Primate tracking safaris in Africa (Uganda and Rwanda)
Primate tracking safaris in Africa Uganda and Rwanda are the premier places for primate tracking safaris in Africa. Uganda and Rwanda both possess 13 primate species, the highest number in Africa. Primates occupy Kibale Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo, and Kaniyo Pabidi forest reserves in Uganda. Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda hosts 13 species of primates. These encompass substantial groups of chimpanzees, numbering between 400 and 500 individuals, as well as other primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and vervet monkeys, among others.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is renowned for gorilla trekking, as well as Golden Monkey tracking, the journey to Dian Fossey’s grave, the Bisoke Mountain Trek, and several cultural walks. Additional habitats for the primates comprise Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa provides trip services to several primate sites. We customize itineraries for primate safaris lasting from 3 to 24 days across several parks in Rwanda and Uganda. The following are several itineraries:
Primates tracking safaris in Uganda
Uganda is a premier destination for primate tracking aficionados. The presence of numerous primate species, especially the endangered mountain gorillas, is a significant reason why countless people journey from far locations year-round to see Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. A standard Uganda Primate Tracking Safari Tour encompasses the following tour activities:
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Uganda hosts over fifty percent of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with a significant population residing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for several trip activities, with Gorilla Trekking being the most prominent. A maximum of 8 individuals may monitor a particular gorilla group each day.
In Uganda, each gorilla permit costs USD 800 during peak seasons. Tourists who observe mountain gorillas in Bwindi during the off-peak seasons receive reduced gorilla tracking permits. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi is feasible year-round; nevertheless, the majority of tourists favor the periods from June to September and December to February.
Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda and is renowned for gorilla trekking, among other tourism activities. Mgahinga National Park hosts a single habituated gorilla family available for tracking. Groups of up to six tourists, accompanied by a ranger guide, may track this habituated gorilla family during a designated period.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest is renowned for chimpanzee tracking, offering numerous opportunities for visitors to observe these primates in their natural habitat. Kibale National Park is home to approximately 12 more primate species besides the primary attraction, chimpanzees. Some of these primate species are red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons, among others. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park is a highly sought-after activity for travelers on safari in Uganda, available throughout the year.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest, situated northwest of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, spans 825 square kilometers, making it the largest mahogany forest in East Africa. Approximately 600 chimpanzees inhabit Budongo Forest, with around 100 of them habituated for tracking purposes.
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest can occur in both the morning and afternoon. Morning tracking sessions commence at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the information center, followed by an expedition with a ranger guide to locate the chimpanzees. Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest can be monitored year-round, although the optimal period for visitation is from May to August.
Tracking Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge
Kyambura Gorge is situated in the extreme eastern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda. The area hosts a diverse fauna, including the sole primates found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In addition to chimpanzee tracking, other tour activities in Kyambura Gorge encompass bird watching and guided nature hikes, among others.
Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga
Golden Monkeys are habituated in Mgahinga National Park, where travelers can track and observe them for up to four hours. To observe the Golden Monkeys, guests may make reservations via a tour operator in Uganda or at the park headquarters.
Primate trekking safaris in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Africa offers the opportunity to engage in two premier animal activities in Rwanda: gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking, both regarded as exceptional experiences during a Rwanda safari. Both excursions may prove arduous, contingent upon the location of the chimpanzee or gorilla nests from the preceding night. Chimp trekking contrasts with Gorilla trekking in Rwanda due to the more random and hurried sightings, although it remains rewarding, unlike gorillas that linger in a single spot for an extended period.
Wildlife enthusiasts possess a profound affinity for Rwanda, mostly due to the remarkable primates inhabiting the country’s deep forests and volcanic mountains. While Rwanda is renowned for its Mountain Gorillas, it also hosts a variety of other primates that provide equally captivating experiences on Gorilla trekking in Africa
Other Primates Besides Gorillas That Can Be Observed in Rwanda:
Tracking of Chimpanzees: Regarded as human relatives, they share 98% of human DNA. Chimpanzee tracking is an adventurous activity available year-round. Nyungwe Forest National Park is the premier location for chimpanzee tracking.
Golden Monkey Tracking: Golden Monkeys are remarkable primates characterized by their vibrant orange fur, which contrasts beautifully with the verdant rainforests of the Virunga Mountains and Gishwati Forest, offering an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Observe these distinctive Golden Monkeys with your guides, a visual delight.
Colobus Monkeys: Colobus Monkeys belong to a distinct supergroup found in Nyungwe, characterized by their black and white coloration and elongated fur.
L’Hoest’s Monkeys: Observed in Nyungwe and Gishwati Forests L’Hoest monkeys are native to the Albertine Rift and inhabit small, female-dominated groups led by a solitary male.
Olive Baboons and Vervet Monkeys: The remarkable Olive Baboons and Vervet Monkeys inhabit Akagera National Park, a paradise for wildlife photographers.