Golden monkey trekking is an exceptional primate adventure that draws trekkers close to striking golden monkeys while in the wild. Golden monkeys exist only in the Virunga Area of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) making this region the only area where gold meets silver. Trekking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda is by far the most thrilling experience any trekker on primate safari in Africa shouldn’t miss out. Golden monkeys are a sub-species of the Sykes monkeys also popular as the blue monkeys; scientifically called Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti. They range in large groups of up to 60 individuals mostly along the lower slopes of Virunga Mountain ranges.
Golden monkeys are unique creatures compared to other species of monkeys given the golden orange spot on their fur coats. They depend on bamboo shoos and at times fruits, insects. They are very active, playful and while on golden monkey trekking, they can be spotted jumping from one tree to another. Like chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are also listed among the endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Currently, approximately 5000 of these striking creatures still thrive on earth and only within the Virunga Mountain ranges.
Where to go for golden monkey trekking/tracking
Golden monkey trekking is perfectly conducted in anyone of the following national parks;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the best places to visit for golden monkey trekking in Uganda. About two golden monkey groups have been habituated and readily set for trekking in Mgahinga making it the best golden tracking safari destination. Mgahinga National Park is located in Kisoro district, southwestern Uganda about 8-10 hours’ drive away from Kampala and about 4 hours’ drive away from Kigali. Treks begin with an early morning briefing on the safety measures to be observed while on search for these exceptional creatures.
Golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga National Park cost $60 per person for foreign non-residents and foreign residents; shs.40000 for East African residents. Visitors who may need to enhance their experience, you can embark on golden monkey habituation experience and you can secure a permit at $100 which gives you four hours to strike your imaginations with these magical creatures.
The accommodation options in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro-is a mid-range hotel in Kisoro and it is about 14kms away from the park; Mount Mgahinga Rest Camp, Mount Mgahinga Lodge-is just close at the entrance of the park and it is the best luxury hospitality option set for you; Mucha Hotel Kisoro is an exceptional mid-range accommodation alternative available for you to have a comfortable stay while on golden monkey tour in Uganda; Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp-is a budget accommodation option available for visitors on golden monkey trekking tour in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to spend a night. Kisoro Tourist Hotel is another exceptional budget hotel option in Kisoro which is suitable for visitors on safari to Mgahinga National Park.
Mgahinga National Park is in Southwestern Uganda and it is reachable from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara-Kisoro about 8-10 hours’ drive and from Kigali about 4 hours. By air, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi airstrip.
Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey tracking/trekking in Volcanoes National Park is best done in anyone of its two habituated groups. The most explored group thrives on the slopes of Sabyinyo Volcano and they account for approximately 100 individuals. The other places to see golden monkeys include Gishwati Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. But golden monkeys in Nyungwe and Gishwati Mukura National Park have not been habituated.
While on golden monkey trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park, the available accommodation choices to spend a night include Mount Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel (Mid-range); Kinigi Guesthouse/Hotel Muhabura (Budget).
What is golden monkey trek in Uganda or Rwanda like
Golden monkey trekking involves hiking through the jungles of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for you to view striking golden monkeys in the wild. Treks begin after briefing and can take you about 4 hours which includes an hour of face to face encounter, photography and exploring their behaviors.
What you should pack for golden monkey trekking
To make your golden monkey adventure complete and enjoyable, you need to pack appropriately starting with comfortable waterproof hiking boots, sun glasses, first aid kit, energy giving snacks, bottled water, camera with no flashlight, long sleeved shirt or t-shirt, long trousers, rain jacket or poncho, valid passport, visa, golden monkey permit and others.
Best time to go for golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking safaris in Uganda or Rwanda can be arranged all year round. But the dry season is preferably the best and it begins from June, July, August, September and December, January, February. You may also opt to trek golden monkeys during the wet season which starts from March, April, May and October, November. The challenging part of trekking golden monkeys during the wet or rainy season is that there is plenty of rainfall and the habitat usually becomes slippery but it is possible to take part in this thrilling experience.
In summary, if you miss to see mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Volcanoes National Park then don’t miss to see the striking golden monkeys while on Uganda safari or Rwanda safari.