Updated
The lesser bushbaby, or northern lesser galago, is a tiny nocturnal primate weighing around 200 g, with huge eyes, large mobile ears and a long tail. It lives in savannah woodland and acacia country, leaping between branches several metres at a time. In Uganda you can see it on night drives and around lodges in Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo, usually as a pair of glowing eyes in the torchlight.
Habits
Bushbabies feed on tree gum, especially from acacias, and on insects caught by hand in quick grabs. In the dry season gum can make up most of their diet. They sleep by day in tree holes or dense tangles, often in small groups, and forage alone at night. Their legs are built for jumping, and they mark their routes by wetting their hands and feet with urine, which also improves grip.
Bushbabies in Uganda
Uganda has several galago species. The lesser bushbaby lives in drier savannah and woodland. Forest parks such as Kibale and Bwindi have dwarf galagos instead, smaller species that are harder to see high in the canopy. Bushbaby calls, a repeated croaking or crying sound, are a common night noise at savannah lodges.
Where to see it
Night drives in Lake Mburo and Murchison and lodge gardens at dusk give the best chances. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to night safari animals, the potto, Lake Mburo and night game drives.
Frequently asked questions
On night drives in Lake Mburo, Murchison, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo.
Mainly tree gum and insects.
Possibly for their crying calls and their wide-eyed faces.
Several metres between branches.
