The Uganda unique primates population is made of 20 species that are found from different parks and conservation areas. Some of these species are listed on the endangered list by  IUCN Red List. They are made up of 13-day walking (diurnal) and 7 knight walking(nocturnal) species. This makes Uganda the country with the highest concentration of primates. In this article, we have looked through all the 20 primate that can found in Uganda highlighting their unique feature that make them to standout from the rest.

Mostly on this list of primate’s species found in Uganda are old world monkeys. They include the golden monkey, de brazza’s, black and white colobus, red colobus, potto, bushbaby, grey-checked mangabey, l’hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, vervet, patas, baboon, and blue monkey. They are 13 species out of 13 species. That means 65 percent of the total primate species found in Uganda are old world monkeys.

The destination with the most primate on Africa continent

In Uganda you will have a much higher encounter of Uganda unique primates than in any other African country. On the face of primate tourism are mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The tourists are highly interested in trekking these endangered species, observing their behavior and having a photo shoot with them. These primates are the closest relative to the human being.

During the adventure of the primates, the adventurers are driven to the natural habitant of the primate and allocated time to spend with these primates and observe their behavior and social life. You can choose to do trekking where you are allocated less time to spend with the primate or do the habituation if you need more time with the primate of your choice. Permit to see these primates are issued by Uganda wildlife authority with each primate species allocated its own price.

Where to watch primates in Uganda.

The best places to watch primates in Uganda is Bwindi impenetrable National Park for mountain gorillas and Kibaale National Park for chimpanzees. During these safaris, you will also be able to sport other primate species both during day and night. Other primates you are likely to view are old world monkeys.

Other parks in Uganda where you can see primates include Mgahinga gorillas National Park, Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semliki National Park. There are other national reserves where you can see monkeys in Uganda.

The 20 incredible primates found in Uganda

Mountain Gorilla-Uganda unique primates

Mountain gorilla is from the family of great apes, other being chimpanzee, bonobo, orangutan, and human. These endangered species can be found in Virunga Mountains in the three countries of East Africa. That is Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo (DRC). Bwindi impenetrable National Park inhabit more than a half of the remaining world population of gorillas. It is found in southwestern Uganda. Another park where you can trek gorillas in Uganda is Mgahinga gorilla National Park. You can also see gorillas at volcanos national park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of DRC. DRC is also a home to the lowland gorillas.

chimpanzees-Uganda unique primates

like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees are also from the great ape’s family that they share with the human. Per Wikipedia chimpanzee is the most studied creature by the scientists on the earths. You can trek these creatures from cradle in Kibaale, Budongo, Kalinzu, Kyambura Gorge, and Semliki Forests in Uganda.

Golden monkey-Uganda unique primates

Another endangered species that can only be found in the slopes of Virunga bamboo forest and nowhere else all over the world. Golden monkey is of old-world monkey species, they are small monkeys with bright, vibrant, golden orange coat and cute little face with a sharp pointed nose. That makes them different from the blue monkey. They generally feed on bamboo shoots and fruits hence find their home in bamboo dominated Virunga. In Uganda they can be trekked from Mgahinga National Park.

Blue monkey-Uganda unique primates

The blue monkey is closely related to the golden monkey. Unlike their relative the blue monkeys are spread all over the parks of Uganda. The only two parks where you won’t be able to find these old-world monkeys are Murchison falls National Park and Lake Mbulo National Park.

De Brazza’s Monkey-Uganda unique primates

found at Semliki National Park in Uganda, de brazza’s monkey is a unique monkey identified by its white Mustache, reddish-brown brow, and blue scrotum. They can also be found at mount Elgon National Park in western Uganda.

Black and White monkey-Uganda unique primates

one of the most popular old-world monkeys in Uganda. It can be found at any sizeable forest in Uganda leave alone the gazzeted areas. It is identified by its beauty of black fur mixed with the white fur with some Mustache.

Red colobus-Uganda unique primates

This small monkey is related to Black and White monkey. Its coat is made of three fur colors of red, grey and white. Add that to big rolling eyes and that will create a breathtaking view. Red colobus is found Kibaale and Semliki national parks.

Potto-Uganda unique primates

Poto look like a bear which gives it names like bush bear and tree bear. It is a night walking creature that can be found at Kibaale National Park on the night safaris.

Bush baby-Uganda unique primates

As the name suggest bush baby really look like a baby with the rolling eyes of a drunkard. Where else can you find this gorgeous creature other than Kibaale national park. Just visit the home of the primates in Uganda for the true beauty.

Grey-cheecked mangabey-Uganda’s unique primates

The grey-cheeked mangabey, also known as the white-cheeked mangabey, is an Old World monkey found in Kibaale National Park. The grey-cheeked mangabey is a dark monkey, looking in shape overall like a small, hairy baboon. Its thick brown fur is almost black in its forest home, with a slightly rufus/golden mane around the neck

L’Hoest’s monkey-Uganda unique primates

L’Hoest’s monkey, also known as the mountain monkey, is a guenon found in Kibaale forest national park, Maramagambo forest and Bwindi impenetrable national forest. They mostly live in mountainous forest areas in small, female-dominated groups. They have a dark coat and can be distinguished by a characteristic white beard.

Red-tailed monkey-Uganda unique primates

The red-tailed monkey is usually black, red, or orange. They can live in different habitant, and this make them available in all national parks in Uganda. They have the capacity to keep a lot of food in their mouth and run away from their predator for the comfortable feeding.

Vervet monkey-Uganda unique primates

Identified by their blue testicles, another fact you need to know about thesemonkeys is that the mothers can identify their young ones by their screams. They are very busy creatures, and it is better to meet them in other forests other than the normal National Parks.

Patas monkey-Uganda unique primates

Patas monkey is the fastest primate in the world. Unlike other primates, this one mostly lives on the ground other than the trees. You can find these creatures at savanna plains of Kidepo National Park and Murchison falls National Park.

Baboon-Uganda unique primates

This is the mostly spread primate in Uganda. Defined by its sharp canine teeth that is sharper that that of the leopard. It uses its sharp teeth to scare away its predators or to crush its prey. It can be found at any park in Uganda.

Owl-Faced Monkeys-Uganda’s unique primates

Identified by its beaklike nose and the face that look like that of owl. This is a shy monkey that is closely related in behaviour to the l’host monkey. They live in small groups led by the male monkey. You can find them on the natural walk of Bwindi impenetrable forest or Mgahinga National Park.

Dent’s Mona Monkey-Uganda’s unique primates

They are found in western Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable forests, Mgahinga gorilla National Park and Semliki Park. Dent’s Mona Monkeylive in small group led by females. They usually live with other monkeys like l’host monkeys. These creatures are identified by a long black tail, a white rump and a brown back. They usually carry their food by their foot. On your way to western Uganda look out for them you might be lucky to see one.

dwarf galago-Uganda unique primates

These nocturnal creatures are found at Kibaale forest on the night safaris. They are only like 12 inches long when not included their tails. They spend most of their time in trees feed, sleeping or raising their young ones. dwarf galago are greyish brown, with big round eyes and a long bushy tail. Lookout for this unique creature on your Kibaale night safari.

Conclusion

With 20 identified different primate species, Uganda is surely the best destination in African for the primate enthusiasts. Most of these primates are listed as endangered by the world protection bodies. Different conservation efforts have been put in place to ensure that these creatures are preserved for even the future generation to witness them.

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