Chimpanzee tracking and habituation are two related but distinct activities that offer visitors to Budongo forest a unique and memorable wildlife experience.

Chimpanzee tracking involves following a group of wild chimpanzees as they go about their daily activities in the forest. Visitors are accompanied by experienced trackers and guides who use their knowledge of the chimpanzees’ behavior and movements to locate them. The trackers listen for vocalizations and look for signs of recent activity, such as freshly broken branches or fruit remnants on the ground. Once the chimpanzees are located, visitors can observe them from a safe distance, typically around 7 meters away, while taking photos and videos.

In contrast, chimpanzee habituation involves gradually acclimatizing wild chimpanzees to the presence of humans. This process can take several years and involves a team of researchers and guides who spend extended periods of time with the chimpanzees. The goal of habituation is to enable researchers to study chimpanzee behavior up close without disrupting their natural activities. Visitors can join the habituation team and observe the chimpanzees as they become accustomed to human presence, a process that can be both fascinating and educational.

Budongo forest is home to several chimpanzee communities that have been habituated to human presence. One of the most well-known is the Sonso community, which was first habituated in the 1990s and has been the focus of ongoing research ever since. Visitors can join researchers and guides for a full-day habituation experience, during which they can observe the chimpanzees up close and learn about their social dynamics, feeding habits, and other aspects of their behavior.

Chimpanzee tracking and habituation in Budongo forest are highly regulated activities designed to minimize disturbance to the chimpanzees and their habitat. Visitors are required to obtain permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and must follow strict guidelines while in the forest. However, the opportunity to observe these intelligent and fascinating primates in their natural environment is a rare and unforgettable experience that is well worth the effort.