The Best Primate Safaris in Uganda
Uganda hosts the highest number of primates species in East Africa including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and thousands of monkey species, offering tourists wanting to see African primates, a fantastic safari. It’s not just about the primates though. The insects, butterflies, wide array of bird and animal species, and spiders, make Uganda a unique and beautiful safari destination, giving her the name the Pearl of Africa. In this article we discuss where tourists can see primates, their estimated population, nature of habitat, behavior, conservation efforts and the best national parks to trek them.
1.Chimpanzees
Uganda offers various national parks where chimpanzees are conserved and can be spotted in large numbers including Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, Kalinzu Conservation Forest, Kyambura Goerge and many others as discussed below.
Kibale National Park
Uganda’s largest national park for chimpanzee conservation, Kibale National Park offers habituated chimpanzee tracking permits on a daily basis and chimpanzee habituation experiences that last 4 hours with the chimpanzee. The park houses 13 other primate species which tourists can see as they track chimpanzees in the forest reserve.
Other primates you can expect to see include the red colobus monkeys, l’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys as well as olive baboons.
Every day, groups of tourists are guided into the forest for chimpanzee tracking. On a normal day, chimpanzees are seen going about their daily activities, including grooming, playing, and foraging.
Tourists can book chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park daily in the morning and in the afternoon with treks starting at the Kibale Uganda Wildlife offices. This includes briefing and being guided into the forest.
Budongo Forest Reserve
Accessed after entering the Uganda Wildlife office of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is located at the north eastern escarpment of Lake Albert. It hosts over 600 chimpanzees living in huge mahogany trees that make up the forest plantation.
The Budongo Conservation Forest was founded by Vernon Reynolds who first researched the chimpanzees in the area in the early 60’s. Apart from chimpanzees, Budongo Forest also hosts over 350 bird species, amphibians, and 290 butterflies.
Budongo offers chimpanzee tracking in the morning and afternoon daily. Visitors Budongo chimpanzee tracking permits cost $130 per person for international tourists.
2. Mountain Gorillas
Uganda is renowned for its contribution to the conservation of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Gorillas are characterized by their gentle nature and close family bonds. Observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a privilege that offers a deeper appreciation for their conservation efforts and the importance of preserving their environment.
The highest number of mountain gorilla families can be seen in Bwindi Forest National Park. All year-round, groups of tourists visit the impenetrable forest for gorilla trekking in Uganda and get a chance to see gorillas in the jungle.
Mgahinga National Park is another place where tourists have a chance to see silverback gorillas in Uganda.
3. Colobus Monkeys
Kibale National Park is not only a haven for chimpanzees but also home to the red colobus monkeys. These striking primates are known for their vibrant red fur and unique social structure. They live in multi-male, multi-female groups and are often seen leaping through the trees with incredible agility.
A walk in Kibale’s lush forests provides an excellent opportunity to spot these playful creatures, adding an element of joy and wonder to any primate safari.
4. Golden Monkeys
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not only famous for its mountain gorillas but also for the golden monkeys. These delightful creatures have a distinctive golden-orange fur coat that glistens in the sunlight. Golden monkeys are known for their playful antics and acrobatic displays in the trees.
Visitors to Mgahinga can participate in guided treks to witness these endearing monkeys in their natural habitat.
5. Vervet Monkeys
Vervet monkeys are a common sight in Uganda’s national parks and wildlife reserves. These agile creatures are known for their striking black faces and blue scrota in males. Vervet monkeys are often found in large troops, and their energetic antics provide entertainment for visitors.
Whether you’re exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park, keep an eye out for vervet monkeys as they swing through the trees or forage on the ground.
6. L’Hoest’s Monkeys
L’Hoest’s monkeys, also known as mountain monkeys, inhabit the montane forests of western Uganda. These elusive primates have a distinctive white beard and are known for their cautious nature. They tend to keep to the dense undergrowth, making them a challenging but rewarding sighting for wildlife enthusiasts.
Visitors interested in observing L’Hoest’s monkeys can explore the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
7. The Mysterious Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys
Black-and-white colobus monkeys are a captivating sight in Uganda’s forests. Their black fur and long, flowing white tails create a striking contrast. These primates are known for their leafy diet and unique digestive system, which allows them to efficiently process tough plant materials.
National parks like Kibale, Bwindi, and Semuliki Valley provide opportunities to encounter these mysterious creatures during guided walks and treks.
8. Olive Baboons
Olive baboons, with their distinctive grey-green fur and robust physique, are a common sight across Uganda. These highly adaptable primates inhabit a wide range of habitats, from forests to savannas and even urban areas. They are known for their resourcefulness and ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Olive baboons live in large troops and display a complex social structure. Observing their interactions and dynamic hierarchies can be both fascinating and entertaining for visitors. While exploring Uganda’s national parks, you are likely to encounter these acrobatic baboons, especially in places like Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
9. Pottos
The potto is one of Uganda’s most elusive and lesser-known primates. This small, nocturnal creature is characterized by its slow, deliberate movements and large, round eyes. Potto sightings are rare due to their secretive nature and nocturnal habits.
To catch a glimpse of a potto, consider participating in a night safari in Uganda’s national parks, such as Kidepo Valley National Park or Semuliki Valley National Park. These experiences offer a unique opportunity to witness the hidden world of nocturnal primates and other wildlife that emerge after dark.
10. The Agile Tree-Climbers -Angolan Colobus Monkeys
Angolan colobus monkeys are another captivating primate species found in Uganda. They are known for their striking black fur and long, white mantle of hair that drapes down their sides. These agile tree-climbers are often seen in the canopy, where they feed on leaves and occasionally socialize with other members of their troop.
Kibale National Park and Semuliki Valley National Park are two excellent places to spot Angolan colobus monkeys. Their graceful movements and unique appearance make them a noteworthy addition to Uganda’s primate diversity.
