Are you primates lover looking for the best places for primate trekking in Uganda? Silverback Gorilla Tour bring you details on the top places to see primates in Uganda the Pearl of Africa. Primate trekking is a common adventure done by most travelers on Uganda safaris. Over 90% of travelers to Uganda choose to visit one or two primate species in their natural habitats. All primates in Uganda are endangered hence the reason for limited number of travers
The most visited primates in Uganda include Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys. Both primates are highly endangered and it’s one of the reasons for the high cost of primate trekking permits and the limited number of people allowed to take part in trekking each day. Primate safaris in Uganda include Silverback Gorilla tours, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, gorilla habituation, and chimpanzee habituation experiences as we shall explain in the following paragraphs.
Best places for primate trekking in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Home to the highest population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the prime primate trekking destination in Uganda. The dense forest shelters over 500 mountain gorillas and it has been ranked the best place for silverback gorilla trekking tours. The forest is divided into 4 regions in which mountain gorillas are scattered. 21 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest include Rushegura, Kyaguliro, Habinyanja, Mukiza, Oruzogo, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Kutu, Mubare, Binyindo, Kahungye, Busingye, Bikingyi, Mishaya, Mucunguzi, Bitukura, Mukiza and Christmas gorilla families. Because Bwindi Forest shelters a high gorilla population, there are many gorilla permits available compared to other gorilla parks, giving more travelers a chance to visit gorillas. In addition to gorilla trekking, Bwindi Forest National Park is a center for the experimental gorilla habituation experience done in the Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Forest.
Gorilla habituation involves training wild gorillas to get them used to people during trekking. Two gorilla families are currently undergoing habituation experience and each permit costs $1500 allowing travelers four hours with the wild gorillas. Our Bwindi gorilla tours include
1 day Bwindi gorilla trekking starting from Kigali
2 Days Bwindi gorilla tour
4 Days double gorilla trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Sheltering the one and only Nyakagyezi gorilla family, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is yet another destination for primate trekking in Uganda. Gorilla trekking to see the Nyakegyezi gorilla family started in 1994 when the family was officially opened for trekking. An encounter with this family is magical as you enjoy the lifestyles and social behaviors of these endangered primates.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to playful golden monkeys. The trek to see these playful primates is a not-miss on your Uganda safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The combination of gorilla trekking and golden monkeys make Mgahinga a wonderful primate trekking destination. The 3 days Mgahinga primate tour is a suitable package for you to trek the two endangered primates i.e gorillas and golden monkeys. Gorilla trekking costs $800 while golden monkeys cost $100. Other things to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Nature/Forest walks, Bird watching, volcano climbing and the Batwa cultural trail
Kibale Forest National Park
Also known as the “Primate Capital of Africa” Kibale Forest National Park is yet another interesting destination for primate trekking in Uganda. The rain forest located in western Uganda is home to over 1000 chimpanzees and hence the prime destination for chimpanzee trekking in the Pearl of Africa. In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale Forest is home to other 13 primates which include Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, baboons, and Black and white Colobus monkeys among others.
The forest also offers the lifetime chimpanzee habituation experience in which travelers take part in the taming and training of chimpanzees, getting them used to people before they are fully open for trekking. Chimpanzee trekking costs $250 per permit while habituation costs $300
Kyambura Gorge
Located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge shelters over 100 chimpanzees which have been habituated for trekking. The walk through this Underground Forest in search of the chimpanzees is a magical experience that brings you close to nature. You will cross over various water streams in Kyambura gore during your chimpanzee trek.
The gorge also shelters various monkey and bird species. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is normally done alongside other experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park such as game viewing, boat cruising, community tours, bird watching and nature walks among others. The permit costs $50 for foreign nonresidents, $40 for foreign residents,
and 30,000 shillings for East African citizens.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest situated in Murchison Falls National Park is another place where primate trekking takes place. Home to the endangered chimpanzees, Budongo forest offers you a close encounter with chimpanzees, man’s closest relatives. The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest is $130 for foreign nonresidents, $120 for foreign residents, and $85 for East African citizens.
Kalinzu forest
Located in Bushenyi district in southwestern Uganda, Kalinzu Forest is ranked the second-best chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda after Kibale Forest National Park. Kalinzu Forest is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park and Maramambo Forest. The rain forest boars in over 300 chimpanzees though only 50 have been habituated for trekking. The forest is known to have the largest chimpanzee community in the Pearl of Africa. The permit to trek chimps in Kalinzu Forest costs $50 each. The trek through the Forest is an opportunity to meet other primates, especially the colobus monkeys that reside there.
Ngamba island Sanctuary
Visit the Ngamba Island Sanctuary located on Lake Victoria to see and interact with the habituated chimpanzees inhabited there. The place is home to the orphaned chimpanzees and those who have been rescued from poachers with severe injuries.
Rules of Primate Trekking in Uganda
At the start of each primate trekking day, travelers are gathered at the respective park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and regulations of trekking. Both chimpanzees are endangered and any mistake can lead them to extinction. Travelers must adhere to the guidelines of primate trekking to ensure safety and sustainable primate trekking in Uganda. The rules of primate trekking in Uganda include
- Do not trek primates when sick. Chimpanzees and gorillas share over 98% of human genes which makes them susceptible to human illnesses, especially cough and cold
- Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the primates. Avoid close contact!
- Do not look directly into the eyes of the gorillas and chimpanzees. This irritates them forcing them to behave wild
- Do not use flashlight cameras
- Don’t touch the little ones. The silverback will fight you
- Do not eat or drink in the presence of the primates
- Do not smoke
- Do not litter in the primate’s park
- Do not shout when with the primates
- Do not run when the silverback charges at you. Just step back
- Turn back your face when coughing or sneezing
What to pack for primate trekking in Uganda
You are reminded to pack the right attire when coming for primate trekking in Uganda. Whether you are visiting mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, or golden monkeys, you ought to pack the right clothing. Among the things you should pack include Hiking boots, gardening gloves, a hat, sunglasses, a rain jacket, long light pants, and long-sleeved pants. You also need insect repellant, energy-giving snacks, and a first-aid kit
A porter and walking stick are highly recommended though not mandatory.
Do you want to book a primate trekking safari in Uganda? CONTACT US at Silverback Gorilla Tour and we shall offer you a customized budget-friendly gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey trekking tour.
