you should travel with your ID, trekking permit, and travel insurance documents if applicable.
Where to stay in Bugoma forest?
Bugoma Forest has a lot of accommodation options to stay at when you decide to go for a chimpanzee trekking there. Accommodation facilities at Bugoma Forest range from luxury to budget hence making it possible for each tourist to get where to stay at any amount of money. Some of the lodges to stay at include,
Bugoma Eco-friendly Lodge
Bugoma eco-friendly lodge is one of the best lodges to stay at when you decide to visit one day, this lodge is a mid-range lodge located at the entrance of the forest. The lodge has a lot of eco-friendly features which include rainwater harvesting systems, composting toilets, solar energy for lighting and water heating, and an organic garden, to mention but a few. About 5 cottages with built bathrooms are found there, also spacious tents with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, and mosquito repellants are provided. Some of the amenities to look out for when you visit include a bar with a selection of drinks and, a restaurant that offers both international and local food.
Bugoma Jungle Overview
 The lodge Overview is located in Bugoma forest near Hoima -Kigali road about 5km off Kabwoya trading center, this lodge has about 5 raised wood cottages with grass thatched roofs each room having a luggage rack, comfortable beds, and an in-built bathroom. The lodge is an eco-friendly lodge that has solar for lighting and water heating plus a standby generator that operates during rainy seasons. Guided nature walks, birding, and spotting various wild animals are done on request at a given fee.
Hoima Cultural Lodge
Located in Hoima town about a 30-minute drive away from Bugoma forest. Hoima Cultural Lodge is a budget-friendly lodge that has a variety of rooms which include single rooms, double, twin rooms, and cottages. Rooms and cottages available have built-in bathrooms, comfortable beds, and enough space, and all the time these rooms are cleaned up and organized by service providers. For those coming or heading to Murchison Falls National Park, you can stop over for a quick break, lunch, or a sleep overnight.
Kafu safari lodge
Kafu Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge located in Hoima town giving it’s guests a beautiful view of Lake Albert. Luxury rooms available have in-built bathrooms, private balconies with lake views, and comfortable beds with luxurious linens. Amenities to expect when you visit are a restaurant that offers both local and international food, a bar with a wide selection of drinks, a spa, an outdoor pool, fitness center, to mention but a few. Activities that can be done when you visit include fishing, a boat cruise on Lake Albert, birding, nature walks, and cultural visits, to mention but a few. Services provided include room service, free Wi-Fi, room service, transport transfer, and tour bookings, plus laundry and dry-cleaning services.
Note
By visiting Bugoma forest for chimpanzee trekking you are not only going to view the majestic creatures but also contribute to the conservation efforts and support local communities. Remember to be respectful of the forest and choose eco-friendly tour operators to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable experience.
