What are the top primate species found in Uganda and Rwanda? Uganda and Rwanda are two remarkable countries in Africa that shares a border and area fille with incredible attractions. One of the main highlights for a safari in these countries is the opportunity to witness the great apes in their natural habitat. From lush jungles to open savannah, you’re likely to spot these incredible primates no mater where your area, which part of what makes them so special.
The amazing range of primate species in Uganda and Rwanda adds t the excitement of visiting these places. You’ll find unique species that can only be seen in this area, including those native to the Albertine Rift endemics as well as savannah dwelling kinds.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of the top primates you can find in Uganda and Rwanda, along with some helpful tips on where to see them in their natural habitats.
MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
Mountain Gorillas scientifically called “Gorilla beringei beringei”, are among the most recognized primates in Uganda and Rwanda. These endangered Giant primates thieve in the lush, misty forest of the mountains living at attitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 meters. Mountain gorillas live in groups or troops of around 10 to 30, led by a dominant male gorilla or silverback who holds his position for many years.
As of the 2018 Census, here are around 1063 of these remarkable apes in the world, with over half residing in Uganda and 35% are in Rwanda. In Uganda, you can see these primates in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, while in Rwanda, you can see them in Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain gorillas are among the largest primates on earth, easily identifiable by their black and thick fur, broad chests, and prominent foreheads. In the national park where they live, only visitors aged 15 years and above are allowed to track them. The gorilla trekking cost in Uganda cost $800 per person and gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person.
CHIMPANZEES
Eastern Chimpanzees, known scientifically as “Pan Troglodytes schweinfurthii” are another top primate of Uganda and Rwanda. They share over 98.7% of their DNA with humans, showcasing their impressive intelligent and social nature, which often leads to fascinating behavior that astonish anyone. In Uganda, you have a variety of options for seeing them in the wild, including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. If you’re interested in seeing chimpanzees in a controlled habitat, the ugnada wildlife education center and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary are the two main places to see them in captivity. In Rwanda the best destinations to trach and observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat are Nyungwe Forest National Park and near Cyamudongo forest are the two main areas to track and see these Great Apes
GOLDEN MONKEYS
Golden monkeys know for their impressive appearance such as a golden-orange fur on their backs and limbs, black faces and long tails. Females are lighter in color than males. These playful primates are scientifically known as “Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti” and are endemic to the Virunga Conservation Area that comprises Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda, Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Golden monkeys live in groups of 30 to 80, with a dominant male monkey. Males move between groups, while females guard their own territories. They are considered to ne intelligent. They weave bamboo plants together to make beds to sleep in at night. They are some of the most remarkable primates in these countries, well-loved for their lively antics as they leap between tree branches and enjoy socializing with each other.
OLIVE BABOONS
Olive baboons are among the well-known primates found in Uganda and Rwanda, scientifically called “Papio Anubis”. These monkeys are easy to recognize dur to their grayish-green fur. They thrive in various environments, such as open savannahs, dense forests, and other natural habitats hence making them one of the most adaptable primates. You can see them in all the National Parks in Rwanda and nearly all of Uganda’s parks, with Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley National Parks being some of the most popular spots to find them.
L’HOEST’S MONKEYS
L’Hoest’s monkeys known scientifically “Allochrocebus l’hoest”, are often called “Mountain monkeys” because of their dark fur and striking white beards. These monkeys typically live in tight groups called “Troops” and found in the lush forest of Bwindi Impenetrable and Kibale Forest National Parks in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks in Rwanda
RED-TAILED MONKEYS
Red-tailed Monkeys, known scientifically “Cercopithecus Ascanius” are easily recognized by their vibrant reddish tails and their nimble movements in the dense forest. These monkeys display entertaining and playful behaviors that delights visitors in places like Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda or Nyungwe Forest National Park of Rwanda.
Grey-Cheeked Mangabey
Grey-cheeked Mangabey or Lophocebus albigena, is a striking primate recognized for its distinctive gray cheeks as well as a bushy white tuft at the bottom of its tail. These monkeys are known for their impressive ability to move gracefully among the trees, swinging from branch to branch. They primarily inhabit thick, lush forests, with notable populations found in Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, as well as Mabira Forest and Kibale National Park in Uganda.
BLUE MONKEYS
Blue monkeys, which are also called Cercopithecus mitis, are another top primate of Uganda and Rwanda. they are recognized by their unique blue-gray fur and their expressive faces. These monkeys are great climbers, which helps them live in the thick forest of their habitat where they eat a variety of food including leaves, fruits, as well as insects. If you want to see these amazing animals, you can join guided walks in Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda or Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.
BLACK AND WHITE COLOBUS MONKEYS
The Black and white colobus monkeys are striking creatures found in ugnada and Rwanda. they are easily recognized by their unique black and white coats as well as long flowing tails that make them stand out in the jungles. You can spot them in places like in Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest in Uganda as well as Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks in Rwanda.
VERVET MONKEYS
You can often spot vervet monkeys, known as Chlorocebus pygerythrus, in many national parks across Uganda and Rwanda. These monkeys are really flexible and can thrive in various environment, including grasslands, woodlands, forests, Agricultural lands and even cities. They are easily recognized by their unique black face and grizzled coats with numerous vocalizations that serve as a means of communication within their troops
