There are 2 distinct habituated chimpanzee communities in Bugoma Forest—Mwera south and Mwera north. In total, there are 140 habituated chimpanzees that make up the north and south Mwera troops. The chimpanzees in Mwera South troop are open to visitors for eco-tourism, especially chimpanzee trekking. For the Mwera North troop, only research is allowed, to explore more about their lives in the forest.
How is Chimp trekking done in Bugoma Forest?
Every chimp trek in Bugoma Forest starts with a briefing at the ecotourism site. It is important to gather around the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and hear what they say. They communicate relevant issues on the rules and regulations to be followed during your chimp trek. Then, you can enter the forest under their guidance. After finding the Mwera south troop, you can watch them and capture photos for an hour. Return to where you started the trek to bring the activity to an end
What is the cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Bugoma Forest?
All non-residents are required to pay $130 per person for chimp trekking in Bugoma Forest. The visitors from Uganda and East African community pay $65 per person. It is allowed to acquire your chimpanzee trekking permit in advance. This is to avoid the possibility of losing out a chimp trek on the day of the safari. At Standard Safaris, we are available for you to book or make inquiries about the chimp trekking experience in time.
When can I do Chimp trekking in Bugoma Forest?
With Bugoma Forest welcoming visitors every single day, plan for chimp trekking tours there any day. The only factor that presents challenges on trekking day is the weather conditions. Sunny days are very good because you cannot be interrupted by rains. Also, the chimpanzee trails are drier, and not as muddy as during the rainy days for you to walk steadily. These conditions are experienced generally in the dry season, normally from June to September and December to February.
How old should I be to do chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma?
Every visitor who has come to Bugoma Forest for chimpanzee trekking should be at least 12 years old. Why this is the minimum age? Well, children are prone to disobeying chimpanzee trekking rules. Their actions might involve wandering off the designated chimpanzee trails, or even shouting or simply playing with the wildlife. This could cause harm to either them or the wildlife. Any child of recommended age should do the chimp trek with genuine consent from their parent or guardian.
Where is Bugoma Forest?
You can find Bugoma Forest in Hoima city in the western part of Uganda. Specifically, Bugoma is situated on 401 square kilometers of land in the southwest of the city. Bordering Bugoma Forest is Lake Albert to the west and Kyenjojo District in the southwest. Additionally, Bugoma has a strategic location on the escarpment of the Albertine Rift. From the city centre, Bugoma Forest is 75.2 kilometers by road.
How can I travel to Bugoma Forest?
Your best option to travel to Bugoma Forest is by road, which is scenic all the way from Kampala. This is a 5-hour road trip via 243.7 kilometers of tarmacked and marram road through Hoima. If you prefer airborne transfers, the nearest airstrip is Bugungu and domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport are available. When you land at the airstrip, driving to Bugoma Forest takes 2 hours, along a 94.4 kilometer road. Kabalega International Airport is soon to be opened to ease air transfers.
About Bugoma Forest
Gazettement of Bugoma Forest happened in 1932 to protect this beautiful tropical rainforest. This was important because the moist, semi-deciduous trees had to be conserved at all costs. Components of Bugoma Forest vegetation include 260 tree and shrub species. A common tree species in Bugoma Forest is the iron wood, known as Muhimbi. Rivers Sonso, Rubwa, Wake and Waisoke drain the forest.
Biodiversity in Bugoma Forest is worth talking about because its wildlife species list has range. This list includes 34 mammals, 225 birds, 9 reptiles, 20 amphibians and 257 trees etc. A part from the chimpanzees, primates also encompass, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys. So apart from chimp trekking, Bugoma also offers birdwatching tours, mangabey trekking, nature walk and others.
Is it safe for Americans to visit Bugoma Forest?
Aside from conflicts related to encroachment and deforestation, there are no threats to American visitors specifically. At the moment trained armed rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority monitor the forest for any hardcore threats to tourism. In fact, the areas where chimpanzee trekking occurs are so secure for visitors. Even during the chimp trek in the forest, you are accompanied by an armed ranger, along with a tracker. This is to enhance your protection and guidance throughout.
Nevertheless, you must travel with a local driver guide for a stress-free journey at Bugoma or across Uganda. At Standard Safaris, we offer local guides, who understand the situation to ensure that you are safe at all times. If you want to include a Bugoma Forest chimpanzee trek in your itinerary, contact us for a customized package.
