Best Uganda Primates safari Destinations

Uganda is one of the best destinations in Africa for primates safari lovers. Safari destinations for primates include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National reserve, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and others with primate species like baboons, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, chimpanzees and many others. Below are the details of primate destinations in Uganda;

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Gorilla tracking)

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the Best Uganda Primates safari Destinations located in southwestern Uganda with rough hills, deep valleys and falling waterfalls. These natural features create a beautiful setting for hiking and photography which allows visitors to enjoy the calm beauty of the forest. The paths range from easy walks to challenging hikes catering to all levels of adventures.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the whole world because it is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas giving visitors a rare opportunity to see these gorillas in their natural environment. It is also one of the three national parks where gorilla trekking is carried out in the whole world with a total of 5 recently introduced gorilla families. The attraction of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park extends beyond its gorillas. The park has an extraordinary range of flora and fauna with more than 120 species of mammals. This rich biodiversity makes Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park a home for wildlife lovers who can spend hours exploring the forest’s paths and discovering its hidden treasures. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided in four sectors where gorilla trekking takes place. The following are Bwindi sectors and their families;

Buhoma Sector. Buhoma sector is found in northern part of Bwindi and is often considered the gateway to Bwindi. This sector is accessible and it has a range of accommodations like Kanungu resort hotel, Efras motel Kanungu, Gorilla bluff lodge, Bwindi lodge, Bwindi Forest lodge, Bwindi guest house, Buhoma community rest camp, Buhoma community haven lodge and others making it a good choice for tourists. Buhoma sector has families like Rushegura, Katwe family, Mubare gorilla family and Bwindi Bunyindo family.

Ruhija Sector. Located in the northeastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija sector has a greener landscape and cooler climate. This sector is mainly used for research purposes but gorilla trekking is also available here with many habituated families in the area. These include Kyaguliro, Bitukura and Oruzongo gorilla families. The peaceful and less crowded paths make Ruhija an interesting option for those looking for a calm experience.

Rushaga Sector. This sector is known for having the highest number of gorilla families. Rushaga is best for visitors keen on gorilla trekking. Additionally, Rushaga is the only sector that provides opportunities for gorilla habituation experiences where visitors can spend extended periods observing and interacting with gorillas under the guidance of researchers. Its recently introduced gorilla families include Tindatine gorilla family and Rwigi. Other families in Rushaga sector are Mishaya, Nshongi, Bweza, Kungwe and Busingye gorilla families where gorilla trekking takes place and it is the most famous trailhead. It was the first trailhead to open in Uganda with many gorilla families like Habinyanja and Muyambi gorilla families. Gorilla trekking in Rushaga sector was introduced in September 2009. Some of the accommodation facilities you can use while in this sector are Rushaga safari lodge, Rushaga gorilla haven lodge, Nshongi camp, Icumbi gorilla lodge, four gorillas lodge, Bwindi jungle lodge and others.

Nkuringo Sector. Nkuringo sector is found in the southern part of Bwindi. Nkuringo offers beautiful views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Albertine Rift Valley. When Nkuringo sector was first introduced, it had only one gorilla family but later, other gorilla families were introduced for example Nkuringo gorilla family, Bushaho gorilla family and Christmas gorilla family. Accommodation to consider in Nkuringo sector includes Nkuringo guest house, Virunga campsite, Lake Mulehe gorilla lodge, Gorilla heights lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Albertine Gorilla campsite among others. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is best done during the dry season from June to October but expect rain any time of the season because Uganda is close to the equator. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park also offers Gorilla habituation which is an activity led by a team of guides and researchers with a group of only 4 tourists to watch how gorillas are trained to get used to the presence of humans.

Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park (Gorilla trekking)

Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park is another Best Uganda Primates safari Destinations located in the southwestern Uganda. This park is part of the Virunga Mountain ranges shared by Uganda with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo where tourists can see primates. Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park is home to only one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi gorilla family. The best time to do gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is during the dry season when the paths are dry though it can be carried out throughout the year.

To be able to participate in Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you need to have a gorilla trekking permit which can be purchased directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority which can take a long time or a trusted tour Company like Giant Holiday Safaris for a quick and smooth procedure.

Gorilla trekking permit costs in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park are the same. below are the new rates until 2026;

East African Citizens pay 300,000 UGX, Foreign non-residents pay 800 USD, Foreign residents pay 700 USD, African citizens pay 500 USD.

Gorilla habituation permits from 2024 to 2026 cost as follows;

Foreign non-residents pay 1500 USD, East African citizens pay 750,000 UGX, Foreign residents pay 1000 USD and African citizens pay 1000 USD. Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park starts early in the morning at the park headquarters with briefing about rules and regulations regarding Gorilla trekking. You are then divided into groups of 8. The trek then begins and can take 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of a gorilla family or the trekkers ’pace. Upon locating a gorilla family, you will spend one hour with them. On the other hand, gorilla habituation takes 4 hours of observing the gorilla habituation process.

Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park (Golden monkey trekking)

Golden monkey trekking is only done in Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park located in southwestern Uganda. These monkeys are noticed by their shade of orange gold which covers a larger part of their body and is the reason as to why they are called golden monkeys. They live in groups of up to 100 individuals led by an alpha male. Golden monkeys feed on lichens, fruits, leaves, flowers and bamboo shoots. Like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking starts early in the morning with briefing about the rules and regulations by guides. Trekkers are grouped and start golden monkey trekking at 8:00 am. After locating the golden monkeys, tourists are given one hour to be in the presence of these primates. Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park also has golden monkey habituation where tourists spend more time studying monkeys and their behavior in their natural environment.

Golden monkey trekking permits cost 100,000 UGX for East African citizens, 100 USD for foreign residents and 100 USD for foreign non-residents. For more inquiries about golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla Forest National Park, contact Giant Holiday Safaris.

Kibale Forest National Park (chimpanzee trekking and habituation)

Kibale Forest National Park is the best chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda and East Africa with more than 13 primate species. The park is home to more than 1500 chimpanzees and 3 habituated communities in the park. One chimpanzee community has been put aside for research purposes whereas the 2 are for chimpanzee trekking. Other primates in Kibale Forest National Park include red colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, Mangabeys, bush babies and others. Chimpanzee trekking is done twice a day in Kibale Forest National Park. The first session is done in the morning and the second session in the afternoon. To participate in Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, you need to first purchase chimpanzee trekking permits and each permit costs 180,000 UG for East African citizens, 200 USD for foreign residents and 250 USD for foreign non -residents. Alternatively, chimpanzee habituation permits cost 250,000 UGX for East African citizens, 250 USD for foreign residents and 300 USD for foreign non-residents.

Kyambura gorge among the Best Uganda Primates safari Destinations for Chimpanzee Trekking

This is a valley in Queen Elizabeth National Park commonly referred to as the Valley of Apes. Kyambura gorge is known for large numbers of red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys and baboons. Kyambura gorge has more than 30 chimpanzees for tracking and this is usually combined with game drives. Each chimpanzee trekking permit in Kyambura gorge costs 50,000 UGX for East African citizens, 100 USD for foreign non-residents and 80 USD for foreign residents.

Kalinzu Forest is also among the Best Uganda Primates safari Destinations for Chimpanzee Trekking

This forest is located near Queen Elizabeth National Park and is the second-best destination for chimpanzee tracking. It has more than 300 chimpanzees of which 70 are habituated. Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest is done in 2 sessions that is morning and afternoon. Trekking in this forest also requires tracking permits and each permit costs 65 USD for East African citizens, 65 USD for foreign residents and 130 USD for foreign non-residents.

Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest (Chimpanzee tracking)

Both forests are some of the best Uganda primates safari destinations located in Murchison Falls National Park and though they are not big parks, they have primate species like baboons, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, chimpanzees and others. Chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forest starts early in the morning at 8:00 am with a morning and afternoon session. A chimpanzee tracking permit costs 85 USD for East African citizens, 230 USD for foreign non-residents and 120 USD for foreign residents.

While in Uganda, you can also see primates in other national parks like Kidepo valley National Park, Ngamba island, Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Uganda Wildlife Education center and others.

Rules and regulations of primate tracking in Uganda

Visitors who are ill or showing symptoms of contagious diseases are not allowed to participate in tracking activities.
While observing primates, maintaining a minimum distance of 7 meters is important. This not only ensures the safety of visitors but also prevents unnecessary stress on the animals.
Feeding primates is strictly prohibited. Providing food changes their natural habits and increases their reliance on humans which may lead to negative consequences for their survival.
Loud noises or sudden movements can surprise and anger primates so keep low tones.

Visitors must follow all instructions provided by guides to ensure a safe and rewarding trip.

The age limit for primate tracking in Uganda is 12 years.

Using flash light while taking primate pictures is strictly prohibited because it can frighten or anger primates.
Do not touch primates
Do not eat, smoke or drink when you are with primates.

What to pack for a primate trip in Uganda

Packing smartly will ensure you are comfortable and prepared for the primate journey in Uganda. Here is what you will need;

Lightweight, breathable clothes are best for the warm climate.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect you from insects and thorny vegetation during treks
comfortable hiking boots are important for crossing rough trails. Pack thick socks to prevent blisters on your feet.
A small daypack is perfect for carrying essentials like water, snacks and a camera.
Binoculars for seeing primates from a distance.
Do not forget sunscreen, insect repellent and a wide brimmed hat.
Bring your passport, gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permits and travel insurance details.
A reusable water bottle and energy giving snacks.
A first aid kit can be a lifesaver.
A notebook is good for capturing your memories.