Uganda The Best Destination for Primate Viewing On the African Continent : Uganda once referred to as the Pearl of Africa is known for offering stunning primate viewing experiences on the continent of Africa. However, Uganda has over 20 primate species and has been considered the best primate destination because it offers a more spotless primate viewing experience like no other. Primate species to see in Uganda includes; the famous mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, Black and white colobus, Olive baboon monkeys, Blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkey, Red-tailed monkeys, Dent monkeys, De brazza’s Monkeys, Owl faced monkeys, Mona monkeys, Bush babies, Pottos, Pata Monkeys and Vervet monkeys among others. They are inhabitants of tropical forests of Uganda /like Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Budongo Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park many more.
The most popular selling or visited primates in Uganda are the Mountain Gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Then Chimpanzees are remarked as the second most sought primates and are found in Kibale Forest National Park which is known as the primate world. Note; The two primates are the most visited and offer more of an excellent experience, gorilla trekking, and chimpanzee trekking activities which are trekked in Bwindi and Kibale Forest respectively.
Where to Find Primates in Uganda
In Uganda, primates are found in most National Parks and forests of Uganda. However, some places offer various primate species and an ultimate experience with these unique primate species. Primate destination in Uganda includes; Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Kibale National Park;
Kibale National Park is famously known as the world’s primate capital because it hosts the highest concentration of primates which makes it the best place to view primates in Uganda. More to that, the park is located in the western region of Uganda, approximately a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kampala to the main destination. Being the primate kingdom, it is a habitat for over 13 primate species including; the most sought Chimpanzees, Blue monkeys, Olive baboons, Black and white colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Patas monkeys, Pottos, Mangabey, Red-tailed monkeys, Bush babies. More so, the park offers a great experience of Chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences and nature walks to view the different impressive primates all year round.
The park also offers night walks where you get to watch nocturnal primates like the Bush babies and the Pottos.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned as a home to the world’s half population of endangered mountain gorillas that still exist in the wild. However , the best activity done by tourists visiting the park is Mountain Gorilla Trekking /Tracking. Mountain Gorilla Trekking is an incredible experience that gives a great opportunity to hike within one of the oldest tropical forests in Uganda looking for mountain gorillas. Well, Bwindi is best known as a home for mountain gorillas as well as home to other species like Chimpanzees, Red-tailed monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, Baboons, De Brazza and bush babies many more. These can be viewed on guided nature walks within the forest guided by well–trained and acknowledgeable guides.
Mgahinga National Park;
Mgahinga National Park is also home to mountain gorillas and one of the best destinations in the world to trek mountain gorillas as well as other primates. The park also harbors the rare endangered golden monkeys which are only spotted in three countries that is; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga offers the endangered golden monkey trekking experience which more tourists engage in along with other primate activities in this tropical forest.
Other places to engage in primate viewing; In Uganda primate viewing can take place in various places such as; Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki, Budongo Forest, Rwenzori National Park, Mabira Forest and Kalinzu Forest located near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Most of the primates to see in national parks and game reserves include; Vervet monkeys, baboons,red-tailed monkeys, and the black and white colobus monkeys many more, Uganda The Best Destination for Primate Viewing On the African Continent
There are well-informed and knowledgeable guides and primatologists who are positioned in these parks and reserves to guide visitors and offer all the information about the different species of primates you find there.
Lastly, Uganda primate viewing is quite an impressive and adventurous experience to engage in Uganda Safaris not only because you are guaranteed to watch the primates but it’s the only way the country has managed to position this activity to offer an unforgettable life-changing experience to the tourists.
