When it comes to primate safaris, East Africa is that one region you need to pay a visit while on African safari. A visit to this region while on primate safari gets you the best of captivating and thrilling African experience. It offers you a great opportunity to explore distinct primate species that East Africa boasts of including among others the rare mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, red colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys and olive baboons.

When you think of African safari, primate safaris should be a must in your safari highlight. For magical encounters with mountain gorillas, worldwide, there are only 3 options set for you and they include Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Uganda

In Uganda, these wildlife creatures are inhabited within the lush rain forests of Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern side just at the border with the DR Congo along the Albertine rift valley. To take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda, you need $600 to help you secure a gorilla permit. It is what allows you to explore only 1 habituated family out of about 17 that have been habituated and set for tourism and research purposes in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

The habituated gorilla families to track in Uganda are distributed within the 4 main trailheads of Bwindi and they include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector where treks are always conducted. Each of these sectors/regions has its habituated families with Buhoma comprising of Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe; Nkuringo sector has Nkuringo and Christmas groups; Rushaga comprises of Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye while Ruhija region is home to groups like Bitukura, Kyaguriro and Oruzogo and in Mgahinga National Park, you can track only Nyakagezi group which is the only habituated group in this park. For those of you who are interested in less easier treks Mgahinga National Park is the best option available for you.

Rwanda

In Rwanda, mountain gorilla trekking is only done in Volcanoes National Park and this is suitably situated in northwestern side. There are 10 habituated groups that are available within Volcano National Park and they include Sabyinyo, Susa A and Susa B, Agashya, Hirwa, Umubano, Bwenge, Kwitonda, Ugenda and Amahoro. To secure a permit in Rwanda, you need $1500 and this applies to all visitors. You can obtain one through ground tour operator or reservationist at Rwanda Development Board.  Mountain gorillas are also found in the Virunga National Park east of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

If you are interested in exploring more about chimpanzees, East Africa still remains as one of the most outstanding region for chimpanzee tracking. In Uganda, you can embark on this primate adventure in areas such as Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park should be a must for you to visit while on safari in Uganda. In Rwanda, the notable places include Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park.

Tanzania

Tanzania and Kenya are equally ideal in primate trekking especially for chimpanzees. In Tanzania, Gombe Stream National Park is an ideal place for you to catch a glimpse at chimpanzees. This conservancy area is Tanzania’s smallest park and forms a small strip of ancient forest on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It became popular due to work of Goodall who set a research station within this conservancy area around 1965. Other primate species to spot out in this park include olive baboons, the red colobus, vervet monkeys, habituated chimpanzees a mention but a few.

Kenya

In Kenya for primate safari, do not miss to pay a visit to Ol Pejeta chimpanzee sanctuary which is set to safeguard the lives of chimpanzees. This works together with Jane Goodall Institute. This conservancy area serves as refuge to these endangered primate species that are rescued from bush meat and pet trade.

Burundi

In Burundi, primate trekking safaris can be perfectly done in the pristine Kibira National Park which is set suitably in the northwest and spans for about 400 square kilometers. This park is ideal for chimpanzee tracking and it equally rewards you with primate species like black and white colobus monkeys.