Part 2 - Murchison Falls National Park

The lodge, I chose for it’s proximity to Budongo, prides itself on soft pillows, over-the-top décor, and buffet tables ladened with dozens of dishes at every meal. Sadly, not much wildlife activity in their sector of the park, and the intense rains negated any opportunity of a ranger-guided nature walk. I quickly realized that I needed to hire my own qualified wildlife guide to visit this section of the park.

view from my hut Saturday afternoon

But the main event for this weekend trip was chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo Central Reserve Forest. By Sunday morning I am my happy self again and am heading towards Budongo Forest after a satisfying breakfast. The staff even poured a to-go coffee for me!

At the Budongo information center I met my guide, Chimp Boy.** He and I walked to a community of chimps that were high, high up in the canopy, barely visible. I understood that this is the nature of chimpanzee sightings.

After a couple of hours of watching the chimps move from treetop to treetop, Chimp Boy spotted a new chimpanzee moving in the underbrush towards his community up in the canopy. Chimp Boy quickly pulled out his smartphone, chased the chimp taking live video and blocking me from taking my own photographs.
The Budongo Forest is stunning, the “guides” are not of the same caliber as Kibale or Queen Elizabeth.

Moving fast to the treetop

Male chimpanzee moving fast

Chimp Boy decides time is up. It’s a quick walk back to the information center and there is an adorable café! It’s a training ground for local youth to learn hospitality skills. I ordered a fresh pineapple smoothie and listened to the bird calls surrounding the café thinking this is the best part of my entire Budong experience. It was not a straight drive back home, but after several surprise errands on the way back to Masindi I am finally delivered home unscathed.

Chatting with the wait staff at the Budongo Café, was the highlight of my entire weekend. I promised that I would go back to visit them.

** Chimp Boy is a real deal moniker.