L’Hoest’s monkey (Allochrocebus lhoesti) is a forest monkey of the Albertine Rift, found in eastern Congo, western Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. It has dark fur, a chestnut back and a striking white beard and bib. Unusually for a forest monkey, it spends much of its time on the ground. It is classified as Vulnerable. Bwindi, Kibale, Maramagambo Forest and Nyungwe are the best places to see it.
Key takeaways
- Endemic to the Albertine Rift forests.
- Recognisable by its white beard and chestnut saddle.
- Often seen on the ground, especially along trails and forest edges.
- Classified as Vulnerable.
- Commonly seen on gorilla and chimp treks.
L’Hoest’s monkeys are easy to love: dark and elegant, with a bright white beard and a habit of strolling along forest trails with their tails curled high. Many visitors meet them unexpectedly on the walk to the gorillas or while waiting for chimpanzees, and they are one of the special primates of the Albertine Rift.
Appearance
L’Hoest’s monkeys have dark grey to black fur, a chestnut-coloured saddle across the back and a striking white beard and bib that frames the face. Males are larger than females. The long tail is often held curved upwards as they walk, a useful identification clue.
Behaviour
Unlike most forest monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys spend a lot of time on or near the ground, foraging in the undergrowth and along the forest edge. They live in groups of up to about 20, usually with one adult male and several females with young. They are shy and tend to move away quietly when they notice people.
Diet
They feed on leaves, herbs, fruit, mushrooms, roots and insects, and sometimes raid crops at the forest edge. Their ground-feeding habits mean they are often seen on roads and trails early and late in the day.
Where to see L’Hoest’s monkeys
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: common along the Buhoma waterfall trail and in the Ruhija sector.
- Kibale National Park: regularly seen on the chimp-tracking trails and at Bigodi.
- Maramagambo Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: often seen along the main road through the forest.
Conservation
L’Hoest’s monkey is classified as Vulnerable. Its range is limited to the Albertine Rift, and it is threatened by forest loss, hunting and snares. National parks such as Bwindi, Kibale and Nyungwe are its strongholds, and tourism helps fund their protection.
Walk slowly and quietly on forest trails in the early morning. L’Hoest’s monkeys often cross the path or sit at the forest edge, and a calm approach gives you the best views.
Other primates to look for
On the same walks you may see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Kibale alone has 13 primate species, making it one of the richest primate forests in Africa.
How to tell L’Hoest’s monkey from similar species
| Species | Key features | Where |
|---|---|---|
| L’Hoest’s monkey | Dark body, white beard and bib, chestnut saddle, often on the ground | Albertine Rift forests |
| Blue monkey | Grey-blue body, no white beard, mostly in trees | Forests across East Africa |
| Red-tailed monkey | White nose spot, white cheeks, red tail | Kibale, Bwindi, lowland forests |
| Black-and-white colobus | Black body, long white mantle and tail tuft, high in trees | Forests across Uganda and Rwanda |
Best time to see them
L’Hoest’s monkeys are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, when they forage along forest edges, roads and trails. They are seen year-round. Walking quietly on forest trails or birding along the road through Bwindi’s ‘neck’ or Nyungwe gives the best chance.
Photography tips
They are shy, so stay still and let them come into the open rather than approaching. A medium zoom lens is ideal, and the dark fur against a dark forest background needs careful exposure: expose for the face and the white beard rather than the shadows.
Why the Albertine Rift matters
The Albertine Rift, the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, is one of Africa’s richest regions for endemic species: animals and plants found nowhere else. Besides L’Hoest’s monkey, it is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and dozens of endemic birds such as the Rwenzori turaco and the African green broadbill. Protecting its forests protects all of them.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see L’Hoest’s monkeys?
Bwindi (especially Buhoma and Ruhija), Kibale and Nyungwe, where they are often seen on forest trails and roads.
Why do they spend time on the ground?
They forage for leaves, fruit, mushrooms and insects on the forest floor and in the undergrowth, more than most forest monkeys.
Are they dangerous?
No. They are shy and usually move away from people.
How do I recognise one?
Look for a dark monkey with a white beard and bib, a chestnut back and a long tail often held up in a curve.
Are they related to other monkeys?
They are part of the guenon family, related to blue and red-tailed monkeys.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
