Golden Monkey Tracking is an absolute highlight of a primate tracking tour. The golden monkey species is a species of old world monkey found in the volcanic Virunga region of East and Central Africa. It is a member of the family Cercopithecus Kandit. The golden monkeys are primarily found in the northwest of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the southwest of Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. While it is true that the golden monkey is restricted to the borders of highland forests, it is also important to remember that it is listed as critically endangered.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
In order to supplement the one Nyakagezi gorilla family in the national park, golden monkey trekking was added to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The principal aim was to broaden the range of tourism activities and visitor numbers in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while also enhancing the park’s tourism offerings.
There is a single habituated family of golden monkeys in Mgahinga that is available for trekking by visitors. In the highest altitudes of the Virunga protection area, which includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are perhaps 3000–4000 golden monkeys. A golden monkey permit in Uganda costs USD 50 per person, and the golden monkey hike is best done in the mornings when tourists have the opportunity to spend approximately an hour with the monkeys.
Unlike the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys live in big numbers in that a group has a range of 60 – 80 members or above. This ensures travelers higher opportunities of seeing the golden monkeys as they feed, play and do different roles in the family.
They wander through the forest in search of food after leaving their sleeping quarters, and then they go back to sleep. Golden monkeys sleep in groups of four or more in the bamboo trees. For everyone participating in the activity, a trekking permit is required. The permission can be obtained at the beginning point (Ntebeko hamlet) or from the national park headquarters in the Kisoro district. Travellers can spend up to an hour interacting with the golden monkeys for USD50, which is a reasonable price for a permit.
Concerning the number of people, a maximum of eight people allowed in trekking the mountain gorillas. The best time to trek the golden monkeys is in the morning and evening hours.
Golden Monkey Trekking Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
One of the most remarkable tourism experiences, golden monkey tracking brings thousands of tourists to Volcanoes National Park each year from all over the world. Participants in this remarkable activity feel completely satisfied since they get the chance to walk and climb around this physically rejuvenating mountain and get up close and personal with these endangered and uncommon primates.
For a convenient and truly amazing golden monkey tracking experience, be sure to visit Volcanoes National Park while organising your safari in Rwanda and don’t forget to add golden monkey tracking in your package.
Because there is no cap on the number of trekkers per day, golden monkey permits cost $100 per trekker and can be obtained at park headquarters either in advance or the morning of the activity. However, you can book for a golden monkey permit a few days in advance to allow for proper and advance planning. The price of hiring a porter to carry your bags throughout this incredible adventure is not included in this cost; it only covers park admission fees, tour guide fees, and the activity itself. Porters are available for rent at the park entrance if necessary.
In contrast to gorilla trekking, there is no minimum distance requirement, no cap on the number of tourists that can participate, and a 12-year-old age limit, albeit not as strict as for gorilla trekking, for this sport. Since they typically live in the bamboo forest at the base of mountains, finding them will not take long, between thirty and sixty minutes. Following the remains of recently consumed bamboo stalks is one way to find them. Visitors are only permitted to spend a mesmerising hour observing the behaviour or taking pictures of these incredibly attractive primates after they are located.
They occasionally go into gardens of surrounding villages to eat Irish potatoes that have been left after harvest. What is so astonishing about watching these primates is their behavior of digging and hastily cleaning sweet potatoes before eating it.
Therefore, it can be concluded that among the two countries, golden monkeys are a rare species that are still living in the wild. Therefore, for a truly amazing and out-of-this-world experience, travellers should make time to interact and spend time with the rare species. Don’t forget to include golden monkey trekking in your package, and enjoy your trek while learning about these amazing creatures that will leave you with priceless memories.