African wildlife includes a number of primates seen across many countries in Africa. Primate safaris are specialized wildlife expeditions focused on observing and studying primates in their natural habitats. Primates are a diverse group of mammals that includes lemurs, monkeys, and apes, with some of the most well-known species being gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and various monkey species. Primate trekking safaris are popular among wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists interested in ecotourism.

The primates can be found in the different African countries that include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Central Republic, Madagascar and others. Each of these areas has a primate species that is endemic to it.

Primate Trekking is possible while on a self drive Safari within Africa and mostly enjoyed by overland that select to self drive, Primate Trekking tours includes the Gorilla safaris ,chimpanzee watching and the ultimate experience of combining the rwenzori trek & see the gorillas in Africa. We do offer the best ultimate 4×4 in Africa.

African Primate safaris typically involve guided tours, Gorilla treks, and wildlife tracking to ensure both the safety of the participants and the well-being of the primates. These experiences often support conservation efforts, as they raise awareness and funds for the protection of primate habitats and the species themselves.

When participating in primate safaris, it’s essential to follow ethical guidelines, such as maintaining a safe distance from the animals and respecting their natural behaviors. Conservation efforts, sustainable tourism practices, and responsible wildlife viewing are critical to preserving these remarkable primates and their habitats for future generations.

Primate Trekking in Uganda

There are 20 primate species in Uganda, consisting of 13 day-walking (diurnal) and seven nocturnal species. They flourish in the country’s tropical forest, making Uganda a nation with the highest concentration of primates on the continent. The list includes the mountain gorilla and chimpanzee with the most tourist attention and the latest discovery, the dwarf galago. However, the mountain gorillas and chimpanzee are the most visited primates of Uganda due to there unique nature and way of life.

Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, spread across two distinct national parks making it the best destination for gorilla tracking in Africa. The gorillas of Uganda can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This means you have a higher chance of encountering these incredible creatures in Uganda than anywhere else in the world.

With five trekking sectors in Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Rushaga) and one in Mgahinga, you can choose the experience that best suits your preferences and fitness level. Each sector offers unique landscapes, gorilla families, and trekking challenges, ensuring no two treks are the same. Compared to neighboring Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are more budget-friendly, making this extraordinary adventure accessible to a wider range of travelers.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a haven for over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Trek through Bwindi’s dense rainforests, divided into four sectors – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique trails and varying difficulty levels, catering to trekkers of all abilities.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Smaller but no less captivating, Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family. The park’s volcanic landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for your trek, with opportunities to conquer the peaks or observe playful golden monkeys.

Uganda offers an impressive number of accommodation options near both Bwindi and Mgahinga. From cozy campsites and budget-friendly lodges to luxurious eco-lodges and private villas, you’ll find the perfect place to rest and recharge after your trek.

Like the mountain gorilla, the chimpanzee 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. Join the daily chimpanzee trekking and habituation adventures to see these fascinating great apes in their natural cradle in Kibale, Budongo, Kalinzu, Kyambura Gorge, and Semuliki Forests.

By choosing Uganda for your primate trekking adventure, you’re not only embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, but you’re also supporting sustainable tourism and contributing to preserving these magnificent creatures and their habitat.

4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

Book 4 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking tour that is guided by Experienced Safari guide from Self drive Uganda . The Uganda gorilla trekking takes you to bwindi Impenetrable National Park for 3 nights in the luxury lodges located at the edges of the jungle. See the Gorillas in Uganda with a reliable Tour operator.

5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

Book 4 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking tour that is guided by Experienced Safari guide from Self drive Uganda . The Uganda gorilla trekking takes you to bwindi Impenetrable National Park for 3 nights in the luxury lodges located at the edges of the jungle. See the Gorillas in Uganda with a reliable Tour operator.

7 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

Book 4 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking tour that is guided by Experienced Safari guide from Self drive Uganda . The Uganda gorilla trekking takes you to bwindi Impenetrable National Park for 3 nights in the luxury lodges located at the edges of the jungle. See the Gorillas in Uganda with a reliable Tour operator.

Rwanda Primate Trekking

Rwanda is a captivating destination that has won the hearts of travelers worldwide thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and remarkable wildlife. One of the most enchanting experiences that Rwanda offers is the opportunity to observe primates in their natural habitat. From the world-famous mountain gorillas to playful chimpanzees and elusive golden monkeys, Rwanda is the perfect place to witness these incredible creatures up close.

Mountain gorillas are the largest living primates, characterized by a robust, muscular build. They have a distinctive black coat, broad chest, and an impressive sagittal crest on their forehead. Adult males, or silverbacks, possess a silver-coloured back, hence their name.

Rwanda is also home to a thriving population of chimpanzees, one of the most famous great apes of Africa. These highly intelligent and social primates are our closest relatives, sharing 98-99% of our DNA. The park offers guided chimpanzee tracking experiences, allowing you to observe their complex behaviours, from grooming to hunting and playful interactions.

Golden monkeys are one of the top three primates to watch in Rwanda also found in Volcanoes national park. These playful creatures are known for entertaining leaps from tree to tree and engaging in lively social interactions.

The other primates found in Rwanda include: the blue monkey, L^,hoest monkey, owl-faced monkeys, red tailed monkeys, crowned monkeys, Dent^’s mona monkey, velvet monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Angolan Columbus monkeys and others. These can also be seen as you are tracking the main 3 primates.

Congo Primate Trekking

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where visitors can track both mountain gorillas and their lowland cousins in the wild. It is the best country for seeing wild eastern lowland gorillas. Lowland gorillas can also be seen in zoos around the world while the mountain gorilla can only thrive in the wild. Lowland gorillas in DR Congo can be tracked at the Kahuzi Beiga National Park while the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park.

Virunga National Park is located in the eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo and borders Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. This park is one of Africa’s most biodiverse conservation areas, covering 7900 square km. Gorilla tracking is the most popular activity in Virunga National Park, and chimp tracking has recently been added to the list. Birdwatching tours have increased, with Virunga containing over 700 bird species. The Virunga National Park is home to 12 primate species, including mountain gorillas, chimps, golden monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and others. Visit the park and spend time with these friendly and playful creatures, as well as take pictures with them.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park contains a greater diversity of mammal species than any other site in the Albertine Rift. It is the second most important site of the region for both endemic species and in terms of specific diversity. The Park protects 136 species of mammals, among which the star is the eastern lowland gorilla and thirteen other primates, including threatened species such as the chimpanzee, L^,Hoest monkey, grey cheeked mangabeys monkey and blue monkeys.

Cost of Primate Trekking experience :Gorilla or chimpanzee trek?

You will need a gorilla permit before getting anywhere near them and the same goes for a chimpanzee tracking permit. Both should be booked well in advance as they have become incredibly popular and spaces fill up quickly weeks, even months in advance. The permits can be booked through your tour operator in the country that you have chosen to visit.

Gorilla permits cost 800USD in Uganda where the habituation activity is also available at 1,500USD per person for 4 hours with the gorillas. The permit in Rwanda costs 1500USD and the permits in Congo cost 450USD per person.

Chimp permits in Uganda cost 250USD with the habituation costing 300USD per person. The Rwanda permit costs 150USD per person excluding the park entry free to Nyungwe national park.

It’s recommended that you have a fairly decent level of fitness and come with no infectious diseases that might be passed on to the primates. If you are showing signs of a cold or flu, you might well be denied participation, and as frustrating as this might seem, it’s pretty clear why this rule is in place.

Another rule that could either make or break your wish to go primate trekking is that only those over the age of 15 years old can. As great as it would be for your children to see primates in their natural world, the difficulties with terrain as well as the need for restrained behaviour while around them, means that this is an adults-only excursion.

What to expect on your Primate Trekking?

Although the habituated primate families are used to the presence of humans, they are entirely wild animals and thus group dynamics and territories can be fluid at times. This indeed is what makes gorilla trekking so spectacular; hiking through the forest not knowing exactly what you may encounter or what behaviours you may see.  All treks start after safety briefing at 8am, after which you will either be driven a short distance to the forest or start your walk directly from the briefing station.

The park rangers and guides whom accompany you on the trek understand that this is usually a once-in-a-lifetime encounter for most visitors and will do their utmost to ensure you are well looked after and that gorilla sightings are successful. Although not guaranteed, daily success rates of sighting gorillas are extremely high, even if it requires extra time trekking through the forest. Visitors are offered a “porter’ to help carry their bags which will contain, amongst other items, water bottles and a packed lunch. Although you are not obliged to take up the services of a porter (currently a set fee of 20USD), we encourage this as the terrain can be difficult in parts and this is one of the key ways in which gorilla trekking directly supports the local community.

The whole trek itself can last for anything between two and eight hours depending on the movements of the primates. Once locating your gorilla family, you will spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat. The informed guides will describe the family dynamics to you and help identify each individual in the family as well as the history of that group, providing a detailed back-story to your gorilla encounter.

The safety distance from the primates is set at 8 metres for your safety as well as the primates, as they are susceptible to human diseases such as the flu. Primates especially the gorillas are however inquisitive and may approach closer on rare occasions, at which point the park rangers will then gently guide you a few paces back to ensure everyone’s safety. During the safety briefing you will be instructed never to approach the gorillas yourself for these reasons, gorillas are also far more likely to exhibit typical behaviour when quietly observed from a safe distance.

Madagascar Primate Safaris

Madagascar is one of the two richest countries on Earth for primates and is considered one of the four major primate regions globally. Traveling to the island country of Madagascar to watch out for its endemic lemurs into the Andasibe-Mantandia National Park, home to the famous Indri Indri lemurs, the Gallery Forest, home to large groups of ring-tailed lemurs, and night walks in the Forest of Zenavo to spot Sifakas and sleeping White-foot Sportive lemurs.

Madagascar is the only place these fascinating creatures are found naturally in the wild.  Madagascar primate safaris also include an excursion to Lemur Island, a private lemur sanctuary accessible only by paddleboat, where tamed, rescued lemurs clamber for food and petting from their visitors.