PRIMATES IN UGANDA

Uganda has consistently lived up to its reputation as “the pearl of Africa,” with its striking natural beauty. Furthermore, going on a primate safari in Uganda is an incredible experience. One of the main draws of the Pearl is the abundance of wildlife found in the national parks of Uganda. The pearl is the ideal sport for those who enjoy wildlife because it includes the big five game along with other wildlife species.

Do you have a strong desire to observe chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, Columbus monkeys, and numerous other species of primates?

The top African place you should consider visiting is Uganda. The best places in Africa and the world to see primates are Uganda’s major forest national parks, including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The majority of critically endangered primate species, some of which have been placed on the Red List due to their impending extinction, are found in Uganda.

The reasons of doing a primate safari in Uganda.

The best primate safari experience may be had in Uganda, where gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and golden monkey trekking are the main attractions. You will get the chance to interact with some of the most elusive creatures on the planet. It is significant to remember that Uganda is home to the majority of these primates that survive. For example, three-quarters of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population is in Uganda.

The Virunga Massif, a chain of four national parks extending from Uganda to Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to these gorillas. The Virunga Massif is made up of the following national parks: Volcanoes in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A range of volcanic mountains, including Mt. Nyiragongo, the most recent and active volcano in Africa, encircles these national parks, adding to their natural splendor.

The splendor of a primate safari in Uganda

The appeal of going on a primate safari in Uganda is that it’s very easy to combine it with a wildlife safari in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda.

Furthermore, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking on a Ugandan primate safari allows visitors to spend an hour in the company of these stunning primates when they come across them. Every traveler from Uganda talks about this amazing moment. You get to see chimpanzees and gorillas interact, mate, eat, and occasionally engage in combat—especially between mature males. Male silverback mountain gorillas compete with one another for territory and supremacy. Just picture hanging out with these primates!

Finally, tracking permits for gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda are reasonably priced. In comparison to the financial and temporal resources dedicated to the preservation of these primates’ habitats, gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits are comparatively inexpensive. As of January 2023, chimpanzee monitoring permits in Uganda are available for USD 200, $150, and UGX 150,000 only to foreign non-residents, foreign residents, and members of the East African Community. However, in 2024, gorilla trekking licenses will cost USD 800, 700 usd, and UGX 300,000, respectively, only to foreign non-residents, foreign residents, and members of the East African Community.

destinations for primates

A Uganda safari experience is not complete without seeing the pearl-bearing primates, in addition to the wild wildlife. Six of Uganda’s most popular primate sites are found in the nation’s western region. These primate locations are wonderful since they may all be included in a single Uganda safari. You can customize your safari to your liking by working with a seasoned travel operator. We are here to help you plan your Ugandan primate safari, including where to go and what to do.

The unapproachable Bwindi National Park

The well-known Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to gorilla primates in Uganda, is situated in the Kanungu district in western Uganda. Gorilla trekking is the main draw for visitors to this national park.

The four sectors of the Bwindi forest are home to the several gorilla families that make up the park. These comprise the sectors of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Travelers often refer to their primates encounters in these areas as “once in a lifetime” safari experiences since they are unlike anything else in the world. You have the chance to experience a mountain gorilla’s life by traveling to any of these areas.

Because they are herbivores and eat insects to change their diet, mountain gorillas are more like humans than other primates. They also spread and catch human diseases like the flu and Ebola. They also live in families and can live up to 50 years. Finally, they do not attack unless provoked. Put another way, 99.4% of human DNA is shared by mountain gorillas and humans.

Trekking with gorillas in Bwindi Starting at 8:00 am, there is a 30-minute briefing before entering impenetrable national parks. Two to eight hours a day may be needed. In a single day, just eight individuals are permitted to trek with mountain gorillas.

In addition to mountain gorillas, other primate species such monkeys can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Numerous bird species can be seen in the park, and on a good day, woodland buffaloes may be spotted.

Cultural safaris in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are well-known for taking visitors to the Batwa communities. The Batwa community tour is a blessing since it provides access to traditional cultural experiences like hunting, fire-making, traditional dancing, and local beer brewing, to name a few.

National Park for Mgahinga Gorillas

Uganda’s second gorilla destination is the Mgahinga gorilla, which is situated close to the Kisoro district in the country’s west. There are just two habituated gorilla families in its forest that are accessible for trekking: the Hirwa and Nyakagezi families. The Hirwa family of gorillas originated in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and they are the earliest inhabitants of the park. In 2019, it became ingrained. It is also easy to spot other primate species in the woodland of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The National Park of Kibale

Kibale National Park, known as the “primate capital of the world,” is home to a wide variety of primates. When visiting Kibale Park, a primate-rich area, chimpanzee tracking is a must-do activity. Compared to other primate sites in Uganda, chimpanzees are more visible and easily tracked in this national park.

L’hoest monkeys, red Colobus monkeys, grey-checked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, etc. are among the other primates found in Kibale. Keeping the olive baboons in mind.

Don’t miss seeing the top of the world and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding regions, including the Rwenzori Mountains and the Crater Lakes region, when on a safari in Kibale National Park. Additionally, the park is a great place to go bird watching, particularly in the Bigodi Wetland sections.

Budongo woodland

Another primate location in northwest Uganda is the Budongo forest, which is located close to Murchison Falls National Park. The main activity that occurs in this forest is tracking chimpanzees. Apes like chimpanzees thrive in the densely populated forest with its enormous mahogany trees and other animals. Although plans are in the works, this region is not currently recognized as a component of Murchison Falls National Park. It is easily paired with a safari to Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, Murchison Falls National Park. The world’s strongest waterfall, Murchison Falls, is also located there. An additional way to make the most of your safari experience in Murchison Falls National Park is to visit Budongo Forest to see primates.

Kyambura Gorge

Along with the Kibale and Budongo forests, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s northeastern Kyambura Gorge is another place to see chimpanzees. When on a primate safari in Uganda, the chimpanzee tracking activity is available in Queen Elizabeth Park’s vast, densely forested ravine. Kyambura Gorge is smaller than the aforementioned primate hotspot, yet it never lacks experience. Usually, it is accompanied with safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home of the uncommon tree-climbing lions and known as the Medley of Wonders.

The dense jungle in the Kyambura Gorge makes it difficult to see chimpanzees and other animals. Chimpanzee tracking in this region differs greatly from that of the other locations mentioned. But the more difficult the task, the more satisfying it becomes. You will have investigated every species found there by the time you land on the apes, to name just a few: trees, birds, and insects.

However, a stop to Kyambura Gorge en route to enjoy the stunning gorge views and nature hikes is a great way to complement a wildlife visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

UWEC

When discussing places to see primates in Uganda, it is impossible to overlook the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center.

The center is home to a large number of primates and other species. At the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center, a straightforward day trip is sufficient to see every species of primate. The Rwenzori black and white Colobus, olive baboon, red-tailed monkey, common Patas monkey, and chimpanzees are among the primates housed at this institute.

In addition to being a demonstration center for wildlife conservation in Uganda and around the world, the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) was founded to protect Uganda’s rare animals. With the exception of South Africa, this is where you can get an opportunity to observe Bengal tigers in all of Africa. To learn more about the Bengal Tigers in Uganda, see this link.

The Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island.

The chimpanzees of Uganda also reside at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. While visiting this island, getting up close and personal with the sanctuary’s 49 chimpanzees is a gratifying experience. The goal of this refuge is to give chimpanzees who have become ill or who lost their moms at a young age a second chance at life. Here, all of the vulnerable chimps are cared for. They are returned to their native environments once they are capable of surviving on their own.

You can discover some of the heartwarming tales about these chimpanzees by visiting the refuge. You’ll come to understand that being an orphan affects all living things on the planet, not just humans.

Costs of Permits

In Uganda, primate safaris are offered throughout the year. Travelers who wish to monitor gorillas, chimpanzees, or golden monkeys must have a valid permit in order to do so.

Here’s a helpful tip: get gorilla tracking permits well in advance of your trip to prevent disappointments due to sell-out.

The cost of gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga Forest;

Permits for non-foreign residents (NFR) cost $800; permits for foreign residents (FR) cost $700; and the East African Community (EAC) costs 300,000 Ugx.

The following is the cost of a chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale National Park:
EAC (East African Community): $200,000; NFR (permits for non-foreign residents): $250; and FR (permits for foreign residents): $200.

On a Primate Safari in Uganda, what else can I do?

Kob from Uganda on a Primate Safari
Taking a primate safari in Uganda does not preclude you from participating in other safari activities. An African primate safari can be combined with any one of the hundreds of safari trip options available. One option is to engage in cultural tours. See the Equator of Uganda and go on horseback safaris in the Lake Mburo National Park. Hot air balloon rides, lion tracking, and activities near the Nile’s source. See the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and go hiking or mountain climbing to reach the top of the falls. escorted nature hikes, birdwatching safaris, tracking white rhinos, city tours of Kampala, visiting places of worship, etc. There is an infinite list.

Combining these safari pursuits could be difficult. For this reason, in order to simplify your planning and ensure that you have the greatest Ugandan experience, you need an expert tour adviser from a safari company.

More than 20 kinds of primates can be found in Uganda, which is nicely divided throughout the nation. Eastern mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, white and black Colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, and vervet monkeys are among the primates found in Uganda. Other species include De Brazza’s monkey, olive baboons, blue monkeys, grey-checked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and bushbabies.