PRIMATES OF THE GREAT EAST AFRICAN RIFT VALLEY

Primates are the closest family in the wild relative to human, they era common the tropical Africa forests of Uganda. The major primates include; chimpanzees, gorillas, baboons, monkeys and bush babies in the major tracking forests like Kibale forest, Budongo forest, kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mabira forest.Kibale forest covers about 560sq.km at an elevation of 1110- 1590 meters above sea level, about 77% of the forest is covered by medium altitude moist semi-deciduous fore at a lower altitude in the south while the remaining 23% is consists of grassland, swamps and some plantations with exotic conifers. The forest is highly populated in the region, harbouring the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. With the highest population of Chimpanzes in Africa other primates include bush babies, baboons, black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkey.

Primates and terrific birds combined with easy access, good infrastructure and a variety of interesting activities make Kibale forest a valuable and favourable destination. Chimp tracking is also done in budongo forest through the Kaniyo-pabidi section in Murchison park area and in Kyambura gorge in the Mweya section of Queen Elizabeth national park.Ngamba Island is another place for chimp tracking; located 23 km offshore from Entebbe It lies on a total land area of 100 acres. The sanctuary provides refuge for 40 orphaned chimpanzees. The Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary is a project which was started in 1997 by Born Free Foundation (UK), International Fund for Animal Welfare (USA), the Jane Goodall Institute (Germany and Uganda), The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Trust (UWECT) and the Zoological Board of New South Wales (Australia) and was officially opened to visitors in October 1999.  It provides a unique opportunity for a close range view of chimpanzees in this habitant since their natural environment cannot easily be restored. Chimps come closer for feeding a short distance to a raised walkway specially designed for easy viewing and excellent photography.

Mountain Gorilla tracking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located in roggedkigezi highlands of south-western part Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable forest is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa,it covers about 321 sq.km at an elevation of 1190-2607 meters above sea level, with medium altitude moist evergreen forest andmontaneforest with pathce of bamboo. About half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas arefound in Bwindi with eight habituated familiesand 8 permits per day are available for each family. The forest being impenetrable in nature and located in the rift valley areas has steep slopes on hills and valleys which your will have to trek through as you track mans closest mammal in the wild. The primate tracking activity is energy demanding and is for those who are physically fit, though tracking may be a challenging adventure, coming face to face with this spectacular human relatives of the wild is an unforgettable experience one will ever have in life. Primate tracking is also arranged by green world safaris to Rwanda’s Volcanoes and D.R.C’s Virunga