Primates in Uganda: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Monkeys

Primates in Uganda are among the most diverse and captivating in Africa, making the country one of the world’s premier destinations for primate watching. With over 20 recorded species, Uganda offers opportunities to encounter everything from the powerful and endangered mountain gorilla to the highly intelligent chimpanzee, as well as a remarkable range of monkey species. Many of these primates are found in no other place on Earth, thriving in habitats that range from dense tropical rainforests and mist-covered mountains to riverine woodlands and open savannahs.

Primate tourism has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s wildlife industry, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Activities such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and monkey spotting in the country’s forest reserves offer intimate encounters with these extraordinary animals. The following guide explores Uganda’s primates in detail, highlighting their unique characteristics and the best destinations to experience them in the wild.

Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are Uganda’s most famous primates and a major reason many travelers visit the country. They are found in two locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda.

These gentle giants live in family groups known as troops, led by dominant silverback males. Each gorilla family is unique, with different social dynamics and behaviors. Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the best places globally to see them.

Gorilla trekking is strictly regulated to protect these endangered animals and their fragile habitat. Visitors are accompanied by trained guides and trackers and spend a magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, play, groom each other, and move through the forest.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are another of Uganda’s star primates, known for their intelligence, social behavior, and close genetic relationship to humans. Kibale National Park is the country’s premier chimpanzee destination, with the highest density of chimps in East Africa. Here, visitors can take part in regular chimpanzee tracking or opt for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, which allows a full day with chimps being accustomed to human presence.

Chimpanzees are also found in several other locations, including:

• Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park

• Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve near Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

• Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria

• Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe

Tracking chimpanzees offers an incredible window into their world, from their complex communication and problem-solving skills to their playful, family-oriented behavior.

Monkeys in Uganda

Uganda is home to an impressive diversity of monkey species, each with unique appearances, behaviors, and habitats.

Golden Monkeys

Endangered and strikingly beautiful, golden monkeys are found only in the Virunga Mountains. In Uganda, they inhabit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where guided golden monkey trekking offers a chance to see them up close. Their golden-orange fur and playful nature make them a favorite among wildlife photographers.

Black and White Colobus Monkeys

Named for their lack of thumbs, black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) are elegant, leaf-eating primates often seen leaping between trees. Locally known as engeye, they live in forests and wooded grasslands across Uganda. Their long white tails and flowing mantles make them easy to identify.

Red Colobus Monkeys

The Ugandan red colobus monkey is found mainly in Kibale Forest National Park and the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. They are often seen in association with other primates, forming mixed groups for safety. These monkeys are highly territorial and will defend their range against predators such as crowned eagles and chimpanzees.

Ugandan Red-Tailed Monkeys and Blue Monkeys

Locally called enkunga, red-tailed monkeys are small, agile monkeys recognized by their white heart-shaped nose and cheek whiskers. They share habitats with blue monkeys, which are not truly blue but rather have black fur with a blue-grey or silver-grey back. Both species are common in Kibale Forest, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Olive Baboons

Olive baboons, also known as Anubis baboons, are highly adaptable primates found across much of Uganda, from Bwindi and Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park. They live in large troops, eat a varied diet, and are known for their intelligence and boldness.

Patas Monkeys

The patas monkey is the fastest-running primate in the world, reaching speeds of up to 55 km per hour. It is a ground-dwelling species found in open savannah and semi-arid areas, particularly in northern and eastern Uganda.

Vervet Monkeys

Vervet monkeys are among the most common primates in Uganda, found in many national parks, forests, and even urban areas like Kampala. Recognizable by their black face and grey fur, they are highly social and live in large troops.

L’Hoest’s Monkeys

L’Hoest’s monkeys inhabit montane forests in western Uganda. They are shy, ground-dwelling primates with dark coats and distinctive white beards, often found in small, female-led groups.

Uganda Mangabey

The Uganda mangabey is a rare primate found only in Uganda. Once thought to be a subspecies of the grey-cheeked mangabey, it is now recognized as a distinct species. It inhabits medium-altitude forests and is known for its loud calls and baboon-like mannerisms.

Best Places to See Primates in Uganda

Uganda’s national parks, forest reserves, and sanctuaries offer some of the most rewarding primate viewing experiences in Africa. Each destination has its own unique landscape, wildlife mix, and style of adventure, making it worth exploring more than one location if time allows.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse rainforests on the planet. It is best known as the premier gorilla trekking destination, with over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Treks can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the reward is an intimate one-hour encounter with these gentle giants.
Beyond gorillas, Bwindi shelters other primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys, often spotted along the forest trails. The dense vegetation and mist-shrouded atmosphere make every trek an adventure.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga lies in the Virunga Mountains, sharing borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While it also offers mountain gorilla trekking, its standout feature is golden monkey tracking. These endangered primates are found only in this volcanic range and are famous for their playful nature and striking golden-orange fur.
The park’s location allows for a rare “double primate” experience — trekking mountain gorillas in the morning and golden monkeys in the afternoon. Mgahinga’s dramatic volcanic scenery, bamboo forests, and rich birdlife add to the appeal.

Kibale National Park

Often called the “Primate Capital of East Africa,” Kibale is home to the highest concentration of primates in Uganda and in the region, with 13 recorded species. The park is most famous for chimpanzee tracking, offering visitors an almost guaranteed sighting. The standard trek allows one hour with the chimps, while the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest offers a full day of observation as they go about their daily activities.
Kibale also shelters red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, making it a must-visit for primate enthusiasts. Its connection to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers even more primate viewing opportunities in a community-managed setting.

Budongo Forest Reserve

Located within the northern part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Budongo Central Forest Reserve is one of Uganda’s largest and most beautiful mahogany forests. It is a prime chimpanzee tracking location and is particularly known for its long-term research and conservation work.
In addition to chimps, visitors can see black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Birdwatching here is exceptional, with over 350 species recorded. The combination of primate encounters and diverse birdlife makes Budongo an excellent all-round nature experience.

Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve

Kalinzu lies near Queen Elizabeth National Park and is a more affordable option for chimpanzee tracking compared to Kibale or Budongo. The forest is home to about 300 chimpanzees, with a habituated group open for tracking. Kalinzu’s open canopy and smaller size make sightings more frequent and the treks generally easier.
Apart from chimps, visitors can spot olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. The forest also offers scenic trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints over the Rift Valley.

Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Often called the “Valley of the Apes,” Kyambura Gorge is a lush, forested ravine carved into the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is home to a small but fascinating community of habituated chimpanzees. Tracking here is unique because it combines the excitement of descending into the gorge with the surprise of finding chimps among the dense vegetation.
Other primates in Kyambura include black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys, along with hippos and other wildlife in the nearby Kazinga Channel.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Located on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a safe haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. Managed by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to learn about chimpanzee behavior, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.
Guests can watch feeding sessions, take part in caregiver experiences, and enjoy the island’s tranquil setting. Although not a wild tracking experience, Ngamba plays an important role in protecting Uganda’s chimpanzees and educating the public.

Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

Semuliki combines savannah and forest habitats, making it a great destination for travelers who want to see both primates and larger savannah wildlife. The forested sections are home to chimpanzees, olive baboons, and several monkey species, while the open plains host Uganda kob, buffalo, and even occasional elephants.
Chimpanzee tracking here is different from Kibale because the chimps sometimes travel between the forest and savannah, offering a unique chance to observe them in varied environments.

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve

Located just a short drive from Kampala, Mpanga Forest is an easily accessible spot for primate viewing without the need for a long journey. The forest is home to red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys, often seen during guided nature walks. Mpanga is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 180 recorded bird species, and it is rich in butterflies and medicinal plants. Its proximity to the capital makes it perfect for a half-day or day trip, especially for those with limited time in Uganda.

Best Places to See Primates in Uganda – At a Glance

Responsible tourism plays a vital role in conservation of primates in Uganda, helping protect habitats and support local communities. By visiting Uganda’s national parks and reserves, travelers not only enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences but also contribute to preserving these remarkable animals for future generations.