Uganda offers tourists a unique and enriching experience with Africa’s primate species, making it one of the best destinations for wildlife encounters. The country is home to a wide range of primates, including the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, which are Favorites for wildlife photography and naturalist expeditions. It is also known for having the highest concentration of primates in Africa, with more than 14 primate species. This includes diurnal (day-active) species and some nocturnal species. These primates thrive in Uganda’s tropical forests. Among the most well-known are the mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, which attract the most tourists. Recently, the dwarf galago was also discovered in the region.

Many of Uganda’s primates are Old World monkeys. Some of the species found here include the golden monkey, de Brazza’s monkey, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, potto, bushbaby, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, vervet, Patas, baboon, and blue monkey. The country’s top spots for primate watching include Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Additionally, lesser-known forest reserves in Uganda also provide excellent opportunities for primate encounters.

Blue Monkey

The 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 and Lake Mburo National Parks.

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 Semliki National Park near Fort Portal City in the west and Mount Elgon National Park in the extreme east.

L’Hoest’s Monkey

Philip Lutley Sclater should have named this primate Reverant’s Monkey in Honor of Uganda’s colonial clergy. 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 are lucky, you will spot the L’Hoest’s monkey in Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable, or Maramagambo Forest.

Red Tailed Monkey

This is another one of Uganda’s amazingly cite-faced primate species. 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 to Bwindi, Queen, Semliki, and every protected tropical forest.

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 colours 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. These can be found in Semliki National Park, Kibale national park, Bwindi National Park and other place would be in Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

Red Colobus Monkey

The red colobus ‘s 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 Forest. A few of them can be seen in Semliki National Park.

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 Forest, and you can meet its googly eyes on a night-guided nature walk.

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. Kibale Forest forest has very cool inhabitants; even the galago finds refuge in that primate capital.

Grey Cheeked 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.

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.

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 and Murchison Falls National Park.

Baboon

This sociable, versatile, and brilliant monkey is the most widespread primate species in Uganda. Where humans pose no threat, baboons can become confident and opportunist vermin. 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-defence. Baboon close our list of notable primate species in Uganda because not many people like them but us.

Conclusion:

In addition to mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, Uganda is home to many other fascinating primate species. These include the blue monkey, de Brazza’s monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, potto, bush baby, grey-cheeked mangabey, vervet monkey, Patas monkey, and baboons. Each of these species offers a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts, whether it’s the stunning appearance of the red colobus or the playful behavior of vervet monkeys. Visitors can spot these primates in Uganda’s various national parks and forests, such as Kibale Forest, Semuliki National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, making Uganda a prime destination for anyone interested in primate watching.