Top Primate Tracking Destinations In Uganda

Uganda in East Africa has the largest population of primates that include Gorillas, Chimpanzees and monkeys which all belong to different families and species. We have Mountain Gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park having 14 Gorilla Families, Chimpanzees estimated to be 1,450 in number with the largest family living in Kibale National Park alone, other places like Semliki around the Albertine Rift Escarpment and Bundongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park also host the Chimpazees with Budongo Forest alone having at least 800 chimpanzees.
The monkeys are of different species and they include the Golden Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Black and white Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, De Brazza’s Monkeys, the Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Patas Monkeys, Red Colobus Monkeys, Bush babies and Pottos. All these primates above can be tracked in the following destinations below in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This park is located southwest of Uganda near Virunga National Park at the edge end of Albertine Rift bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo established in 1991 and in 1994 it was declared to be a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a selected World Heritage Site. It covers 321 square kilometers of land (128 sq mi) made up of montane and lowland forest which is only accessible on foot.
Bwindi forest protects over 400 mountain Gorillas estimated to be half of the world’s population of gorillas making it a famous park for Gorilla tracking.
Kibale National Park
This is found in the southern part of Uganda known for chimpanzee tracking with 1,450 chimpanzees found in Kibale forest making them Uganda’s largest population of endangered primates roaming within this 766 square kilometers (296 sq mi) park. This park has the largest pre-montane forest in East Africa. Other primate species like the red colobus monkeys can be spotted especially during the Kanyanchu primate walk which offers you an opportunity to spot the 13 other primate species but Chimpanzees being the stars of this trail.
In Kibale National Park, there is a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) closely working with a Chimp community going through habituation.
Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura gorge or Kyambura National Reserve is located North-East of Queen Elizabeth National Park, about 30 km from Queen Elizabeth National Park Headquarters and stretches 16 kilometers south of Lake George connecting to Kazinga Channel hence creating the northern boundary of the reserve totaling to 156 square Kilometers. The visitors have their center located at the famous Fig Tree Camp at Kyambura Gorge. This destination is famous for its resident chimpanzees with Kyambura river flowing through the thick ‘’underground forest’’ of 100 meters at the foot of Kichwamba escarpment. About 12 other primates like the red-tailed monkey, Black-and-White Colobus, Baboons and Vervet monkeys can be spotted in this reserve.
Budongo forest
Budongo forest is located southwest of Murchison Falls Conservation Area and it is connected to the Kaniyo Pabidi forest, with its biodiversity suitable for 24 mammal species, at least 360 birds, 289 butterflies and 465 plants within the ‘’Royal Mile.’’ This forest is famous for protecting over 800 chimpazees and other primates like patas monkeys can be tracked here because of the abundant savanna vegetation in this forest made up of mahogany trees. This forest is believed to be the only one with several mahogany trees left standing a home to the 9 primates, chimpanzees and patas monkeys inclusive.
If you are interested in primate tracking adventures in Uganda, then the above four destinations should give you the perfect experience. We at Tristar Africa Skimmer Safaris organize guided gorilla safaris, chimpanzee trekking and nature walks around these destinations at affordable rates booking transportation , accommodation as well entrance and guide fees to give you the best experience in tropical forests of Uganda.