Golden Monkey Trekking And Habituation Permit In Uganda And Rwanda : Golden monkey trekking is one of the most adventurous activities in Africa, this activity is only done in Uganda and Rwanda. Golden monkeys are endangered species with only 3000 – 4000 individuals left in the world, these creatures feature a number of colors such as black, grey and beautiful shade of orange that is why they are called the Golden Monkeys. These creatures are social animals living in large groups of up to 100 individuals and led by an Alpha male, golden monkeys do not move as much as they stay in one location for a time, unlike the fellow primates – the gorilla and chimpanzees.
Golden Monkeys in Africa are found in the Great Virunga Conservation Area stretching along the Virunga ranges in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Uganda, golden monkey trekking is done in Mgahinga Gorilla national park located in south western region of Uganda, in Rwanda this adventurous activity is done in Volcanoes national park located in Northwest of Rwanda and in D.R. Congo they are found in the Virunga national park.
Uganda also offers Golden Monkey Habituation Experience on which visitors get to spend 4 hours with these fascinating primates.
About Golden Monkeys
Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandit) are endemic species and because of their status, they can only be found in the Greater Virunga Conservation Area covering Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo.
Golden monkeys get their name from the Golden Orange and black – Silver Fur (Coat), this coat makes them the most beautiful primate species. In the whole world, there is a total of 5000 individuals.
Because their population remaining in the world, they are recognized as endangered animal species as declared by IUCN (International Union for Conservation for Nature). The golden monkeys became endangered after being hunted and being affected by war in Eastern DRC.
Golden monkeys are small monkeys in size, very athletic and move at a high speed, these creatures spend most of their day playing in the bamboo trees in the forests and they can also play on the ground. Golden monkeys are generally small in size and they are not shy as compared to other primates – the Gorilla and Chimpanzees, visitors get a chance to come so close to them.
Golden monkeys are social animals living in big numbers in a collection of nuclear families with dominant male and several females.
Diet
Golden Monkeys’ diet consists primarily of young bamboo leaves, fruits, bamboo branch-lets, bamboo shoots, invertebrates, flowers and shrubs. Golden monkeys are opportunistic feeder and their diet can easily be influenced by the availability of fruits.
In the seasons where ripe fruits are available, the golden monkeys tend to feed on fruits, they may also feed on various flowers and shrubs when they are available.
Golden monkeys also feed on invertebrates such as the pupae of lepidopterous larvae picked from leaves.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkey tracking is an act of moving through the forests looking and searching for primates, trekking for the golden monkeys can be a strenuous experience but no as gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking.
Golden monkey trekking is done with a help of a ranger guide who is very experienced in tracking and locating monkeys, the tracking is done following the trails left behind by the monkeys as they move from place to place in the forest as they look for food. During the trek, you can also have a chance to see other primates, forest animals and several bird species.
Once you locate the golden monkeys, you are to spend 1 hour with them if you are on gorilla monkey trekking experience and 4 hours for Golden Monkey Habituation experience.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda
Golden Monkey trekking in Uganda is done in Mgahinga Gorilla national park located in the South Western region of Uganda, the park is part of the Great Virunga Conservation Area.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla national park starts at 07:30 am with registering and briefing at the park’s headquarters, the briefing session prepares for trekking, you are assigned to a group then you are escorted by a park ranger into the forest marking the start on the trek for Golden Monkeys.
Trekking for golden monkey is not hard as compared to Mountain gorilla monkeys – their cousins, this is because golden monkeys are no found high in the mountains but rather in the bamboo trees located on the lower slopes of the mountains.
On find the golden monkeys, you will spend 1 hour while observing their behavior and taking amazing photos and videos of them. Then return to the starting point marking the ends of golden monkey trekking experience.
Note: unlike mountain gorillas, you can take photos with a flashlight.
Golden Monkey Habituation Experience
Golden Monkey Habituation experience is only done in Mgahinga Gorilla national park and takes about 4 hours, on this experience visitors go in company of researchers and rangers.
Price of Golden Monkey Permit in Uganda
Golden Monkey Trekking Permit – USD ($) 50 for 1 hours
Golden Monkey Habituation Permit – USD ($) 100 for 4 hours
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is another destination where golden monkeys can be trekked and is done in Volcanoes national park which is a primate sanctuary and part of the Greater Virunga Conservation Area, there are 2 golden monkeys groups in the park. One is located in Mt. Sabyinyo which is a bigger group of about 90 individuals.
The trekking starts at 07:00 am with briefing at the park’s headquarters at Kinigi Headquarters where you will register and then be assigned to a group. You then start the trek and when you locate them, you will spend 1 hour and then trek back to the park’s headquarters and then to the lodge, Golden Monkey Trekking And Habituation Permit In Uganda And Rwanda .
Price of Golden Monkey Trekking Permit in Rwanda
Golden Monkey Trekking Permit – 100 USD (4)
What is needed for Golden Monkey Trekking?
Golden Monkey Trekking is a very fascinating experience, however to enjoy the experience to the fullest you need to have the following
- Rain jacket – as it often rains in the forests
- Trousers to be tucked in socks to avoid insect bites
- Drinking water
- Comfortable hiking shores
- Long sleeved shirts
- Good cameras to take photos
- Hire a porter to carry your belongings.
Book your golden monkey trekking safari with Focus East Africa Tours at Info@eastafricasafaristours.com
