With 20 different species Uganda is Africa’s most important primate sanctuary.
Its dense misty primeval forests are home to almost half of the world’s remaining population of the mountain gorillas and over 5000 chimpanzees and it is one of the few places in the world to see the endangered Golden Monkey.
Add to that another 11 species of monkey, bushbabies and the recently discovered Dwarf Galago, Uganda is a primate lover’s dream.
Gorilla Trekking mainly takes place at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but is also possible in Mgahinga National Park.
In 1981, environmentalists estimated there were only 254 mountain gorillas left in the world, but the small population is rising slowly thanks to intense international conservation efforts and now the population has surpassed 1000. Once on the verge of extinction, their survival is one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories.
Early in the morning you follow your guide and rangers and disappear into the tropical forest emerging a few hours later after meeting the gorillas, one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences.
“There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than with any other animal”
–David Attenborough
There is a lot of planning and preparation involved in a gorilla trekking safari and pre-booked permits are essential. It can be physically challenging but if you are reasonably fit and mobile it shouldn’t present many problems and local porters are available to help.
Uganda has a population of close to 5000 chimpanzees distributed in the various forests and game parks. Chimp tracking can be done in four separate locations, Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Kibale is most popular, with a 95% chance of seeing the chimps.
Chimpanzees are highly sociable, intelligent, and communicative animals and tracking them is not only fascinating, but a lot of fun. You feel like you are in amongst the group, surrounded by them and it makes the whole experience immersive. Chimps often move around a lot, and you can feel like a child on an adventure following them through the forest.
