The great apes of Uganda and Rwanda: Meet your relatives

Did you know that humans are primates? Yes, we are primates classified in a subgroup called great apes. There are about 20 species of apes that is still in existence, and they are divided into great apes and small apes. Our area of interest in this article is about human and great apes specifically Rwanda and Uganda great apes.

what differentiate the great apes

Human and other great apes are characterized with the similarities in their body structures and genetic formation which are different from other primates (the small apes). Below are some of the distinctive features that make the great apes including human different from other apes.

• a brain that is larger and more complex than other primates
• distinctive molar teeth in the lower jaw which have a ‘Y5’ pattern (five cusps or raised bumps arranged in a Y-shape)
• a shoulder and arm structure that enables the arms to freely rotate around the shoulder
• a ribcage that forms a wide but shallow chest
• an appendix
• no external tail

There are still five different specie of great apes in existence which include gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and humans!

where to find the great apes in Uganda and Rwanda

Of the five great apes’ group, Uganda and Rwanda is a home to 3 of them which include humans, gorillas specifically eastern mountain gorillas that can be found at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Chimpanzees is another great apes’ that can be found in Uganda and Rwanda at parks like Kibaale National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison falls National Park.

Both gorillas and chimpanzees are declared to be critically endangered by UNESCO and are at the risk of getting extinct because of being encroached on by the poachers in areas where they are found

In case of gorillas, they can only be found in the places mentioned above and their population is estimated to be less than 1000 gorillas all over the world. However, effort as been put in place starting with the Diana fossil initiative to ensure that these great apes can be preserved even for the future generations to come.

Reservation efforts of great apes in Uganda and Rwanda

All the three countries of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo where mountain gorillas are found have come up with the combined guideline to ensure that these great apes are reserved while giving the tourist all over the world to come and witness their close relatives

At vacation safaris, we have designed packages that will offer you a chance to meet these great apes in their natural habitats while following the set reservation guidelines. Below are some of the packages that we do offer but feel free to approach us for a customized package in case non of our pre tailored packages meet your requirements.

The great apes safari packages in Uganda and Rwanda

This 10 days Kilimanjaro & Gorilla safari brings you to the highest peak of the tallest mountain in Africa standing at 5895m above sea level. Mountain Kilimanjaro is the longest single-standing mountain in the world. Although there are 6 routes for hiking the mountain Kilimanjaro, which are; the Shira (Londorossi) route, Lemosho route, Machame route, Umbwe route, Maranggu route, and Rongai route.

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of East Africa as we invite you to explore the enchanting landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity of Rwanda and Tanzania. This meticulously crafted 10-day itinerary promises an immersive experience, seamlessly blending the awe-inspiring encounters with Rwanda’s majestic gorillas and golden monkeys with the boundless wonders of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti

Welcome to an exhilarating itinerary that seamlessly weaves together the wild landscapes of Uganda and the exotic charm of Zanzibar. Over the course of 15 days, you will embark on an unforgettable journey that promises not only encounters with remarkable wildlife but also immersive cultural experiences and moments of sheer relaxation.

This 5 Days Best of Rwanda Primate Safari will bring you to the awe-inspiring primate destinations in this land of a thousand hills. It will take you to Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga ranges where you will encounter both the magnificent, huge, gentle, and endangered mountain gorillas and the beautiful golden monkeys that are endemic to the Virunga ranges.

Welcome to an exhilarating itinerary that seamlessly weaves together the wild landscapes of Uganda and the exotic charm of Zanzibar. Over the course of 15 days, you will embark on an unforgettable journey that promises not only encounters with remarkable wildlife but also immersive cultural experiences and moments of sheer relaxation.

Book 6 Days Ngorongoro crater visit and Rwanda gorilla trekking to explore Tanzania & Rwanda on an Africa Safari experience tailored by Active African vacation the leading Safari operator in Uganda. The 6 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari takes you to the great Ngorongoro crater reserve for an amazing wildlife experience. The government of Tanzania has gone to great length to make the country a leading tourist destination.