Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkey trekking is one of the incredible primate experiences on which visitors get to see the endangered golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
Golden monkeys are endangered p rimates, this active and exciting primate activities can only be done in three destinations in the whole world that is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Golden monkeys are sub-specie of the Skykes Monkeys also referred to as “Blue Monkeys”, they are scientifically known as Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti and live in large troops of about 60 members, mostly on the slower slopes of mountains within the Virunga ranges.
The golden monkeys stand out from other primates because of the orange/gold spot on their fur coats, the golden monkeys are considered to be the most beautiful and cute monkey species in Africa and they generally feed on bamboo shoots/ branches and occasionally look for ripe fruits and insects on the group. They are very active, curious and playful, on golden monkey trekking you will see them always jumping from tree to tree as they look for food or escape from their predators such as the golden eagle.
Just like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are listed as an endangered species by The Internatioal Union for Conservation of Nature with about 5000 individuals roaming the planet. The golden monkeys are threatened by human encroachment on their habitat as well as civil wars within certain parts of the Virunga Region.
Because they are endangered species and unique, trekking golden monkeys has become a popular safari activity offering visitors a chance to see them in their natural habitat and in the same way contribute to their conservation efforts.
Where to see golden monkeys
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In Uganda, golden monkeys are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This incredible primate habitat is the only protected areas in Uganda harboring the endangered and rare golden monkeys located in Southwestern Uganda in Kisoro District.
The park derives its name “Gahinga” from a Kinyarwanda world that means the small lave stones which are common in the gardens along the Virunga volcano foothill. Covering an area of 33.7 square kilometers, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest safari park in Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park staddles the magnificent slopes of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, these massifs rise at an altitude of 4,507 m on the Uganda border with Rwanda and DR. Congo. These three Volcanoes that is Sabyinyo (3669m), Gahinga 3474m), and Muhabura (4127m) are dominated by Bamboo forests which are home to the beautiful golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where you find the rare and endangered golden monkeys, this beautiful park comprising of mist – swathed mountain and emerald forests is located on the northwest border of Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park spans 62 square miles of montane rainforest with five of its eight volcanoes, the park was gazetted as a protected area in 1925.
Volcanoes National Park is home to two habituated troops of golden monkeys and the larger troop is found in Sabyinto Volcanoes with 80 – 100 members and is the most visited.
Virunga National Park
In DR. Congo, Golden Monkeys are found in Virunga National Park. This beautiful park is found in the Eastern part of DR Congo. However, gorilla trekking activity in Virunga national park is not yet fully open to visitors due to several reasons such as security.
Golden Monkey Trekking Experience
Golden monkey trekking experience is a very interesting primate safari activity taking visitors to the habitat of the golden monkeys, this thrilling adventure takes on a hike through the jungle to the bamboo forests where the golden monkeys thrive.
Golden monkey trekking starts as early as 07:00 am with briefing at the park’s headquarters conducted by a ranger who takes you through rules and regulations to follow while in the forest and in their presence, enter into the forests in search for the golden monkeys. The trek takes approximately 2 to 4 hours depending on the movement of the golden monkeys, the golden monkeys are very mobile primates as they keep moving from one place to another.
When you find them, you will watch them play from one tree to another, collecting bamboo shoots which they find on and you are allowed to spend one hour in their presence learning about their behaviors and taking pictures.
Cost of golden monkey trekking permit
To take part in golden monkey trekking experience, you need to have a golden monkey trekking permit, the permit is issued to tourists above the age of 15 years. The price of a golden monkey permit varies from Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo.
Cost of golden monkey permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- USD 60 for foreign non-residents
- USD 60 for foreign residents
- UGX 40,000 for East African Citizens
Cost of golden monkey permit in Volcanoes National Park
- USD 100 for foreign non-residents
- USD 80 for foreign residents
- USD 65 for East African Citizens
The price of golden monkey trekking permit includes park entrance fees, one hour encounter with the golden monkeys and services of a park guide.
Best time to go golden monkey trekking
Gorilla trekking can be done any time of the year, however the best time for this thrilling primate activity is during the dry season which coincides with the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February.
In the dry season months, the hiking trails will be passable and the vegetation cover is thin, offer you an opportunity to have clear viewing of the golden monkeys and other forest wildlife.
PACKING LIST OF GOLDEN MONKEY TREK
To have an incredible golden monkey trekking experience, you need to have the right items for the adventure.
- Insect repellents to protect you from insect bites
- Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm
- Carry long stockings to prevent insects from entering your trousers
- Comfortable and well-fitting hiking boots to help you hiking on slippery trails
- Walking stick to give you support
- Energy snacks such as chocolate and drinking
- Camera and extra batteries to takes photos and record videos with
