East Africa is the exclusive home to three of these great ape species making it a fascinating destination for wildlife addicts and conservationists. Particularly East Africa is home to several species of great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos. These intelligent, social, and charismatic animals inhabit the region’s forests, mountains, and woodlands. And if you’re seeking an unforgettable primate safari in East Africa that will leave you in awe, the Great Apes is the perfect choice. This exciting journey will take you deep into the pristine rainforests of Uganda, DRC, Tanzania and Rwanda, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to come face-to-face with these East African great apes in their natural habitats which is one of life’s most extraordinary experiences.
What are the Unique Characteristics of Great apes?
Great apes are known for their problem-solving abilities and capabilities of many intelligent behaviors, such as recognizing themselves in a mirror, learning sign language, and making simple tools. They spend most of their time on the ground and sleep at night in nests built in trees, though they prefer to stay in the trees during the day too. Many great ape species are very different from one another. For example, chimpanzees and bonobos live in groups of up to 100 individuals. Another example is mating habits, Gorillas form groups with mature females and one dominant male who has exclusive mating rights which is not the case with Chimpanzees.
Great Apes to See in Africa
CHIMPANZEES:
Chimpanzees also know as the Pan Troglodytes are found across several East African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. They thrive in a variety of forested environments, from tropical rainforests to savanna woodlands. Chimpanzees are known for their intelligence and complex social structures. They use tools, communicate using a variety of vocalizations and gestures, and exhibit a wide range of emotions. Chimpanzees are currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Chimpanzees can be best seen in Kibale Forest of Uganda and Nyungwe Forest of Rwanda.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas
These gorillas are found in the lowland rainforests of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The eastern lowland gorilla, which is often referred to as Grauer’s gorilla, is the largest of the four subspecies classified as gorillas and are generally more robust having a varied diet, feeding on fruits, leaves, and roots. The are characterised with stocky build, huge hands, and a short nose which set them apart from other gorillas despite the fact that they are relatively small. Critically endangered, eastern lowland gorillas face severe threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and civil unrest in their home country.
Mountain Gorillas:
Mountain gorillas primarily inhabit the volcanic mountains of the Virunga region, which spans parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are found in montane forests, characterized by dense vegetation and cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. Mountain gorillas are larger than their lowland relatives and live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male. They are herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits. While still endangered, mountain gorilla populations have shown signs of recovery thanks to concerted conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and ecotourism initiatives. Most gorilla trekking safaris sold by tour operators focus on mountain gorilla watching.
Western Lowland Gorilla
The western lowland gorilla is the gorilla subspecies that is the most widespread and has the greatest number of individuals. Some of the countries in which populations can be found are the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result of the fact that they live in some of the most dense and inaccessible rainforests in East Africa, the actual number of western lowland gorillas is unknown. There are still significant populations, including those that are found in wetlands that are isolated from one another and in the marshy woods of the Republic of Congo.
Bonobos:
Bonobos are found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the centre of Africa. They live in lowland rainforests and often eat in trees, though they climb down and travel on the ground to move between trees.
Conclusion:
As you plan the journey into the world of great Apes be reminded the connection we share with these spacious beings and always respect and preserve the natural world to ensure their long-term survival.
Photo de Fabiana Rizzi sur Unsplash
