Bugoma Forest Opens Up For Chimpanzee Tracking

Uganda has been having four major chimpanzee tracking destinations. That is Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park, Kalinzu forest near in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest national park. This year, the National Forest Authority officially launched chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma central forest Reserve.

Bugoma Forest has in the recent past suffered degradation to several human activities including but not limited to sugarcane growing and processing. There had been an outcry to preserve Bugoma forest because of the several wildlife species that were residing in this forest including but not limited to Chimpanzees, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, Buffaloes among several other wildlife species that have migrated from the near by grasslands due to oil exploration.

Bugoma Forest Location

The forest is located about 70km from Hoima and 200km from Kampala. The forest can be accessed through two main routes; Hoima highway and the Fort portal Murchison Falls route. In order to better plan your itinerary, consider Bugoma forest as an enroute activity instead of a main activity.

The forest is located with in a 30 minutes drive from Hoima city, 5 hours drive Queen Elizabeth National Park and Tour hours drive from Murchison Falls national park. It would work out as a stopover for those transferring from Murchison falls to Fort portal. Those coming from Kampala, it will take you around 5 hours to reach Bugoma forest.

Chimpanzee Tracking In Bugoma Forest

There are currently close to 140 habituated chimpanzees in Bugoma forest. These are composed of two troops; the Mwera north troop and the Mwera south troop. The Mwera north troop is specifically for research purpose. It is not open to tourists at the moment. The Mwera South troop is the one that has been opened up for Eco tourism.

Bugoma Forest Chimpanzee Trekking Permits

A chimpanzee tracking permit in Bugoma forest goes for $65 per person while chimpanzee habituation experience goes for $130 per person. However this offer is only valid until 31st December 2024. Starting 2025, a chimpanzee tracking permit in Bugoma forest will go for $80 per person.

These permits can be secured through local tour operators or lodges near Bugoma forest. These include Bugoma Jungle lodge and Kikonko lodge.

Directions to Bugoma Forest

Here is the link to the google pin of Bugoma forest. 7XVX+H3, Kisaru

Coordinates: 1.2975446447119745, 31.005402916888137

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bugoma+Forest+Chimpanzee+Tracking/@1.2930446,30.9857472,1749m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x17648d006932f5ff:0xf44126af5f015aeb!8m2!3d1.2942486!4d30.9976875!16s%2Fg%2F11wc9_jz49?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Accommodation Around Bugoma Forest

There two major accommodation options; the NFA bandas & tented camps. The second option is are the private (none NFA accommodation); these are Bugoma Jungle Lodge and Kikonko Lodge.