Primate trekking in Uganda is one of the most exceptional wildlife experiences that shouldn’t miss out on your bucket list of African experiences. Trekking primates in Uganda is by far a great opportunity to explore and experience a variety of primate species including the rare mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.
Primate trekking safaris in Uganda are best done in the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest. For visitors who are interested in gorilla trekking in Uganda, the two parks are the best options.
They offer refuge to some of 1004 mountain gorillas that today remain on earth and only exist in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 21 gorilla families are available for gorilla trekking in Uganda today with 20 families in Bwindi National Park and only one in Mgahinga National Park.
In Bwindi, there are 4 regions where gorilla treks start from; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo sector where treks are always conducted. Each of these sectors/regions has its habituated families with Buhoma comprising of Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe; Nkuringo sector has Nkuringo and Christmas groups; Rushaga comprises of Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye while Ruhija region is home to groups like Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and Oruzogo.
In Mgahinga National Park, you can track only the Nyakagezi group which is the only habituated group in this park. For those of you who are interested in less crowded treks, Mgahinga National Park is the best option available for you.
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and shs.250000. However, ever since the breakout of covid19 the permits were discounted to USD400 for foreigners and shs150,000/= for residents till December 2021. You can secure a gorilla permit in Uganda through our reservationist team or reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority.
For chimpanzee tracking, Uganda has many sites for you to catch a glimpse at chimpanzees. Over 5000 chimpanzees are confined in different parts of Uganda and the popular places to visit trek chimpanzees include Kibale National Park where over 1500 of them are confined, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kyambura Gorge at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, and others.
Trekking primates are not about trekking to mountain gorillas or chimpanzees but also offers you a chance to trek golden monkeys which are only inhabited in the Virunga Conservation Area. In Uganda, golden monkey trekking is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and remarkably, you can incorporate golden monkey tours with gorilla trekking and many other thrilling safari experiences.
Mangabey tracking is another thrilling primate trekking experience offered in Uganda. It is best done in Mabira Forest which is a few kilometers drive from Kampala city center.
Best time to visit Uganda for primate trekking
Uganda is open to visitors on primate trekking safari all year round. However, the dry season is considered the best time to go for primate trekking in Uganda. It starts in the months of June, July, August, September, and December, January, February. Alternatively, you can embark on a private tour in Uganda during the wet season which starts in March, April, May, and October, November although this season is characterized by heavy rainfall.
What to bring on primate trekking in Uganda
When packing for a primate trekking tour in Uganda, look out for essential items. This means your packing list should comprise; waterproof hiking boots, daypack, insect repellents, gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt, trouser, camera with no flashlight, water, snacks among others.
Can Primates be visited on a self-drive safari
A lot of tourists wish to visit the primates on their own and the big question they have is “is it possible to do a self-drive Uganda primates tour. The answer is a big yes. You can meet the primates in their habitat on your own. All you have to do is to find ways of reaching their habitat with all the necessary equipment such as a gorilla and chimpanzee permit that authorizes you to go and see the primates. The best way to access primates’ habitats is by land and that is in your car. Public transport is possible but tiresome and it doesn’t take you to the park headquarters so for the best advice, rent a car in Uganda to take you around.
In summary, primate trekking in Uganda is one most looked after and rewarding wildlife experiences. It gets primate enthusiasts close to a variety of primate species while they are in their natural habitat.
