Primates in Uganda include some of the most iconic and sought-after primates for wildlife enthusiasts. Here are some of the primates you can find in Uganda:

Chimpanzees: 

Uganda is renowned for its diverse primate population, and one of the most famous primate species found in the country is the chimpanzee. Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing about 98% of their DNA with humans. In Uganda, the best place to observe and track chimpanzees is Kibale National Park.  Kibale National Park is home to a significant population of over 1,400 chimpanzees, making it one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in Africa. The park offers opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences, where visitors can spend several hours observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee tracking involves trekking through the forest with experienced guides to locate and spend time with chimpanzee groups. It’s an amazing opportunity to witness their social interactions, behaviors, and sometimes even their vocalizations. In addition to Kibale National Park, chimpanzees can also be found in other national parks and protected areas in Uganda, such as Budongo Forest Reserve, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. These areas offer opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and provide a chance to explore their natural habitats. It’s important to note that permits are required to participate in chimpanzee tracking activities, and it’s advisable to book in advance. Additionally, guidelines and regulations are in place to ensure the well-being and conservation of the chimpanzees and their habitats, so it’s crucial to follow the instructions of park authorities and guides during your visit.

Mountain Gorillas:

Uganda is one of the few countries where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two protected areas where gorilla trekking is conducted. Yes, Uganda is home to one of the most iconic primate species, the mountain gorillas. These magnificent creatures are found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is particularly renowned for its population of mountain gorillas. It is estimated that more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas reside within the park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, situated on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also provides a habitat for a small number of mountain gorillas. Visitors to these parks have the opportunity to participate in gorilla trekking, an incredible and highly-regulated experience that allows you to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The trekking experience involves hiking through the forest with trained guides to locate and spend a limited time with a habituated gorilla group. It’s important to note that gorilla trekking requires a permit, and it’s advisable to book well in advance due to the limited number of permits available each day. Additionally, strict guidelines are in place to ensure the protection and well-being of the gorillas, such as maintaining a safe distance and following specific behavioral rules during the encounter.

Monkeys: 

Uganda is home to several species of monkeys, adding to the country’s rich primate diversity.  Some of the monkey species you can find in Uganda include:

Colobus Monkeys:

Black-and-white colobus monkeys are found in several places across Uganda, including Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Red-tailed Monkeys:

These monkeys are known for their distinct red tails and can be found in various forests and national parks, including Kibale National Park and Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

L’Hoest’s Monkeys:

These monkeys are primarily found in the montane forests of western Uganda, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Vervet Monkeys:

Vervet monkeys are commonly seen in many parts of Uganda, including national parks, forest reserves, and even urban areas.

Olive Baboons:

Olive baboons are the most widespread and adaptable primate species in Uganda. They can be found in various habitats, including forests, savannas, and even urban areas.

Blue Monkeys:

These striking monkeys with their blue-gray fur can be seen in several national parks and reserves, such as Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mount Elgon National Park.

Grey-cheeked Mangabeys:

These medium-sized monkeys are known for their distinctive appearance, with gray cheeks and a black face. They inhabit a few forested areas in Uganda, including Kibale National Park.

Patas Monkeys:

Patas monkeys are known for their exceptional speed and agility. They primarily inhabit the savannah and semi-arid regions of Uganda, including Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Mangabey Monkeys:

Uganda is home to two species of mangabey monkeys: the red-tailed mangabey and the Uganda mangabey. The red-tailed mangabey is found in Kibale National Park, while the Uganda mangabey has a more restricted range in the Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve.

Mona Monkeys:

Mona monkeys are small to medium-sized primates with black fur and white tufts on their forehead. They can be found in forests and riverine habitats, including Murchison Falls National Park and Kibale National Park. These are just a selection of the primate species found in Uganda. The country’s rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems make it an excellent destination for primate enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Exploring the national parks and reserves of Uganda provides a wonderful opportunity to witness these incredible primates in their natural habitats.

Baboons:

Baboons are indeed one of the primate species found in Uganda, including in various national parks and protected areas. They are part of the Old World monkey family and are known for their distinctive appearance and social behavior. In Uganda, the most common baboon species you may encounter is the Olive baboon (Papio anubis). Olive baboons have a grayish-brown to yellowish-brown coat and are characterized by their long, dog-like snouts and prominent cheek pouches. They are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and woodland areas. You can observe Olive baboons in several national parks in Uganda, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale National Park. They are often seen in troops of varying sizes, led by a dominant male, with females and their young forming the majority of the group. It’s important to remember that baboons are wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance. While they are generally not aggressive toward humans, it’s essential to respect their space and not feed or approach them. Following the guidance of park rangers and guides will help ensure a positive and responsible wildlife viewing experience.

Bushbabies (Galagos):

Uganda is home to several species of bushbabies, also known as galagos. These small, nocturnal primates are known for their large round eyes, excellent leaping abilities, and distinct calls. While bushbabies can be found in various locations across Uganda, they are more commonly found in the forested regions. Some of the species you may encounter include Demidoff’s bushbaby and Senegal bushbaby. One species of bushbaby that can be found in Uganda is the Thick-tailed Bushbaby (Otolemur crassicaudatus). It is known for its distinctive thick tail and is found in forested areas, including Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These bushbabies are active at night, using their strong hind legs to leap between trees and feeding on fruits, insects, and tree gums. Another species is the Potto (Perodicticus potto), which is a slow-moving nocturnal primate found in the forests of Uganda, including Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Potto has a stocky build, large eyes, and a short tail. It primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, and insects. Uganda’s diverse habitats and protected areas provide suitable environments for various primate species, including bushbabies. If you’re interested in observing these fascinating creatures, it’s recommended to visit national parks or forests with experienced guides who can help you spot and learn more about them.