Primates in Uganda
Primates in Uganda are one of the top attractions in Uganda that travelers look to encounter while on a Uganda safari tour. Uganda is one of the best places to see a number of primates. There are 20 primate species in Uganda including diurnal and nocturnal species. Primates in Uganda flourish in the tropical forests of Uganda, making Uganda one of the highest concentration of primates in Africa.
Primates in Uganda include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees which are much sought after by travelers. Other primates in Uganda include golden monkeys, de brazza’s, black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus, bush baby, grey-checked mangabey, potto, L’Hoest’s monkey, red tailed monkey, vervet monkeys, baboons, and blue monkeys.
It is in Uganda that travelers can get to explore and encounter the diverse species of primates in their natural habitats. Below are some of the incredible primates in Uganda you could encounter while on a Uganda safari tour, or primate safari;
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are from the family of great apes which also include chimpanzees, orang-utan, gorilla, bonobo and humans. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are especially found in two Uganda national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mountain gorillas in Africa can also be found in Virunga National Park of the Congo, and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda only and nowhere else in the wild. Mountain gorillas can easily be differentiated from each individual by their nose print. Mountain gorillas live in patriarchal families with silverbacks as the family heads. Thousands of travelers visit Uganda on gorilla trekking in Uganda experiences any time of the year. A 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari is an amazing way to meet mountain gorillas in Uganda. Mountain gorillas are the most sought after primates and animals in Uganda.
Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are the second most sought after primates in Uganda. Chimpanzees are human’s closest cousins, and is one of the most studies primates in Uganda. Chimpanzees in Uganda can be found especially in Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Gorge from where chimpanzee trekking can take place. By far, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is the best and most rewarding, and is indeed the most sought after Uganda national park for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda safaris.
Golden Monkey
The golden monkey is an Old World Monkey species exclusively occupying the bamboo-forested slopes of the Virungas which spans through Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Golden monkeys in Uganda can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National park, one of the best places where gold meets silver; this only means that you can combine your gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking experiences in the least crowded Mgahinga Gorilla National Park any time of the year.
Blue Monkey
Blue monkeys are closely related to golden monkeys, but are more widely spread in a number of areas than the golden monkeys which are endemic to certain places. Blue monkeys can be found in almost all Uganda national parks except Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
De Brazza’s Monkey
De Brazza’s monkeys have unique appearances of a white moustache, reddish-brown brow and a distinct blue scrotum. De Brazza’s monkey as can easily be seen in Semuliki National Park and Mount Elgon National Park.
Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
The Black-and-white colobus monkey has a black coat that seamlessly contrasts with the long white mantle of its back, whiskers and bushy tail and beard around the face. They are easily found in most forest and well-developed riparian woodland areas of Uganda.
Red Colobus Monkeys
Closely related to the black-and-white colobus monkeys, the Red colobus monkeys are very common sight in Kibale National park, with a number of sightings in Semuliki National Park as well.
Potto
Pottos are also called bush bears, and are maybe the closest bears that Uganda would ever have. Pottos are also called tree bear or softly-softly. Pottos are nocturnal primate species dwelling in Kibale National Park.
Bush Baby
The Bush baby has a call similar to a human baby, thus its name. Bush baby is also called a Galago. Bush babies can also be found in Kibale National Park.
Grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkey, Red-tailed monkey, vervet monkeys, patas monkey, baboons are common sights in say Kibale National Park, even the Botanical gardens of Entebbe.
Primates in Uganda are a fascinating thing to encounter while on a Uganda safari tour anytime of the year. Kibale National Park alone hosts 13 primates species that it is referred to as the primate capital of the world. You would spot the different primates in Uganda while on a Uganda primate safari in say Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National park and so many other Uganda national parks that you would be able to spot at the very least 1 primate species, say the vervet monkeys or baboons.
Get in touch with a reputable Uganda safari operator like Focus East Africa tours for an amazing Uganda primates safari and encounter the different primates in Uganda, including the endangered Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
