Primates are estimated to be 704 species and sub-species. With exception of humans who live throughout the globe, most primates live in tropical or sub-tropical regions. Uganda is home to 20 primate species with Kibale National Park being the primate capital of the world, Tanzania having the highest numbers, however, they’re also found in Rwanda, D.R Congo, Zambia, Niger, Cameroon among others.

69% of  of the world’s population of primate species are threatened by extinction. 43% are critically endangered and some of the populations contain a few dozen individuals. Human activities have led to habitat loss which has exacerbated loss of life and discontinued effective production of more species.

Cross-river Gorillas

There are 38 species and 47 sub species in East Africa. Tanzania with 27 species, holds the largest primates, Uganda has 23, Kenya with 19, Burundi has 13.24% and over 47% of the species are endemic to the region.  The common primate species of East Africa are; Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, Mangabeys, Baboons, Patas monkeys, Guenon monkeys, Macaque monkeys, Galago, Mandrill monkeys, Lemurs and Gibbons.   The primates depending on species, adults may live in solitude, in mated pairs or in groups of up to hundred of members. Others are primarily terrestial rather than arboreal.

If an hour isn’t enough for you to have a tracking experience, you have a full day to spend with the primates. The habituation experience enables you to get into the behavior and challenges of researchers in getting these primates get used to the presence of humans without changing their natural behaviors.

However, the best time for tracking is January to February and June to September mainly due to fewer rains during dry season which makes trails more comfortable to navigate and your itinerary not disrupted. The wet season usually has cheaper accommodation and easy access to Chimp and gorilla permit, but comes along with difficult photography, impassable trails and rains.