Planning a primate photographic safari in Uganda and Rwanda

When planning a primate photographic safari in Uganda and Rwanda. If you are interested in going for a primate photographic safari in either Rwanda or Uganda and are looking for the best destinations, look no further because, in this article, we are going to be looking at the different primate trekking destinations in both countries, the best time, packing list for the primate safari and what to expect.

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When we talk about primate trekking, the first thing that everyone thinks about is gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. However, besides the two, other primates can be trekked in the trekking destinations, and these include the following:

Colobus monkeys: Different colobus monkeys are spotted during a primate trek safari, including the black and white colobus monkeys and Rwenzori colobus monkeys.

Vervet monkeys: These are very common and can be seen in Akagera National Park, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Bwindi, and Nyungwe National Park.

Golden monkeys: Golden monkey trekking is the second most participated in activity after gorilla trekking and is carried out in Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park. They have a bright orange fur line that looks like a golden color around their faces and other parts of the body, making them stand out in the Jungle.

Olive baboons: Like the vervet monkeys, these are also found in nearly all the primate trekking destinations.

L’Hoests monkeys live in small groups and are endemic to the Albertine region. The females are more dominant in a group with only one male.

Rwanda

Rwanda is home to primates the Big Five and other wildlife species found in the different national parks in different parts of the country. Various activities are carried out in the national parks, including game drives, bird watching, and primate watching. The different primate trekking destinations in Rwanda include:

Volcanoes National Park: In the northwestern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is found within the Virunga region and borders Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some of the activities carried out in the Volcanoes National Park include birding, primate trekking, nature walks, and gorilla trekking, the main activity in the park. About 40 Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes and about 10 gorilla-habituated families are open to the public for trekking. Golden monkey trekking is also carried out in Volcanoes National Park and other primates that can be seen include:

• L’Hoests monkeys.
• Red-tailed monkeys.
• Black and white colobus monkeys.
• Olive baboons.
• Grey Mangabeys among others.

Nyungwe National Park: 

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the largest and oldest Montane forest in Africa, near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nyungwe has the highest number of recorded chimpanzees in Rwanda and other primate species including L’Hoests monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Dent money monkeys, and grey-cheeked Mangabeys among others. Chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation are activities that tourists highly participate in, and it usually starts early morning with a briefing from the guides about the rules associated with trekking. And after that, the trek begins searching for the family allocated to you. Primate trekking can either take a few hours or the whole day, but once you get to the chimpanzees, you have limited time with them to study their behavior.

Uganda

Primate trekking in Uganda is carried out mainly in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga and Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park (Budongo forest and Kaniyo Pabidi). 

Kibale National Park: Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda and has over 1500 registered chimpanzees making it the best place for a chimpanzee trek in Africa. Chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation are carried out in Kibale, and the best time to do this is during the dry season when the chimps can easily be spotted. During chimpanzee trekking, tourists spend an hour with the primates whereas habituation might take the whole day. Other primates you can see while in Kibale include L’Hoests monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked Mangabeys.

Kyambura Gorge: Kyambura Gorge is located within Queen Elizabeth National Park and is one of the chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda. Although Kyambura Gorge has a smaller population as compared to Kibale, it is still a good place for chimp trekking and you also get to see the different monkey species within the area.

Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forest:  chimpanzee trekking in both Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi is located within Murchison Falls National Park. The primates here live in small groups, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the primates. Some of the primates you should look out for include chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.

Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park: Bwindi and Mgahinga are the gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda, with Bwindi having the highest gorilla population in the world. Besides gorilla trekking, Golden monkey trekking can also be carried out in Mgahinga National Park, and other primates found within the national parks include vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, among others.

Packing list for primate photographic safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Clothes: Packing clothes for a primate safari is extremely important because you need to pack right and less. The color of the clothes packed matters a lot, and the favorable colors include green, khaki, or brown to blend in with the wilderness easily.

Avoid colors blue which is associated with the attraction of tsetse flies, which easily absorbs heat, and camouflage which is associated with the army. Two pairs of clothes are enough but remember to carry a rain jacket and a sweater even though it is the dry season. Long-sleeved shirts, undershirts, and long trousers are the best, but make sure that you avoid packing jeans because when they get wet, they make it hard to trek through the forests.

Gaiters and Garden gloves: Trekking can be straining and since the terrain is different, a walking stick is sometimes needed and you might find yourself grabbing onto the trees and thickets around you. This is where the garden gloves come in handy to protect your hands from bruises from the trees. On the other hand, gaiters are used during the wet season to protect the legs, and we advise that you get adjustable gaiters.

Hiking boots: The terrain within the national park is different, and strong hiking boots are a necessity. The shoes do not necessarily have to be new but should be strong and sturdy, fitting to avoid foot blisters, ankle length to prevent insect crawls and water from getting inside the shoes and, if possible, get waterproof hiking boots.

Gadgets: These are necessary for photography safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Some gadgets you should carry include a camera, phone, and binoculars. A camera is so important but if this is your first time, we suggest that you carry a point-and-shoot camera to take photos easily, you will need a tripod, extra memory and batteries, an extra lens, and a camera bag to carry all the equipment. Binoculars help spot primates that are hidden or far away, and in cases where you have a phone with a good camera, carry one but keep it silent.

Thick socks: These are a necessity, and they not only keep you warm but trousers are usually tucked into the socks to avoid insects crawling up your legs. 

Other essential things to pack for the primate safari include a well-stocked first aid kit, refillable water bottle, snacks, valid documents, biodegradable toilet paper, personal toiletries, wet wipes, recognition books, and cash.

Primate trekking rules and regulations

Both chimpanzee and gorilla trekking have rules that were put in place, and these have to be followed during and before the trek. All tourists are expected to follow all these rules and regulations to protect the primates from extinction and the tourists. These primate rules are re-echoed before the start of the hike, and some of the rules that were set up include the following:

• The minimum age for primate trekking in Uganda was changed from 15 years and is currently 15 years for all tourists, whereas the minimum age in Rwanda is 15 years.
• Flash photography is not allowed with the primates, and all tourists are advised to turn off their camera flash before taking photos.
• No waste is allowed within the trekking premises and if you feel like using the toilet for either number one or two, you should dig a hole about 30cm deep and cover it well. You can always borrow a shovel from the guides.
• Tourists are to pick up their rubbish and stay with it until they can easily dispose of it in the designated areas. This is to keep the natural habitat safe and free from things that might cause harm to the primates.
• You are to keep at least 7 meters between you and the primates to avoid the easy spread of diseases from humans to primates.
• Smoking within proximity to the primates is not allowed, and this is to protect the primates that are highly prone to diseases.
• Eating and drinking are prohibited because crumbs might fall in the forest and primates get them which might infect them.
• In cases where you feel sick before the trekking day, we advise that you volunteer not to trek especially if you have a cough and flu. This is to prevent primates from falling sick, which might wipe out the entire primate family.
• If you feel like coughing or sneezing, turn away from the primates and cover your mouth.
• Avoid making unnecessary movements when with the primates, especially gorillas, because this might be seen as a challenge by the silverbacks; talk in low tones and avoid making noise, turn off your phones or put them in flight mode where necessary, and you are not allowed to feed the primates.

The cost of primate trekking in Uganda and Rwanda 

The cost of the primate safari in Uganda and Rwanda depends on several factors, with the cost of the trekking permits highly determining the cost. The cost is affected by the season of travel, transport, accommodation, and primate trekking destination. 

Accommodation: Accommodation is categorized into three categories: basic, mid-range, and luxurious accommodation facilities, and you get to choose the facilities that match your budget and personal needs.

Season of travel: Uganda and Rwanda have two seasons which are the dry/peak and wet/low season. The peak season is an expensive time to travel due to the increased rates on accommodation and the high number of tourists, whereas discounts are offered during the low season to attract more tourists. Both are good seasons of travel accommodating all types of tourists interested in the Primate Photography safari in Uganda and Rwanda.

Transport: There are two ways of travel: road transport, which is a far cheaper option, and air transport, which is a faster but expensive option. Charter flights can be arranged to the different destinations. While driving, you can opt for a self-drive or contact a safari company to help you organize transport, which is the cheaper option.

Trekking permits: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is only possible if you have a permit, but this does not affect other primates. However, since chimpanzees and gorillas are the main attractions, you must purchase a permit before entering the National Parks. The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is $800, $1500 in Rwanda and the chimpanzee trekking permit depends on the destination chosen. To learn more about the trekking permit cost, check out our website for more information.

 A Primate Photography safari in Uganda and Rwanda is a one-in-a-lifetime experience that every tourist should engage in, and this is your opportunity to participate in one. Contact us to help you organize your safari for any season of travel.