There are three main destinations in Uganda where one can go for a primate watching safari and these are; – Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the endangered mountain gorillas and then Kibale forest national park for chimpanzees.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park
In the southwestern part of Uganda, the impenetrable Bwindi forest situated along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Covering an area of 321 square kilometers, Bwindi protects the largest population of the endangered mountain gorillas and these are found in the four park sectors- Buhoma, Ruhijja, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. The apes can be seen during the gorilla trekking and habituation experiences after the purchase of permits at USD 800 per person and USD 1500 per person respectively.
Kibale Forest National Park
Located in the western part of Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park contains the highest density of primates in all of Africa. At a total surface area of 776 square kilometers, the park hosts the largest number of chimpanzee species as well as the black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, grey cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest’s and blue monkeys, olive baboons and many others. These species can be seen during the nature walks and chimpanzee tracking session organised within the park. These primate safaris involve trekking through the thick rainforests in search of the endangered apes.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is located in the southwestern Uganda covering an area of 33.9 square kilometers protecting one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered golden monkey, black and white colobus monkeys and also a family of the endangered mountain gorillas. The species can be seen during different activities including mountain gorilla trekking experience and golden monkey trekking that are seen during different experiences like gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking respectively. Also, Mgahinga gorilla national park is known for protecting three inactive volcanoes namely; Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo.
Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth national park
Budongo forest near to Murchison falls national park
Other places to spot the species include; , , Semuliki national park and others.
When is the Best time to go for primate viewing in Uganda
Primates in Uganda can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the primate destinations thus making the trekking trails passable compared to the wet/ rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which makes trekking difficult.
