A simple eco-lodge inside Budongo Forest at Kaniyo Pabidi, right at the start of the chimp tracking trails.
Budongo Eco Lodge has been open since 2006 at Kaniyo Pabidi, in the Budongo Forest within the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. It is a shaded, peaceful eco-camp built mainly from natural materials, and power comes from solar panels.
The lodge has five spacious eco-cabins with private verandas, twin beds with mosquito nets and en-suite bathrooms with composting toilets and solar-heated showers, as well as dormitory rooms for groups. A restaurant and visitor centre complete the camp.
Facilities are simple and the forest is humid, so bring a torch, insect repellent and quick-drying clothes. Meals are hearty and served at set times to fit around early chimp treks.
Nature lovers, birders and budget travellers on a Murchison route.
Kaniyo Pabidi is on the road between Masindi and Paraa, about four to five hours from Kampala and under an hour from Murchison Falls’ southern bank.
Budongo is Uganda’s largest natural forest, covering about 825 km² on the escarpment above Lake Albert. Its Kaniyo Pabidi site, inside the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, is home to a habituated chimpanzee group, and the forest’s giant mahogany and ironwood trees shelter many primates and forest birds. Read the Budongo Forest guide and Budongo Forest chimps.
Staying inside the forest means you are already at the trailhead for an early chimp trek, when the chimps are most active. Budongo fits neatly into a Murchison Falls safari; see our 4-day Murchison Falls safari with Budongo chimps.
One or two nights allow an unhurried morning with the chimps. Ask us for tailor-made pricing.
Birding 14 daysUganda’s classic birding circuit in two weeks: from the shoebill at Mabamba to Albertine Rift endemics in Bwindi, Congo-basin species in Semuliki and the famous Royal Mile in Budongo Forest.
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