Uganda is gifted with many primate species namely
1. Mountain Gorilla
They come from the family of great apes, including chimpanzee, Bonobo, orangutan, gorilla, and human beings. Mountain gorillas live in two separate populations in Uganda’s mountain forests and the neighboring Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Another interesting fact is that, gorillas can be differentiated from each other by their nose print, like a human’s thumbprint. Gorillas also form groups live in groups headed by a male silver back, like most human families. Join the thousands of travelers in the sustainable travel craze of trekking these great apes by visiting southwestern Uganda.
2. Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees is the human’s closest cousin. We have recently found a devoted fascination in watching and researching this primate. The chimpanzee is one of the most studied primate species and has contributed immensely to human medicine and psychology. Chimps are found in five destinations namely; Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Toro- Semuliki Game reserve and Kalinzu Forest.
3. Golden monkey
Golden Monkeys occupies the bamboo-forested slopes of the Virungas and nowhere else in the world. It’s a small monkey with a bright, vibrant, golden orange coat and cute little face. In Uganda, they are found in Mgahinga National Park.
4. Blue monkey
Blue monkey is closely related to the golden monkey. Despite its close relation, the blue monkey is more widespread in every other forest in the country and in all National parks except Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Parks.
5. De Brazza’s monkey
De Brazza’s Monkey is an outstanding primate species with its white mustache, reddish-brown brow, and distinct blue scrotum. They hang out in Semuliki National Park and Mountain Elgon National Park in the extreme east.
6. Black-and-white colobus monkey
This gorgeous primate does not have thumbs; I don’t think you would notice with its disruptive beauty. The black-and-white Colobus monkey‘s contrasting duo colors are unmissable. It has a black coat beautifully contrasting with the long white mantle on its back, whiskers, bushy tail, and beard around the face. Walk in any sizable forest patch and even well-developed riparian woodland, and it won’t escape your eye.
7. Red colobus
The red colobus’ cute big eyes and tufted crown with its contrasting brick-red, grey, and white-colored coat make this primate an extraordinary species to watch. It is closely related to the black-and-white colobus and is very common around Kibale National park. A few of them can be seen in Semuliki National Park.
8. Potto
The potto is the closest to bears Uganda will ever come because it’s also called the bush bear, tree bear, or softly-softly. This sloth-like primate species is a nocturnal tree dweller found in Kibale National Park, and you can meet its googly eyes on a night-guided nature walk.
9. Bush baby
The bush baby has a call that literally sounds like a baby—that’s how it got its name. Its big saucer eyes and collapsible ears that rotate like radars make it look weirdly cute. Its other name, galago, reminds me of that ‘Shameless’ tv show about a family with a drunkard father. Kibale Forest forest has very cool inhabitants; even the galago finds refuge in that primate capital.
10. Grey-cheecked mangabey
‘Mangabey’ sounds like some African royal name or maybe a fruit I would love to bite. This small, hairy baboon-like primate has an electrifying smile—look at its teeth. The grey-cheeked mangabey has a slightly golden mane around the neck and a shaggy appearance that make it one of the most extraordinary primates in Uganda to watch. And, you guessed right! You will also find this primate around Kibale Forest.
11. L’Hoest’s monkey
Its prominent white bib beautifully contrasts with the dark brown and chestnut-colored coat. This handsome guenon is less well-known and more difficult to see than most of the other astonishing primate species in Uganda. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the L’Hoest’s monkey in Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable, or Maramagambo Forest.
12. Red-tailed monkey
Red-tailed monkeys look remarkable with white cheeks, whiskers, and a distinctive white, heart-shaped patch on their nose. You should see this monkey eat. It can stash an incredible amount of food in its elastic cheeks and go to a safe place away from predators to eat its collection. These small primate species are everywhere in Uganda, from Kibale National Park to Bwindi Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park and every protected tropical forest.
13. Vervet monkey
First, let’s clarify some things: the vervet’s blue testicles are not due to sexual frustration—they are family jewels! Alright!! The vervet is one of the busiest creatures on the savanna, always doing something. When they are doing nothing, you can tell they are planning their next mischief. Did you know that vervet monkey mothers recognize their child simply by its scream? You could not say that for that many human mothers. Although I once babysat a small child with such a unique way of screaming that I could recognize it from far, far away. I think you would appreciate watching them in forests outside national parks—even a lazy walk in the botanical gardens in Entebbe.
14. Patas monkey.
Patas is the fastest primate in the entire world. It runs only on its fingertips and never actually uses its entire foot to run. This reddish, rust-colored sprinter lives mainly on the ground, unlike other primate species. Look out for its unmissable face on the savanna plain of Kidepo National park and Murchison Falls National Park.
15. Baboon
This sociable, versatile, and brilliant monkey is the most widespread primate species in Uganda. An adult male baboon has canine teeth longer than those of a leopard. He will use the canines in yawning threat displays to rivals and as lethal weapons for attack and self-defense.
