Best Safari destinations to see primates in Kenya

Best Safari destinations to see primates in Kenya : One of the most popular safari destinations in Africa is Kenya, which is known as the “heart of safaris.” Although Kenya is home to a few primate species, it is not regarded as the ideal location for primates, even if it is home to the big five that are found in other Kenya safari destinations.

Kakamega Forest National Reserve.

One of the best safari destinations in Kenya to see primates is Kakamega National Reserve. The Reserve is the last surviving remnant of a rainforest that runs from Central Africa and is situated in Kakamega County, approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi. Its protected area is approximately 44.7 square kilometers. Mammals such as De Brazza monkeys, Pottos monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, forest hedgehogs, and many more may be found at Kakamega Forest National Reserve.

In the local tongue, Kakamega means “pinch.” It is bigger than Nairobi National Park and open year-round, although the ideal time to visit is from April to July, when it rains. The reserve is separated into two sections: the Forestry Department is in charge of the southern portion of the forest, while Kenya Wildlife Services is in charge of the northern portion. The southern point access is at Isecheno Area, whereas the northern point entry is from Buyangu Area, which is about two kilometers off the main road and within walking distance of the Kenya Wildlife Services.

Numerous soft and hardwood species, such as Elgon teak, white stink woods, and red stink woods, may be found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve. Additionally, stranglers that grow from other trees and eventually strangle their host to death can be found there. The Forest Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species, including seven primate species, including the endangered DeBrazza monkey, olive baboon, red-tailed monkey, and blue monkey, among others.

The gigantic water shrew, flying squirrels, leopards, forest hogs, mongooses, clawless otters, aardvarks, and porcupines are among the various animal species that can be found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve. Among the more than 360 bird species that call it home are Turner’s eremomela, African grey parrots, charpin flycatchers, and goliath beetles.

Tana River Primate National Reserve.

Tana River Primate National Reserve, which spans more than 170 square kilometers in southeast Kenya, is the greatest spot to visit primates in Kenya. In order to safeguard the two endangered species—the crested mangabey and the red colobus monkey—the primate reserve was established between 1976 and 2007. The reserve is located in Bohoni state and is traversed by the Tana River, Kenya’s largest river. It is encircled by riverine woods and features a magnificent waterfall that cascades into the Indian Ocean. Savannah grasslands, woods, and riparian forests are its defining features.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The only location in Kenya where visitors can see chimpanzees is Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Ol Pejeta, in northern Kenya’s Laikipia County, is home to Sweetwaters Sanctuary. Since it houses chimpanzees that have suffered physical, mental, and psychological harm as a result of a civil war in Burundi, it is the only location in Kenya where chimpanzee safaris are arranged. The refuge also houses abused chimps, which has helped them acclimate to a stress-free, normal environment.

With the help of an agreement between the Kenya Wildlife Services, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and the Jane Goodall Institute which is renowned for leading chimpanzee conservation and protection in East Africa and other nations worldwide the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established primarily to provide long-term sanctuary to abused and orphaned chimpanzees from Central and West Africa.

The chimpanzees at Sweetwater Sanctuary receive extra stimulation and care. Once they arrive at the refuge, they are nursed back to health before being reintroduced. Many orphaned, mistreated, and injured chimpanzees have been brought to Sweetwater over the years. They are taken from terrible situations and given a new beginning here after suffering significant injuries, being confined, and living in unusual surroundings.