Golden monkeys are beautiful endangered primates found in the lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in south-western Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well as Virunga National Park within the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, tracking of these endangered creatures is mainly conducted within the first two safari destinations.

Interesting facts about Golden Monkeys

Also referred as Cercopithecus mitis kandti, Golden monkeys are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List and species of Old World Monkeys living within the spectacular Virunga Volcanic Mountains of East and Central Africa. They are marked by a phenomenal golden brown color hence the name “golden monkey”. These creatures are generally frisky and swift in movement throughout their natural habitat characterized by bamboo forest. Golden monkeys are social primates that live in troops of up to 100 individuals and their diet mainly comprises of bamboo shoot, branchlets, fruits, shrubs, leaves, flowers and sometimes invertebrates. Presently, there are only about 5000 golden monkeys left in the whole World yet are still threatened by poaching, illegal bush meat sale, loss of their natural habitats and diseases.

Golden Monkey tracking in Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a small Protected Area sprawling for 34 square kilometers within the south-western part of Uganda. There are presently two habituated golden monkey troops in this Park comprising of 80-100 individuals in each Troop. Tracking adventures in this Park begins at 7:00am with assembly at the Visitor Center in Ntebeko and there is usually a briefing on the dos and don’ts as well as expectation from the forest. This is then followed by allocation into groups (of unlimited numbers) with Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger guides, then off you venture into the jungle to search for the frisky and fast creatures.

To undertake golden monkey tours in Uganda, visitors are required to part with $60 for Foreign resident and non-resident visitors as well as Shs. 40,000 for the East African Community visitors. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also offers a more elaborate experience that involves spending more time with semi-habituated golden monkey Troops and is only offered here. This experience costs only $100 for foreign non-resident and Resident visitors as well as Shs. 100,000 for East African residents.

Some of the places to stay while enjoying the experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travellers Rest Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mount Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp, Mucha Hotel Kisoro and many others.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)

For Rwanda, two habituated Troops of these beautiful primates are in Volcanoes National Park, although the larger one found on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo is the most visited with 80 to 100 individuals. Get a chance to spend a magical one hour watching their antics as they swiftly jump among the bamboo forest or tumble among the thick foliage on the forest floor.

Hikes to see the endangered golden monkeys are one of the more thrilling activities in Volcanoes National Park and permits go for $100 for all visitor categories. The adventure begins at Kinigi Park Headquarters with briefing, then transfer for 20-30 minutes to the trailhead. Actual golden monkey tracking tours begin at 8:00am and go for 1-3 hours until the bamboo forest in the lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes where the allocated troop is located. A maximum of one hour is provided to observe and take photos of these creatures displaying their interesting antics.

The fantastic places to stay while relishing this experience in Volcanoes National Park are Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, One & Only Gorillas Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Virunga Lodge and Bisate Lodge among others. Whether Uganda or Rwanda, trekking adventures are open to persons of 12 years and there is no maximum age for the activity, as long as you are physically fit. Even for the elderly and persons with reduced mobility, it is possible to enjoy this outstanding primate experience with the provision of sedan chairs.

What to bring for Golden Monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

For a successful and memorable Golden Monkey Tracking Tour, you will need to bring a waterproof backpack, water bottle, lunch box, insect repellant, hiking boots with ankle support, lightweight rain jacket, camera, lightweight and breathable safari pants as well as long-sleeved shirt and avoid bright colors, walking stick (provided at Park Headquarters), sunscreen, wide brim hat, first aid kit, sunglasses and gardening gloves.

Other adventures can be undertaken by travellers on top of golden monkeys and these depend on the Park where you have booked your experience. For Mgahinga, visitors can add gorilla trekking, volcano climbing, Batwa cultural trail and bird watching while for Volcanoes National Park there are opportunities of hiking the Dian Fossey Gravesite, trekking mountain gorillas, visiting the Gorilla Guardian Village, hiking Virunga Volcanoes and exploring the Musanze Caves.