Gorilla safaris – a peek in the life of primates

A free article on Travel and Leisure

By: Clint Jhonson

The definition of primates places them in the category of mammals, which includes humans, apes, lemurs and monkeys. It ranges from lemurs, which bear no resemblance to us, to chimpanzees, which are our closest non-human relatives. The sizes of primates vary from 60g, the average weight of a bushbaby, to 200 kg the weight of a gorilla. The characteristics of primates include a complex brain, complex binocular vision and means of grasping. Other characteristics of them consist of long period experienced in the womb, which precedes slow maturation and a more elongated lifespan than other animals.

These animals have always fascinated people. As a result, people have engaged extensive research about their way of life. However, their observation is not solely in the name of science. People can choose to watch them in their natural habitat out of curiosity. The best place to watch them is in Africa. On this continent, where many scientists believed that human first emerged, species of primates still make the objects of discoveries. Nowadays, within the African continent, there live a total number of 51 primate species.

When you engage in gorilla safaris, keep in mind about 80% of them live in rainforests. The majority of rainforests are in the Eastern part of Africa. A relatively small number of species are able to survive in other parts like savannahs and sub-desert areas. Among these species, we can name the baboon, vervet monkeys and chimpanzees. It is common for travelers to East Africa to encounter these species on their routes. However, most primates are still dependent on cliffs and trees for security. Only two species of primates sleep on the ground – humans and gorillas.

The best place to undertake gorilla safaris is Uganda. Winston Churchill gave the name ‘Pearl of Africa’ to this country. Travelers can enjoy green rolling gills, rainforests, snowcapped mountains, massive lakes and majestic rivers that form the stunning landscape of Uganda. National parks have been setup for travelers to undertake gorilla safaris and peak in the lives of the primates and wildlife for which Africa is renowned. Apart from gorilla safaris, other activities enhance the appeal of the country for tourists, like the endowments for white water rafting and sport fishing.

There are many places you can visit in Uganda, but if you want to see the mountain gorillas, Bwindi National park is the place to go. In the past, people called it the Impenetrable forest. This is where more than half the population of mountain gorillas live, and beside them other 8 species of primates. The population of this park also includes over 300 species of birds, 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 types of chameleon, 14 kinds of lizards and about 200 species of butterflies.

Uganda is not the only place in Africa that enjoys this kind of diversity. In the Indian Ocean, off the southeast coast of Africa, opposite Mozambique lies the island Madagascar. This is the fourth largest island in the world and is equally as impressive in the diversity of its flora and fauna. Madagascar tours offer a chance to peak in the lifestyle of other impressive animals. It may not be the home of the mountain gorillas, but there are more than 30 species of lemur to observe when undertaking Madagascar tours. The species vary from the smallest primates in the world – the nocturnal mouse lemur – to the largest lemur that ever existed – the Indri.

The Madagascar tours also offer the chance to look at endemic fauna. A hundred and six species of birds live only on this island. Moreover, 98% of the reptiles and amphibians you will see are unique and specific to this region alone. It is also a home for half of the world’s species of chameleons. Chances are that travelers may see swordfish, sharks, stingrays and whales in the waters surrounding the island. Madagascar tours offer an unforgettable experience at affordable prices.

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Primates are our closest relatives. For us to observe them in the wild and peek in their lives, gorilla safaris in Uganda are the best option we have. Madagascar tours also offer the possibility to observe lemurs or other animals.

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