Top places for seeing primates in Uganda

Uganda often referred to as the pearl of Africa is a haven of natural beauty and known as an incredible destination for primate watching.

The pearl of Africa is a home to a dazzling array of primates, from the majestic great apes, and playful golden monkeys. With half of the worlds population of gorillas thriving in Uganda the area becomes one of the top destinations for primate adventure safaris.

Examples of primate species in Uganda

Mountain Gorillas

Gorillas are the largest primate living animals on earth. They can grow up to the height of 1.8m and can weigh up to 220kgms.  These great apes are divided into four types of mountain gorillas, western low land gorillas, Eastern low land and the cross-river gorillas.

Gorillas are one of the endangered with a population that is estimated to be about 1063. Uganda is ranked as the top gorilla trekking destination with over a half of the total gorilla population which can either be found at Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. Other places where you can see gorillas in their natural habitats include volcanoes national park of Rwanda and Virunga national park of DRC. All these parks are part of great Virunga massive except Bwindi national park.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are among the primate species and share a close genetic relation ship with humans. Chimpanzees tend to live in connected communities of many families. Chimpanzees can be seen form various national parks across Uganda such as queen Elizabeth national park at Kyambura Gorge, Kibale national park, Kalinzu forest and Semliki wildlife reserve.

Monkey’s species in Uganda

There are many monkey species within the pearl of Africa.  The monkeys are classified in to five genera’s such as Colobus, Cercopithecus, mangabeys, papio and Erythrocebus. Colobus monkey are the most popular species that can be found on your primate safari in Uganda.

Golden monkeys

Goldeen monkeys, scientifically known as Cercopithecus mitis kandti, is a rare and endangered primate species with a unique charm. These captivating creatures can only be found in three countries that is Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, that share the Virunga massif.

Golden Monkeys exhibit a distinctive appearance, and they usually weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. They have a golden body, cheeks, and tails, complemented by black limbs, crowns on their heads, and rear ends. As a sub-species of the blue monkey, they primarily inhabit the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Observing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is among the thrilling and fascinating activities. Their vibrant colons, lively behavior, and engaging interactions make for a memorable and enchanting encounter.

This process involves gradually acclimating them to the presence of humans, allowing visitors to observe their daily lives without causing disturbance or distress. Visitors can witness the monkeys engaging in their natural behaviors, such as feeding, grooming, and socializing while being respectful observers.

Golden Monkey tracking offers an immersive experience as you connect with nature and learn more about these primates.

Some of the other primates to check out in Uganda include different kinds of monkey species such as the blue monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, Grey cheeked Mangabey, and red colobus monkeys.

Where to see the primates in Uganda?

Bwindi impenetrable national park

This is Uganda’s most famous destination for primate lovers, mainly known for its exceptional biodiversity.  Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home to half of the worlds population of mountain gorillas that are remaining in the world.

This gorgeous scenery is nestled in the southwestern parts of Uganda approximately 540km from the country’s capital city (Kampala).

The park is a home to over a half of mountain gorillas that are still existing in the world with four different sectors where you can find gorillas on your Uganda adventure. These sectors include Rushaga sector, Nkuringo sector, Ruhija sector, and Buhoma sector. Each one of these sectors will offer you a different experience

Kibale National Park

Kibale national park is also referred to as the primate capital of the world due to its large concentration of primate species.  The park boasts a high number of many primate species in the world with over 13 species thriving in the lush forests.

The highlight of Kibaale is chimpanzee trekking with over 1,500 primates estimated to be calling the park home. Beside chimps, you will also encounter other primates like black and white colobus monkey, velvet monkey red tailored monkey and many other primates that call park home.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale

Chimpanzee trekking can be done either in the morning or afternoon. The activity starts with a briefing at the main park headquarters (Kanyanchu visitors center). After the briefing you join a group of people to the jungle to trek the chimpanzees.

Trekking involves hiking through the tropical rainforests, rugged terrains as you look for these chimps. Upon meeting with them only one hour to spend with them. here you can take photos, see them fed, play, jump and many more.

Kibale national park is the premier destination for a close encounter with the chimpanzees since it also grants Chimpanzee habituation.

Chimpanzee Habituation refers to the process where tourists and a group of researchers go into the forest to trek and learn more about the chimpanzee. The activity usually takes up to 4 hours.

Kibale national park is also a home to other primate species not only the chimpanzees thus being termed as the primate capital of the world. Some of these primates include olive baboons, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, and the Ugandan Mangabey.

Queen Elizabeth national park

This is Uganda’s second largest national park and is found in the western parts of the country. The park boasts a rich eco system including the savannahs and wetlands.

Even though, Queen Elizabeth national park is famous for its impressive game drives and boa safaris, the park is also an ideal place for chimpanzee trekking.  Chimpanzee trekking is mainly done from Kyambura Gorge. Chimpanzee trekking experience takes one hour, tourists can view the chimps in the jungle for one hour.

Furthermore, Queen Elizabeth national park is a home to a large population of the olive baboons that can be sighted on the roads of the park.

Mgahinga national park.

Situated in the southwestern parts of Uganda lies another amazing home of primates referred to as Mgahinga national park. The park is a wonderful habitant for seeing both gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is part of the large Virunga conservation area that is shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The main activity conducted within the park is golden monkey trekking.

Mgahinga national park is the only park that allows golden monkey trekking and habituation thus making the park a more out standing destination compared to other national parks. Golden monkeys have a bright colour and golden fur thus making trekking them very interesting. Note Mgahinga trekking is a mixture of both silver and golden (gorillas and golden monkeys).

Budongo forest

Budongo forest is situated in the western parts of Uganda and is among the popular re known homes for primates (chimpanzees). The forest is part of Murchison falls national park.

Chimpanzee trekking can also be done with in Budongo forests where tourists are able to come close with the chimps in their natural habitant. Visitors can be able to see the m feed, sleep, eat hunt and how they go about their daily activities. The forest is less crowded thus allowing you to enjoy compared to other areas.

Semliki National Park

This is one of Uganda’s hidden gems and is a home to different primate species. The park is situated in the western parts of Uganda very close to the boarder of Democratics Republic of Congo.

Semliki national park is mainly famous for its   large population of monkey species such as LHoest’s monkeys a very rare species and others. Some of the others include blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys and many more.

Best time to see primates in Uganda

Primates can be visited at any time of the year. This implies tourists can visit them at any time however they have the best time for interacting with them.  The most ideal time for visiting the park is generally in the dry season.  The dry season ranges (December to February, June to early September).

The dry seasons is the most appropriate time for primate watching because there are little rainfalls, the roads are less slippery, the skies are very clear thus easy viewing of the animals.

However, tourists can still visit within the wet season. The wet season is abit challenging considering the roads when it rains, though it its the best time for travelling for people who hate over crowding. This is because a few people tend to visit the park in the wet season.  The other beauty of visiting in the wet season is that some accommodations tend to offer discounts on their prices which still attracts many tourists.

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