Updated
Uganda has around 20 primate species, depending on how they are classified, from mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to small monkeys and night-active bushbabies. That makes it one of the best countries in Africa for primates. Bwindi and Mgahinga have gorillas, Kibale has chimps and 13 primate species in one forest, and savannah parks add baboons, vervets and patas monkeys. This guide covers each group and where to see it.
Great apes
Mountain gorillas live in Bwindi and Mgahinga, with Bwindi holding nearly half of the world’s population of just over 1,000. They are listed as Endangered, and their numbers have risen thanks to protection and tourism. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. Eastern chimpanzees number roughly 5,000 in Uganda, in Kibale, Budongo, Kalinzu, Kyambura Gorge, Bwindi and other forests. The Kibale chimp permit is US$250, rising to US$300 from 1 January 2027. See our chimpanzee facts.
Forest monkeys
Uganda’s forests hold most of its monkey species. The Ugandan red colobus is endangered and lives mainly in Kibale. The black-and-white colobus is widespread in forests and riverside woodland. The red-tailed monkey and blue monkey are common canopy guenons, often seen together. L’Hoest’s monkey, with its white beard, lives in Bwindi, Kibale and Maramagambo. Read about the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey.
The Uganda mangabey, formerly treated as the grey-cheeked mangabey, lives only in Uganda, in Kibale, Mabira and a few other forests. De Brazza’s monkey is rare in Uganda and found mainly in Semuliki and on Mount Elgon. The golden monkey, an endangered bamboo specialist, lives only in Mgahinga in Uganda and can be tracked there. See our guide to golden monkeys in Mgahinga.
Savannah monkeys
Olive baboons live in troops across savannah and forest edges and are common on roads in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison. Vervet monkeys are found almost everywhere, including towns, lodges and Entebbe. Patas monkeys, long-legged and fast on the ground, live in the drier north, especially Murchison and Kidepo. Read about the olive baboon.
Night primates
Pottos creep slowly through forest canopy, and several bushbaby species live in Uganda, from the lesser bushbaby of savannah woodland to tiny dwarf galagos in forests such as Kibale and Bwindi. All are nocturnal and best found on guided night walks or drives. See our guides to the potto and the lesser bushbaby.
Where to see the most primates
Kibale is the single best park, with 13 species including chimps, red colobus and mangabeys. Bwindi adds gorillas plus L’Hoest’s, blue and red-tailed monkeys. Mgahinga has gorillas and golden monkeys. A route through Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi covers most of Uganda’s primates in about a week. Our Kibale guide explains the options.
Frequently asked questions
Around 20, depending on classification.
Kibale, with 13 species.
Combine Bwindi or Mgahinga for gorillas with Kibale for chimps.
The Uganda mangabey.
