Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking is a fascinating wildlife experience and has become increasingly popular among tourists on a Uganda safari as well as Rwanda Safari. Golden monkeys are endangered primate species found in the Virunga Mountains in the bamboo forests in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in DR. Congo.

Golden Monkeys scientifically known as (Cercopithecus kandti) are rare species of Old-World Monkey (Cercopithecidae) that are mainly found in the highland bamboo forested regions of Central Africa.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), These monkeys are endangered due to harvesting trees and bamboo, clearance for agriculture, charcoal production, and livestock grazing.
Golden monkeys have a distinctive appearance with reddish-gold fur on their backs in striking contrast to the black coloration of their feet, legs, and tails. Male golden monkeys are larger weighing between 4.5 and 12 kg (10-26lb) and tall at 58-67 cm (19-26 in). Females are much smaller weighing between 3.5 and 4.5 kg (8-10 lb).

Golden monkeys have a life expectancy of 19 years.
Are you planning and interested in seeing these monkeys in the wild, you can easily add the golden monkey trekking experience to your Uganda or Rwanda safari.

Trekking Golden Monkeys in Uganda – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The endangered golden monkeys in Uganda are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is part of the Virunga Mountains and is only one of the four destinations in the world where you can see the golden monkeys.
In Uganda, golden monkeys can only be seen in Mgahinga Gorillas National Park. The park is home to an estimated between 3,164 and 5,059 individuals. One group is fully habituated to human interaction with about 30 individuals and it is available for daily golden monkey trekking excursions. The other golden monkey family is reserved for research and the daily golden monkey habituation experience allows visitors to spend 4 hours with the golden monkeys.

Normally, visitors combine golden monkey trekking with a gorilla trekking experience on your Uganda gorilla safari.

The monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starts at Ntebeko Visitor’s Center at 08:00 Am with a briefing, there are two daily adventures to see golden monkeys in Mgahinga – Uganda.
Golden monkey trekking adventure offers visitors only one hour with the golden monkeys observing them go on with their life in the bamboo forests providing you with a more captivating and unique golden monkey experience. For visitors who wish to spend more time with the golden monkeys, they can participate in the golden monkey trekking experience.

On the 4 – Golden Monkey habituation experience, visitors have a chance to spend four hours with the golden monkeys and follow scientists around as they study them. Visitors get an in-depth chance to learn so much about golden monkeys, their habitat, and the behind-the-scenes primate science.

Golden Monkey Permit and Price
To participate in golden monkey trekking to see golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you need to book a golden monkey trekking permit which costs

$ 60 per person for foreign non-residents and residents
UGX 40,000 for East Africa Residences

Cost for golden monkey Habituation permit costs $ 100 per person

The cost of the permit includes the armed rangers for protection against any threats in the jungle a local tracker guide and time with the golden monkeys.
The price of the permit does not include the park entrance

$40 per person for foreign–non–residents
30 per person for residents
UGX 20,000 per person for East African Citizens

Tracking these monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is similar to gorilla trekking though, it is not as strenuous. You will spend about 30 minutes to 2 hours trying to find their location, golden monkeys are more active and exciting to watch than gorillas and will keep you on your toes trying to keep up with their antics.

Where to stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey trekking
Our best pick for where to stay during golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include

Gahinga Lodge
Birdnest Bunyonyi
Lake Mutanda Resort
Chameleon Hill Lodge

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is well-known for mountain gorilla trekking adventures in Rwanda, however, it is also a great destination for golden monkey trekking.

The forests of Volcanoes National Park have two-habituated golden monkey groups with the largest consisting of about 80 to 100 individuals. Daily trekking excursions start at 08:00 am from the park’s headquarters at Kiningi, visitors should be at the headquarters by 7:00 am for the briefing before the trek.

Cost of a golden monkey permit in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
A gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park costs $ 100 per person, booking your gorilla permit in advance is recommended.

Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda

Golden Monkey Trekking Vs Gorilla Trekking
The lush forests of Africa offer two unique primate encounters that are gorilla trekking for an encounter with the iconic mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking for an encounter with golden monkeys.
These experiences offer a glimpse into the captivating world of primates, these experiences differ in their challenges, behaviors, and photogenic opportunities.
This trekking presents an exciting encounter to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, this experience is strenuous as you will have to hike through valleys and steep landscapes. To find mountain gorillas, it takes approximately 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Unlike mountain gorillas who construct new nests daily and forage further afield, these monkeys maintain a stable routine. Due to the predictable foraging patterns of the monkeys, this primate trekking is less strenuous.

Who can trek
The number of visitors allowed for golden monkey viewing is not limited making it a more intimate and personal experience compared to gorilla trekking which restricts group sizes to eight people.
Consequently, monkey excursions rarely have more than a handful of participants ensuring an immersive and intimate encounter.

Unlike gorilla trekking, there is no minimum age requirement for golden monkey trekking making it accessible to all, while young children may find the trek challenging, teenagers can enjoy this amazing experience without difficulty.

Trekking Permits
The permits are more budget-friendly costing $ 50 in Uganda and $ 100 in Rwanda, in contrast to gorilla trekking which costs $ 700 in Uganda and $ 1500 in Rwanda.
The allure of golden monkey trekking lies not only in its affordability but also in the captivating interactions with these lively primates.

Best Time to See Golden Monkeys
It is possible to see golden monkeys throughout the year, but the best time to go is during the drier seasons from June to August and December to January. In this season, the trails are easier to navigate during these months, and spending time with the golden monkeys is more enjoyable when it is not raining.

However, it is important to note that day seasons in Uganda and Rwanda are also peak season for tourism which means that most desirable lodges are fully booked.
However, obtaining a the permit is relatively easy. We highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance, particularly between June and September.

The low seasons from March to May and from October to November are characterized by high rainfall, misty forests, and challenging trails. However, for trackers who are okay with the weather, this season offers an opportunity to enjoy the trails without the crowds and at discounted rates at lodges that are often empty.

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