Primates Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is the primate capital of the world well known for its great primates - it is postulated that these primates have originated from Africa, and that is why they are similar to the human race in Africa. They have characteristics that look more like human beings, such as extended arms and legs, large eyes, fingers, and toes. Among these primates are the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, olive baboons, golden monkey, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus, L’hoest’s monkey, blue monkey, patas monkey, vervet monkey among others.

Currently, Uganda has become a popular safari destination, due to its cool climate and the dense rainforest that has attracted a large number of species. Uganda is home to around 300 mammals and up to 20 primates.

The primates are at risk as sometimes the forests are destroyed and yet it’s the best place for their stay. This makes the primates live in fear as they have to keep moving until they get a stable habitat. Safari to Uganda will offer you a chance to discover the mountain gorillas in their natural setting as they play, feed, and rest, Monkeys of different kinds as well as the chimpanzees.

Every tourist who visits Uganda would love to see the mountain gorillas on their tour but they are located in specific places. They can only be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park southwestern Uganda. Many visitors come to Uganda to get a glimpse of the gorillas, the experience you have with the gentle giants is once in a lifetime experience. They're so adorable creatures with massive chests, muscular arms, broad hands, and feet and they're the largest of all primates.

Another primate to fall in love with is the Chimpanzee; they are small in size and take up a larger portion of human DNA. They have the ability to understand, use sign languages, and they're so smart. Many of these are located in western Uganda and safari to Uganda. Places where you can trek Chimps - Kibale National Park, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria, Kyambura Gorge-Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park.

SOPs for Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

·         Briefing and debriefing shall be done in small groups of eight (08) tourists after they have been assigned gorilla families for tracking.
·         Tourists, staff, and porters who, during the briefing, are observed to be sick shall not be allowed to track. These include anyone with signs of flu and those who report having diarrhea, stomach upsets, and malaria among others.
·         All the visitors, staff, and trackers must wear masks.
·         A maximum of eight (8) tourists shall be allowed to track a gorilla group per day.
·         A maximum of six (6) tourists shall be allowed to track a chimpanzee group at a time.
·         The tourists must keep a distance of not less than 10 meters away from the gorillas and chimpanzees during this period.
·         The assigned Uganda Wildlife Authority guides shall ensure there is a social distancing of 2 meters among the tourists while tracking, where practical.
·         Before the gorilla and chimpanzee viewing commences, all people in the group shall sanitize their hands again.
·         The tourists shall carry light equipment to minimize the need for porters while they undertake the tracking.
·         Due to the reported side effects of wearing masks for long periods and in high altitudes, visitors shall take frequent breaks during the tracking give themselves time to breathe fresh air.
·         During these breaks, social distancing shall be strictly observed.