Uganda and Rwanda are countries with remarkable diversity, teeming with life and natural beauty that never fails to astound. Among its extraordinary residents are the great apes, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. These magnificent creatures are celebrated for their intelligence and intricate social structures, captivating the hearts and minds of wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers from around the world.
The term “great apes” refers to a group of large primates that share a common ancestry with humans. Scientifically classified as Hominidae or hominids, this group includes gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans. Uganda and Rwanda are a home two of these great ape species, making it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Africa that will leave you in awe, the Great Apes of Africa Expedition is the perfect choice. This exciting journey will take you deep into the pristine rain forests of Uganda and Rwanda, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to come face-to-face with these African great apes in their natural habitats. The great apes of Uganda and Rwanda are.
The mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are only found in three countries Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has about half of the overall population in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Congo, the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park while in Rwanda you can find them in the Volcanoes National Park. These areas provide the right habitat, ecology and altitude to allow the mountain gorillas thrive. The high altitude supports dense vegetation, are cold and cloudy.
Mountain gorillas are characterized by a thicker fur compared to all the other types of gorillas in Africa. This allows them to live in cold higher altitudes. Adult male mountain gorillas are known as silverbacks because of the silver hair behind their back. An adult female gorilla weighs about 100 kilograms while a silverback gorilla can weigh about 195 kilograms. Silverbacks are also taller and four times stronger than the largest human.
Mountain gorilla is led by a dominant silverback. The other males in the group can choose to live as bachelor in the group before hopefully taking over from the dominant silverback or leave to find mates. Females usually move on to join a lone male or another group of their preference once they reach age. Females are known for changing groups throughout their life. Because of their considerable size and weight, gorillas live mostly on the ground. Both species build nests on the ground to rest in the middle and end of each day using leaves, shrubs and tree branches. Juveniles and females may build their nests on top of trees.
Only about 20 percent of mountain gorillas are habituated. Mountain gorilla habituation is a two-year process of allowing time for a particular group to get used to humans in their midst. Non-habituated mountain gorillas are unpredictable and visitors are not allowed near them.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons, specifically from June to August and December to February, when the trails are drier and easier to navigate.
The Chimpanzees
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
Chimpanzees are large, powerful primates, with hairless hands, feet and faces. Though smaller than gorillas, they tend to be livelier, noisier and generally more arboreal. The chimpanzee communities may number 15 to 150 members. They observe complex patriarchal social structures, in which individuals switch between smaller groups according to political allegiances.
Youngsters are highly dependent upon their mothers, and not weaned for three years. Studies of chimps, both wild and captive, have revealed impressive cognitive skills, including tool-use and language, and advanced levels of emotion and self-awareness.
Chimpanzee Trekking is one of the most popular tourism activities in Uganda and Rwanda. It comes second only after gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is done in a few designated areas. These include Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kalinzu Forest in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking offers Travelers the chance to get close to the primates and spend some quality time with them.
Chimpanzees can be viewed throughout the year in both Rwanda and Uganda. However, the dry season is generally considered to the best time to see chimpanzees. That is because the access routes and trails in the forests are usually dry, accessible and mud free. The vegetation is less dense during the dry season hence allowing tourists to observe the primates better.
In conclusion
The of a primate tracking tour in Uganda and Rwanda is expensive but an encounter with these apes is the ultimate wildlife experience. Whereas a safari to spot the big five is great, nothing beats watching these apes in their natural habitat