Everything To Know About Primate Safaris in Uganda: Are you planning a primate safari in Uganda which is one of the most unique experiences in East Africa.
As part of the process, deciding the kind of adventure you are going to do on a Uganda primate safari is quite overwhelming. However, with this article. It will help you know all the details you need to make the most of your primate safaris in Uganda.
This article focuses on what kinds of monkeys “chimpanzees, gorillas and more” to visit on a Uganda primate safari and uncovers all the information you need to know about primate safaris – Everything To Know About Primate Safaris in Uganda
What Primates are in Uganda?
Uganda is home to 20 primate species including 13 diurnal species and 7 nocturnal ones. Uganda hosts the highest primate concertation in all of Africa and these primates are protected in Uganda’s tropical forests, the most popular primates in Uganda are mountain gorillas and the chimpanzees.
There are so many you will discover on a Uganda primate safari.
11 Most Popular Primates in Uganda
These primates are the most popular and favorite to travelers on a primate safari in Uganda.
- Mountain Gorilla
The endangered mountain gorillas are the closest primates to human sharing over 98% of human DNA, mountain gorillas are from the family of great apes and are only found in the rainforests of the Central Africa region.
Mountain gorillas lives in 2 peoples, one in the Virunga Massifs region made up of Virunga National Park in DR. Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The second gorilla population which is the highest population is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees are another close primates to humans found in large numbers in Uganda, these types of primates are several forests in Uganda including Kibale Forest National Park which is home to highest population of chimpanzees in the world, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu and Semuliki.
- Golden monkey
The beautiful golden monkeys are rare primates only found in the Virunga region in East Africa, these primates are known for their golden orange coat and cute face, meeting them.
In Uganda, the best place to see them is in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- De Brazza’s monkey
These are easily identifiable primates known for their white mustache, blue scrotum and reddish – brown brow. To catch a glimpse of the De Brazza’s monkeys, head to Mount Elgon National Park in the east region of Uganda.
- Black-and-white colobus monkey
Many think all primates have thumbs, however it is not always the case and the proof is with the black and white colobus monkeys. These playful primates are instantly recognized due to its black coat and white back, they can be sighted in Kibale National Park, Budongo and Mabira Forest.
- Red colobus
The red colobus monkeys are similar to the black and white colobus monkeys and are easily identified by their striking colors, these beautiful primates can be spotted in Semuliki National Park.
- Bush Baby
Bush Babies are fascinating primates with their large eyes resembling a baby, also they sound like babies too. To catch a glimpse of these unbelievably cuter primates in an exhilarating experience and the best place to see them is Kibale Forest National Park.
- L’Hoest’s monkey
These are the easiest primate species to find in Uganda, L’Hoest’s monkey is one of the most memorable primates in Uganda thanks to the striking white bib against its brown coat.
L’Hoest’s monkeys can be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park and Maramagambo Forest.
- Red-tailed monkey
These cute primates stand out due to their red tail and their heart-shaped spot on its nose, red tailed monkeys are more common primates in Uganda and you will have a chance to see them in many parks of Uganda including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park and other tropical forests in the country.
- Patas monkey
Patas monkey are the world’s fastest primates fond of living on the ground, they are remarkable because they only run on their fingertips, their feet never touch the ground.
Patas monkeys can be found in Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
- Baboon
Baboons also known as olive baboons are the most common primates in Uganda, these primates are sociable and smart, so an encounter with them will surely fill up your camera with their charming antics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Primate Safaris in Uganda
Where are the best parks to see primates in Uganda?
If you are planning an African safari to Uganda to see primates, the two parks that need to be on your itinerary include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park.
Why visit primates in Uganda?
Because of Uganda’s relatively small size, it is easy to navigate between these parks and have a fruitful, fun Uganda primate safari.
Likewise, naturalists love visiting Uganda because its possible to spend between an hour to four with families of the gorillas and chimpanzees. These habituated families offer a chance to study their behaviors, their social structures and more.
The whole primate trekking experience leads you through natural forest landscapes that are unlike any other you have visited before. Many times, the rangers will be blazing a new path through the untamed wilderness meaning you are the first group to ever set foot there.
How much does it cost to see mountain gorillas in Uganda?
In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is currently $700 for foreign non-residents, $ 600 for foreign residents of East African countries and 250,000 UGX for East African Citizens. The gorilla permit allows you to send one hour with a habituated gorilla family.
Gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs $ 1,500 for foreign non-residents, $ 1,000 for foreign residents in East Africa and 750,000 UGX for East African Citizens.
Travel Tip– There are no low season discounts.
Where can mountain gorillas be found in Uganda?
Uganda hosts more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas making it a great place to go for gorilla trekking, mountain gorillas live on the slopes of the Virunga mountains in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
How much does it cost to see chimpanzees in Uganda?
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Budongo Forest costs $130 for foreign non-residents, $120 for foreign residents, and $85 for East African Citizens.
Where can chimps be found in Uganda?
In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking is commonly done in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls Nation Park and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
If you are choosing one destination to visit, Kibale Forest National Park is the place to visit as you have the highest population and the best luck to see a large number of chimpanzees.
How many chimps are there in Uganda?
Uganda hosts around 5,000 chimpanzees, this population is spread through forest reserves like Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bugoma and the Rwenzori Mountains.
What is primate trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking is a physical activity involving trekking through the forest in search for habituated primates yet wild in their natural habitat.