Semuliki National Park contains at least eight primate species regularly observed within forested sections.
These range from arboreal monkeys to nocturnal prosimians, each adapted to the park’s humid lowland environment.
The De Brazza’s monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) is one of the most distinctive species in Semuliki. It features a white beard, orange crown, and dark grey fur.
It prefers swamp edges and lower canopy layers. Solitary or small-group movements are everyday. In Semuliki, sightings occur near the Bintente hot spring loop, usually in early morning hours.
The black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza) occupies upper canopy strata and moves in troops of five to ten individuals.
They feed on young leaves, shoots, and occasionally unripe fruit. The absence of a thumb enhances their tree-to-tree locomotion. They rest frequently and remain silent unless alarmed.
Red-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) appear more frequently along open forest edges. Their vocalisation patterns include chirps and high-pitched squeaks.
Their movement is fast, and feeding typically involves small fruits and insects. Observers should note their presence near Kirumia Trail junctions.
Olive baboons (Papio anubis) occupy drier margins of the park and show more terrestrial behaviour.
In addition, they exhibit complex social structures with dominant males and family units. Their foraging zones sometimes extend near ranger posts or vehicle tracks.
While common, they require cautious observation due to their unpredictable temperament.
The grey-cheeked mangabey (Chlorocebus albigena) is harder to spot. It moves in dense sub-canopy groups and produces low, guttural calls.
It prefers feeding on mature fig species and avoids open ground. Observers may hear it before visual confirmation.
Nocturnal primates include the potto (Perodicticus potto) and various galago species. The potto uses slow, deliberate movements. It feeds on gum, insects, and small fruits.
Galagos are agile and communicate through high-frequency clicks and calls. Night walks, usually arranged at the gate sector, present chances for documentation.
Besides these, Semuliki occasionally records sightings of the blue monkey (Chlorocebus mitis), though its local population remains understudied.
Red-tailed monkey
The Red-tailed Monkey also known as the Black-cheeked White-nosed Monkey, is a small, colorful primate in the Old-World monkey family (Cercopithecidae). These monkeys have distinctive red or rusty-colored tails, which give them their name. They also have a white stripe on their noses and dark cheeks, contrasting with their otherwise brown and gray fur. Adults weigh between 3–6 kg (6.6–13.2 pounds), with males typically larger than females. These small primate species are everywhere in Uganda, from Kibale to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki, and every protected tropical forest.
De Brazza’s monkey
De Brazza’s monkey is an outstanding primate species with its white moustache, reddish-brown brow, and distinct blue scrotum. They hang out in Semuliki National Park near Fort Portal City in the west and Mount Elgon National Park in the extreme east.
Red colobus
Also, part of the Uganda primate species, a red colobus is known for its cute big eyes and tufted crown with its contrasting brick-red, grey, and white-colored coat make this primate an extraordinary species to watch. It is closely related to the black-and-white colobus and is very common around Kibale Forest. A few of them can be seen in Semuliki National Park.