Uganda the pearl of Africa is known for offering the best primate viewing experience on the continent of Africa. The country has over 20 primate species and has been considered the best primate destination because it offers a more impeccable primate viewing experience like no other. Uganda has primate species like, the famous Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboon monkeys, blue monkeys, De bazzas Monkeys, L’hoest Monkey, red-tailed Monkeys, Dent monkeys, Owl faced monkeys, Mona monkeys, Bush babies, Pottos, Pata Monkeys, and Vervet monkeys. These are mostly found in the tropical forests of Uganda like the Kibale forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Budongo forest, Mgahinga, etc.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The most popular and bestselling primates in Uganda are the mountain Gorillas found in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga National Park. The chimpanzees come second and are found in Kibaale national park, also known as the primate world. These two primates are the most visited and to offer a more amazing experience, gorilla tracking and Chimpanzee tracking activities were designed in Bwindi and Kibale National Parks respectively.
Where to Find Primates in Uganda
Primates are found in most National parks and forests of Uganda. However, there are places that can offer a variety of primates species and an ultimate experience with them. These are Kibale National park, Bwindi impenetrable, Mgahinga National park, Kyambura gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park) and Budongo forest (Murchison falls National Park).
Kibaale National Park; also known as the primate world has the highest number of primates which makes it the best place to view primates in Uganda. It is a habitat for 13 of the primate species found in Uganda. These include Chimpanzees, Blue monkeys, Olive baboons, Black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked colobus monkeys, l,hoest’s monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Patas monkeys, Potto, Managabey, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Bush babies. The park offers chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences and nature walks to view the different astonishing primates all year round. It also offers night nature walks where you get to view nocturnal primates like the Bush babies and the Pattos.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; is known for its mountain Gorilla tracking experience, an activity where tourists get a chance to hike within one of the oldest tropical forests in Uganda looking for mountain gorillas. Well as it is known for mountain gorillas, it is also a home of other primates like Chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, l’hoest’s Monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, Baboons, De Brazza, and bush babies. These can be viewed on nature walks within the forest guided by well-trained and knowledgeable guides or rangers in the park.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Mgahinga National park; is also a mountain gorilla tracking destination but also has other primates. The park stands out for having the unique endangered golden monkey which is only found in three countries i.e. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Mgahinga offers the endangered golden monkey tracking experience which most tourists engage in along with other primate activities in this tropical forest.
Other places to enjoy Primate viewing; in Uganda are Kyambura gorge (Queen Elizabeth National park, Semliki, Budongo forest, Rwenzori National Park, Mabira Forest, and Kalunzu Forest. Most Primates can be found in most national parks and game reserves especially the vervet monkeys, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and the black and white colobus monkeys.
Well-informed and knowledgeable guides and primatologists are positioned in these parks and reserves to guide tourists and offer all the information about the different species of primates you find there.
Primate viewing is a very interesting and adventurous activity to engage in in Uganda safaris not only because you are guaranteed to see the primates but also for the way the country has managed to position this activity to offer an ultimate experience to the visitors.
