Primates in Uganda
There are 20 primate species in Uganda consisting of 13 diurnal and 7 nocturnal species (including the latest discovery, the dwarf galago), making Uganda a destination with the highest concentration of primates on the continent. The list includes the mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, taking the most attention from primate adventure tourists.
Other prominent primates include a golden monkey, de brazza’s monkey, black and white colobus monkey, red colobus monkey, potto, bushbaby, grey-checked mangabey, l’hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey, patas monkey, baboon, and blue monkey.
Six of the diurnal primates found in Uganda are guenon monkeys, members of the taxonomically controversial genus Cercopithecus.
The velvet and blue guenon monkeys, for instance, are both widespread African species known by at least five different common names, and both have over 20 recognized races, some of which authorities consider to be separate species.
Uganda also offers more profound primate viewing experiences than any other destination in Africa. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are the favorites for wildlife photography safaris and naturalists’ expeditions.
On a habituation experience, travelers are taken on a wilder experience with primates. Guided adventures are conducted with primatologists and rangers to a semi-habituated gorilla or chimpanzee family and allow you to spend 4 – 12 hours with the primates.
Uganda’s most famous primate destinations are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking and Kibale Forest for the chimpanzee experience. Other places to see primates in Uganda include Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls NP), Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP), and Semuliki National Park.