Primates

Have you ever wanted to see primates in their natural habitat?

Read further to find the top destinations, facts, and travel advice to see primates. Orangutan, gorilla, chimpanzee, bonobo and human.

These five great primates are so defined because they do not have tails and are slightly ahead of their cousin’s monkeys on the evolution scale.

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• Bondo Apes
• How Many Gorillas Are Left In The World
• Finger Monkeys (Marmoset) Facts
• Where to See Chimpanzees
• All About Baboons in Africa
• Best Places to See Orangutans
• Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Interested? Read further or jump to any headline below.

Primates

There are an estimated 704 species and subspecies of primates. 69% are threatened by extinction.

Primates typically have large, highly developed brains, forward-facing color vision, and flexible hands and feet with opposable thumbs and fingernails. Primates have slower developmental rates than other similarly sized mammals, reaching maturity later, but have longer lifespans. Except for humans, who live globally, most primates live in tropical or subtropical regions.

Amazingly, human beings belong to the same animal family as the Great Apes. Humans/ Homo Sapiens Sapiens are the only extensions of the ape family that can walk upright on two legs, evolving from the earlier human, Homo Erectus ( upright walking man).

The natural order of Primates is divided into these classifications:

• • Great Apes: bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, humans, and orangutans

• • ​Lesser Apes: gibbons ​

• • Monkeys: baboons, capuchin monkeys, colobus monkeys, drills, geladas, guenons, howler monkeys, langurs, macaques, mandrills, mangabeys, marmosets, night monkeys, patas monkeys, proboscis monkeys, sakis, snub-nosed monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, tamarins, titis, uakaris, and woolly monkeys

• • ​​Prosimians: the oldest, most “primitive” order of primates, including galagos or bushbabies, lemurs, lorises, pottos, and tarsiers​ ​​

Top 5 Recommended Locations

#1 Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

#2 Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda.

#3 Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda.

#4 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

#5 Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.

Baboons in Africa

Five species of baboons exist around the world. These Baboon species are the Chacma, Olive, Yellow, Guinea, and Hamadryas baboons.

Four ( excluding the Hamadryas) are in southern, central, and northern Africa. They are known as Savanna baboons. These baboons are categorized, too, by their complex, hierarchical order of troops, which may consist of up to hundreds of members.

A fascination to study and track. Troops are known to be dominated by males who influence movements and relationships within the group structure. The Hamadryas baboon may be located along the red sea, from Northern Africa to, and around Arabia.

	Olive	Yellow	Guinea	Hamadryas	Chacma
	Green-Grey	Light-Brownish yellow	Reddish	White/Silver (male) and Brown (female)	Dark Brown
	Equatorial Africa	Central Africa	West Africa	North eastern Africa along the Red Sea	Southern Africa
	Savannah, woodlands, Grasslands	Savannah, forests & shrubs	Savannah, woodlands & coastal grasslands	Savannah semi-desert and rocky areas	Savannah and semi-arid desert
	25 years	15-20 Years	20- 30 years	20 years	30-40 years
	15- 200 members	20- 200 members	Up to 200 members	Four- Level social system	Smaller social groupings

#1 Olive Baboon

The common name is derived from its coat colour, which is a shade of green-grey at a distance.

Visit 

• • Safari in kenya

• • Tour Operator: Shadows of Africa Tours

#2 Yellow Baboons

Their scientific name translates to ‘dog-head’ in Greek due to the dog-like shape of the muzzle and head. Yellow baboons are smaller in stature/ slimmer bodies with long arms and legs and, of course, their yellowish-brown hair.

Visit: 

• • Zambian Border Victoria Falls and Kasanka National park

• • Tour operators: Absolute Zambia safaris

#3 Guinea Baboons

• • The Guinea baboon inhabits a small area in western Africa. Its range includes Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, southern Mauritania and western Mali.

Visit

• • Western Africa, Gambia: Abuko Nature reserve

• •  Tour Operators: Black and white Safari tours

#4 Hamadryas Baboons

Hamadryas Baboons have been wandering the northeastern African desert for thousands of years. Even worshiped in Ancient Egyptian Mythology.

The baboon’s geographical range extends from the Red Sea in Eritrea to Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia.

Visit

• • North East Africa/ Red Sea

• • Tour Operators: Safari Sahara, Egypt

 #5 Chacma Baboons

South Africa boasts some of the most visited tourist spots in the world, featuring endemic biodiversity and wildlife that varies extensively, offering a rich experience for visitors.

The word “chacma” is derived from the Hottentot (Khoikhoi) name for a baboon. Remarkably the Chacma baboons in the cape and along the coastal stretches of the mountain side, have sustained a diet of fruit, roots, insects, and foraging mussels along the shore-front; a lifestyle and diet reminiscent of human ancestors in the cape 100 000 years ago.

Visit

• • Local wonders: Smitswinkel Bay Beach

• • Cape Point stays : Olifantsbos Guest House and Eland and Duikers Cottage

• • Tour Operators: City Sightseeing south africa. 

Also Visit

• • Mpumalanga Province: Kruger National park

• • Kruger park Tours by African Safari Vacations

Five species of Baboons in Africa exist. They are sensitive and brilliant social creatures. Witnessing their social dynamics and caring for one another is a remarkable sight to see. We hope you’ll be able to visit them in their natural habitats, where they roam their world, which borders on our own. They are not animals to fear but rather animals to love, and we should honor their existence by promoting their beautiful natures.

Want to learn more about the types of baboons you can see in wild Africa? look at our Baboon Blog.

Bonobos ( Pygmy Chimpanzee)

Bonobos and chimpanzees look very similar and share 98.7% of their DNA with humans. Bonobos share 98.7% of their genetic code with humans, making them, along with chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. As the last great ape to be scientifically discovered, much remains unknown about the bonobo.

Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing)

Lifespan: 40 years (In captivity)

Scientific name: Pan paniscus

Height: 1,2 m (Adult)

Trophic level: Omnivorous

Mass: Male: 34 – 60 kg (Adult), Female: 30 kg (Adult)

Wild bonobos can only be found in forests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Operators

• • Congo Travel and Tours Bonobo Trekking ( Lyonji Reserve)

• • African Wildlife Foundation: 15 Day Bonobos Tour

Civil unrest and increasing poverty around the bonobos’ forests have contributed to bonobo poaching and deforestation.

Though the size of the bonobo population is largely unknown, it has likely been declining for the last 30 years. Scientists believe the decline will continue for the next 45 to 55 years due to the bonobo’s low reproductive rate and growing threats.

Adopt a Bonobo or Donate via Bonobo|Species|WWF .

Where to See Chimpanzees?

Chimpanzees are great apes found all across Central and West Africa. And along with bonobos, they are the closest living relatives to humans, sharing 98.7 percent of our genetic blueprint. Humans and chimps are also thought to share a common ancestor who lived some seven to thirteen million years ago.

Scientific name: Pan troglodytes

Trophic level: Omnivorous

Family: Hominidae

Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing)

Order: Primates

Lifespan: Female: 39 years (In captivity), Male: 32 years (In captivity)

Mass: Male: 40 – 60 kg (Adult), Female: 32 – 47 kg (Adult)

Habitat/ Diet

Chimpanzees have the broadest range of any great ape regarding diet and habitat. Although many populations live in tropical rainforests, they can also be found in woodlands and grasslands spanning Central to Western Africa.

They usually sleep in trees—typically the sturdy Ugandan ironwood tree, which offers the firmest and stable place to sleep—and build themselves nests of leaves for warmth and comfort.

Social Groupings

Chimpanzees, like humans are highly social beings. They live in communities of several dozen animals, led by an alpha male and his coalition of male allies.

Research has shown that male and female chimps have individual personalities, with females being more trusting, timid and thoughtful. Grooming is an important part of their social life, as it helps chimpanzees bond as they remove ticks and dirt from one another’s bodies.

Intelligence ( and tool use)

Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and are able to solve many kinds of problems posed to them by human trainers and scientists. A number of researchers have taught chimpanzees to use sign language or languages based on the display of tokens or pictorial symbols.

Conservation Status

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared the chimpanzee as an endangered species—and the booming human population is primarily to blame. Logging, mining, oil extraction, and new road and highway projects threaten to further degrade and fragment the chimp’s habitat.

Conservation efforts

Chimpanzees are protected by national and international laws, including the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Some of their habitat is protected as sanctuaries or reserves, too. Conservation organizations are always trying to expand these protected areas, while also pushing for an end to the illegal killing and taking of the animals.

Key to securing the future of the chimpanzee, though, is improving its relationship with humans. Many organizations work with communities to build awareness about the threats chimpanzees face, develop action plans to preserve their habitats, and help community members develop alternative livelihoods that do not jeopardize the animal’s habitat.

Where to see them

Sanctuaries we believe in supporting!

Uganda  Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Sierra leone Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

SA Chimp Eden

Still curious about the Chimpanzee? Have a look at our Chimpanzee guide!

The Gorilla

Gorillas are ground-dwelling, predominantly herbivorous apes that inhabit the forest of central Sub-Saharan Africa. The genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the eastern gorillas and the western gorillas (critically endangered), and are the largest of the primates.

Lifespan: 35 – 40 years

Height: Western gorilla: 1,6 – 1,7 m

Family: Hominidae

Scientific name: Gorilla

Gestation period: Western gorilla: 257 days

Mass: Western gorilla: 160 kg, Eastern gorilla: 150 kg

Critically endangered status:

However, positively, the Gorilla populations have been on the increase. The rise in numbers follows the introduction of park guards, veterinary care, community support projects, and regulated tourism. This also leads to increasing numbers of gorilla safaris, gorilla tours, and gorilla tracking.

Nevertheless, that still puts them on the critically endangered list (two classifications away from completely Extinct).

Location

There are only two separate primates gorilla populations of mountain gorillas left in the world, with a total population of over 1,000 gorillas in the wild:

• • Virunga Mountains, Central Africa (440km² area)

• • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (330km² area)

The first population, in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, is scattered between the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park), Uganda (Mgahinga National Park) and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), with a total population size of 604 in 2018. Famous for it’s gorilla safaris and gorilla tours.

The second population lives in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), where gorilla safaris and tours are also popular. The total size is estimated to be around 400 as of 2018.

When to visit?

Mountain Gorilla trekking or safari is a year-round activity in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Peak season is July and August, with “long rains” from March to May and “short rains” in November.

Factors to take into consideration for decision making: There are different criteria you want to consider when choosing the best country for your trip. For example:

• • Price

• • Nature/ Country Demographics

• • Safety

Booking permits

Visitors are capped to limit disturbance or the possibility of the spread of disease.

Once a permit is purchased, you are eligible for one hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in a group of 8 people. The price can be seen as very high but goes directly into protecting and conserving these incredible animals.

Booking Permits for Rwanda

Only 96 people are allowed to see the mountain gorillas each day in Rwanda. If lucky enough to be a part of this unique tour, it is important to remember that you leave a footprint in the forest every time you visit.Gorilla trekking permits can be purchased through a tour guide or the official website of the Rwanda Development Board.

• • Rwanda Development Board Website 

• • [email protected]

Operators

1. 1. Go Gorilla Trekking

1. 1. Birds Nest Safaris

1. 1. 1000 Hills Safari

1. 1. Gorilla Safari Rwanda

1. 1. Rwanda Safari Africa

1. 1. Lets Go Tours Rwanda

1. 1. Insight Safari Rwanda

1. 1. Gorilla Trek Africa

Uganda

Trekking permits need to be bought prior to tracking by booking directly with the reservations office at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Headquarters or through a reputable tour agent. Permits can be paid for up to two years in advance.

• • Uganda Gorilla PDF

• • [email protected]

• • +256 414 355 403/404/405/409/410

Operators

1. 1. Intare Safaris

1. 1. Gorilla Safaris Uganda

1. 1. Safaris with Jon

1. 1. Prime Uganda Safaris

1. 1. East African Jungle Safaris

1. 1. Insight Safari Holidays

1. 1. Wild Whispers Africa

1. 1. Kori Safaris

DRC

You can either book direct with Virunga tourism office in Goma or contact a tour advisor. Booking is advised at least 4 months to the trekking date to ensure timely planning and smooth flow of operations.

• • Virunga National Park

The gorilla trekking permits of the Virunga national park are the most affordable at 400 USD however, lately, the park sells the package along with the accommodations and transport.

Preparations

Due to the humid weather and high terrain visitor thoughtfulness is advised. Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings. As a result, steady walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. Rainwear is useful. Research and abide by park rules!

Conservation Status

Gorillas are among the most endangered animal species of all. The reasons are the destruction of their habitats in Africa through deforestation and mining as well as the Ebola virus. In addition, poachers achieve high prices for gorilla meat.

In conclusion, Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Safaris or Gorilla Tours are awesome experiences! It can be done in a very luxurious safari adventure or on a budget when organizing your trip yourself. Seeing the diminishing numbers of mountain gorillas this animal is something you really want to witness during your (and their) remaining life time.

Do you love Gorillas as much as we do and recognize the importance to support conservation relief efforts? Read further here.

Orangutans

The name orangutan means “man of the forest” in Malay. These great apes share 96.4% of our genes and are highly intelligent creatures. Orangutans are “gardeners” of the forest, playing a vital role in seed dispersal in their habitats. They live in tropical forests and prefer forests in river valleys and floodplains of their respective islands.

There are generally three different types of orangutans: Borneo Orangutans, Sumatran Orangutans, and Tapanuli Orangutans.  All three species live on Borneo and Sumatra, two huge islands.

Tapanuli orangutans were not discovered as a separate species until 2017 and live on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Their small distribution area can be seen on the map. The species lives in a narrowly limited distribution area, which is a forest area south of Lake Toba. Before the species was biologically defined, the small population of Tapanuli orangutans was counted as Sumatran orangutans.

They are critically endangered!

National Parks

Your chance of success with orangutans is probably higher in Tabin National Park. The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is located in the island’s center and belongs to the Malaysian state of Sabah in the north-east of the island. It is closer to the airport of Lahad Datu. Starting from KK it takes about 45 minutes by plane to cover the 270 kilometers.

Other orangutans live in Gunung Mulu National Park and Bako National Park.

Borneo is home to the largest population of the species of orangutans. It is the third largest island in the world, the largest island in Asia and offers paradisiacal views.

Sumatra

It is the sixth largest island on earth, a tropical treasure of life on the equator. Here we can expect encounters with nature and great cultural diversity.

Together with Borneo it is the only habitat for orangutans living in freedom. Pongo abelii (the Sumatran orangutan) shares the island with the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhino, Sumatran elephant, Malay bear and about 200 other mammal species. By the way, the Sumatran tiger is a reason for the fact that the orangutan is almost exclusively high up in the trees.

The Gunung Leuser National Park is home to about 700 different animal species, including orang utangs, tigers, rhinoceroses, elephants, Thomas langurs, gibbons, macaques, cobras, crocodiles and leopards. It is also home to about 4000 different plant species, including the largest flower in the world, the giant reflower.

Further reading? We’ve got you covered with our Orangutan Blog!

Conservation Status

It has already become extinct in Java, and on Borneo and Sumatra, it is facing the same fate. According to estimates by the World Conservation Union IUCN, there are still around 104,700 orangutans on Borneo and 13.846 on Sumatra. The WWF estimates that the number of orangutans in Borneo is now much lower, at around 54,000.

Solutions to save primates’ habitats

• • – Reforestation of destroyed rainforest on Borneo

• • – Primate reintroduction projects

• • – Environmental education in Indonesia and Germany

• • – Support for the orangutan Primate sanctuary in Pasir Panjang on Borneo

• • – Support of the orangutan primate reintroduction centre in Jantho on Sumatra

Summary of All About Primates

Sharing common ancestors, evolutionary intelligence, and social complexities, primates are incredible animals to witness in their natural habitat.

Which species of primates would you love to learn more about and see in wildlife? let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading.

You may also like our article on finger monkeys.