Why Uganda is Referred to as the Primates Capital of the World – Primates in Uganda

Uganda is popular as the primates capital of the world with the latest recommendation being when it was listed on the New York Times 52 Places to Go. Kibale Forest National Park, in particular, is referred to as the world’s primate capital since it is home to 13 of the 20 primates in Uganda.

Primate species in the Primates Capital of the World (Uganda) include the latest discovered Dwarf Galago, mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, and Kalinzu Forest. Other primates include the black-and-white-colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, I’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey, and olive baboons. The bushbaby and potto are some of the nocturnal primates that can be seen on a night game drive during wildlife safaris in Uganda. The golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and Uganda is lucky to have these species only in Mgahinga National Park.

Top Primate Species in the Primates Capital of the World – Uganda

The black-and-white colobus monkeys are one of the most popularly spotted primates around the country. They derive their name from the color of their bodies which are black and white fur and a Greek word colobus that means mutilated. This is because, unlike all other primates, these monkeys do not have thumbs. It’s beautiful seeing them since they move in troops of 5-10 individuals and swing through tree branches with their striking black and white color.

Chimpanzees are one of the four great apes and man’s closest relatives, sharing about 95 – 98 percent DNA with humans. Uganda hosts one of the highest populations of chimpanzees in the wild. Over 5,000 chimpanzees are living in Uganda and can be seen at wildlife sanctuaries like Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or trekked on a Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari.

The population of Mountain gorillas is estimated to be 1063 as of the latest census in the Bwindi forest and Sarambwe. To trek gorillas in Uganda, one is required to be of age 15 and above and have purchased a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a Uganda tour operator. Gorilla trekking has been referred to as a lifetime activity by many travelers and therefore a must-do on many travelers’ bucket lists.

Best time for primate tracking in the Primates Capital of the World – Uganda

The best time of the year for Uganda safaris is during the dry season months of June –August, and December –February which makes it easy to go through the trails. When trails are drier, trekking is easy since trails are passable and the park is accessible. It is best advisable to track primates during the dry season. However, the dry season is actually the peak or high season therefore early booking is recommendable since permits can easily get fully booked as well as accommodation.

Top Primate Tracking Packages in Uganda – Primates in Uganda

To have a primate tracking safari, one needs to have a well-planned itinerary, here are the perfect handpicked safari itineraries to choose from for your trip

3 days gorilla safari Uganda

12 days jungle safari Uganda

7 days great primates Uganda safari

9 days Uganda wildlife tour

14 days Uganda safari Eco-explorer

18 days best of Uganda safari

Popular Uganda Safaris Tours Tailored by Acacia Safaris Uganda

Uganda safari, trips & tours from Uganda gorilla trekking tours to exciting game drives in the most visited Uganda Safari Destinations will leave you wanting for more. The perfect Uganda safari for you and your budget. Uganda is considered the Pearl of Africa and has a lot to offer to the world in terms of safari adventures.

Our most popular Uganda Gorilla Safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park offer our Gorilla Safari Uganda clients a great opportunity to go for Mountain Gorilla Trekking. The Most Popular Safari Packages include 3 days Bwindi Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari and 3 days Mgahinga Gorilla Uganda Safari Tour.

The short safaris range from 1-3 days, the medium safaris range from 4-6 days, and the long safaris range from 7 days and beyond.