Golden Monkey Trekking In Volcanoes And Mgahinga National Park

Golden Monkey Trekking can only be done within the Virunga region of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Golden monkeys are a sub-species of the Sykes Monkey also referred to as “Blue Monkeys”. They are scientifically known as Cercopithecus Mitis kandti and reside in large groups of about 60 members mostly on the lower slopes of mountains within the Virunga Rangers.

Golden monkeys are outstanding from other monkey species because they possess gold/orange spots on their fur coats. They are believed to be among the most attractive and adorable monkey species in Africa. Golden monkeys normally eat bamboo shoots/branches but will at times search for ripe fruits and insects on the ground. They are very alluring, funny, and playful. They are always jumping from tree to tree as they search for food or get away from their chief predator the golden eagle.

Like mountain gorillas, Golden monkeys are on the list of endangered species and about 5000 individuals wander the planet. They are intimidated by human infringement on their land and the civil wars within certain regions of the Virunga region. Golden monkeys are mistreated by human communities since they at times move out of parks to make surprise attacks on their gardens. Because of their endangered status and distinctiveness, golden monkey trekking has become very popular. As more tourists come to see them, the world gets informed about their situation hence additional resources are conveyed towards safeguarding them.

Golden Monkey Trekking In Volcanoes And Mgahinga

Where to See Golden Monkeys Golden monkeys can be tracked in the following national parks: –

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda:

Volcanoes National Park currently owns two habituated groups of golden monkeys. The biggest and most frequently visited group resides around the Mount Sabinyo slopes with about 100 individuals. Golden monkey troops can also be found in the Gishwati Forest Reserve. A small group is also suspected to be enduring in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nevertheless, tracking does not take place in the Gishwati Forest Reserve and Nyungwe Forest National Park. The groups found here are not habituated and remain wild.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda:

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has two habituated golden monkey troops in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. The best place for golden monkey tracking is probably Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is prominent because it has an extra group delegated for a four-hour golden monkey habituation experience. During the golden monkey habituation experience, visitors are entitled to more time for observing and understanding the way of life of these primates adjacent to the international researchers, knowledgeable trackers, and guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The Democratic Republic of Congo:

Golden monkeys can also be tracked in the Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Golden Monkey trekking is not yet fully open to visitors in Congo for several reasons inclusive of security.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkey tracking is best done in Uganda and Rwanda. The two countries are well-planned, have superior tourism structures, and are more stable. For Golden Monkey tracking, there is no standard age limit or limitations on the number of people required. Just like gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking also starts with a briefing about the dos and don’ts and the briefing takes place as early as 7:30 am at the park offices. After the briefing is done, tourists may choose to hire a porter to assist with extra luggage before proceeding to the starting point. Golden monkey tracking takes a shorter time (about an hour) and is less demanding than gorilla trekking. Some energy is necessary to find them and since they are tinnier, they do not leave clear evidence of their previous location like mountain gorillas.

They can be located by trackers by looking out for fresh leftovers of bamboo shoots. Every day of golden monkeys tracking golden monkeys is different. The weather and troop movements determine how the day will go. Because of their constant movements from one tree to another, these monkeys are very difficult to spot. The only time the monkeys stay in one place is when seeking refuge during the rains or when it gets too windy. The wind makes it very difficult for the golden monkeys to locate their enemies and a need to stay alert for eagles. Setting your camera on a fast shutter shot speed is the best way to take photos of these cute creatures.

When the monkeys are located, trackers will frequently have to follow them around reason being they enjoy jumping from tree to tree. Their long tails assist them with body balancing although they may get stuck and cut off by the bamboo trees. You can notice some members with short tails as a testament to this. Habituated golden monkeys are not very shy around humans and might get close to you out of curiosity. Just like mountain gorilla tracking, tourists are only permitted to spend one hour with the monkeys. You might be fascinated by the 2-day golden monkey trekking tour in Rwanda. Please keep in mind that we also have the 4 day gorilla and golden monkey trekking package. In case you are interested in a shorter tour to get a glimpse of both primates, then look at our 3 days gorilla and golden monkey trekking safari in Rwanda.

Golden Monkey Habituation in Uganda and Rwanda

Because of their timid and wild nature, a golden monkey troop is required to be habituated before tourists can be permitted to see them. Wild golden monkey troops will walk away from human beings at first sight. Habituating golden monkeys is the procedure of steadily permitting a chosen troop to get comfortable with human beings around them. The golden monkey habituation experience is an exceptional treat offered to visitors who intend to get a more comprehensive understanding of the primates. During the golden monkey habituation experience, visitors are given 4 hours of getting close and studying the behavior of the golden monkeys while getting more detailed information from Researchers.

Golden Monkey Permits

Acquiring a Golden Monkey permit is mandatory to participate in Golden Monkey tracking. The permit only allows the visitor to spend one hour with the primates. Visitors can obtain permits directly from the different country tourism Authorities. In Mgahinga National Park, permits are acquired through the Uganda Wildlife Authority while in Rwanda golden monkey permits are purchased through the Rwanda Development Board. A tour agency can assist you in organizing your entire Golden Monkey trekking trip right from acquiring the permits, accommodation, and transportation. Unlike gorilla permits, the price for golden monkey permits changes frequently. Golden monkey permits do not require being booked in advance like gorilla permits. Acquiring the golden monkey permits on the trekking days is very possible. The chance of seeing golden monkeys is very high. Let’s share information about the prices for tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda and Uganda.

Rwanda: Currently, the price of a single Golden Monkey tracking permit is $100. The price includes ranger and park fees to the Volcanoes National Park. The permits are acquired from the Rwanda Development Board.

Uganda: A single golden monkey permit costs $100 can it can only be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or at the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park headquarters (Ntebeko Centre). The price includes park fees, Ranger/Guide fees, and the time spent with the primates. Visitors who would like to go for the 4-hour golden monkey habituation experience pay $140. The price includes park fees, Ranger/Guide fees, and the time spent with the primates.

Note: Golden monkey tracking is overshadowed by gorilla trekking. In most cases, visitors combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking as a side activity.