Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Golden monkey trekking is an exciting wildlife adventure that takes you into the heart of the forests of Uganda and Rwanda to see these beautiful, endangered primates. Known for their striking golden-orange fur, golden monkeys are a unique sight, living in the same volcanic mountains as the famous mountain gorillas. While both countries offer this unforgettable Rwanda safari experience, there are some differences to consider.
The golden monkeys; a unique primate.
Golden monkeys are subspecies of the blue monkey, and they are only found in the Virunga Conservation Area, which includes parts of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. They are a highly social and active species, living in large groups or ‘’troops’’ of up to 100 individuals. Their diets consists mostly of bamboo shoots, leaves and fruits which is why they are often found in the bamboo forests at the base of the Volcanoes. Unlike mountain gorillas, the golden monkeys are very playful and spend a lot of time in the trees, making it the best time to have spectacular pictures but a delight to watch as they leap and play.
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda.
In Uganda, Golden monkey trekking takes place in Mgahinga gorilla national park. This park is a hidden and unique attraction, as it is a home to a troop of mountain gorillas, allowing visitors the rare opportunity to see both species in one location. The trekking safari experience begins with a morning briefing at the park headquarters. A trained park ranger will guide you into the forest to find the golden monkeys. The trek is generally less tiresome than gorilla trekking because the monkeys tend to stay in the lower more accessible parts of the forest. The time it takes to find them varies, but it can be as short as 30 minutes. Once you find the group, you get to spend a full hour observing their daily activities taking pictures and simply enjoying their presence.
Uganda also offers a ‘’Golden Monkey Habituation Experience’’ which is a special and then more immersive safari activity. This safari experience allows you to spend up to four hours with a golden monkey troop and their research team. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the tourists who want to learn more about the monkey’s behaviours and how they are being protected. The permits for golden monkey in Uganda are generally more adorable than in Rwanda, making it a budget-friendly option for many travelers.
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s golden monkey trekking is conducted in the famous Volcanoes National Park, this park is well-known for its mountainous gorilla population. Similar to Uganda, the experience starts early in h morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. The guides lead you into the bamboo forests to track one of the two habituated golden monkey troops. One of the groups, located on Mount Sabyinyo, is particularly large, with around 80 to 100 monkeys. The trek is often not very difficult as the monkeys prefer to stay in the lower altitudes, making for an easier hike. Once the group is found, visitors are allowed and given one hour to observe the monkeys.
Rwanda’s golden monkey trekking permit is more expensive than Uganda’s, but the process is very similar. The safari experience is often done as an add-on to a gorilla trekking safari, as both safari activities take place in the same national park. The ease of access to Volcanoes National Park from the capital city Kigali, also makes it a popular choice for various tourists.
Permits, costs and conservation.
To go on a golden monkey trek in either country, you need to purchase a permit. These permits are crucial for conservation, as the money collected helps fund the protection of the monkeys and their habitats. In Uganda, a standard golden monkey trekking permits costs around 60 USD for foreign non-residents, with separate cost for park entrance fees. The habituation permit is more expensive, but it allows for a longer, more detailed encounter. In Rwanda a golden monkey permits is about 100 USD for foreign non-residents. It’s advisable to book your permits in advance especially during the peak tourist season, to secure availability with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
The golden monkey is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The biggest threat to their survival are habitat loss due to human activities like farming, settlement and illegal cutting of bamboo. The money from tourism is also important in conservation. It provides money for park management, anti-poaching patrols, and community development projects, which in turn encourages local people to support the conservation of these magnificent primates. By choosing to go on a golden monkey trekking safari, you are directly contributing to their survival and helping to ensure that these beautiful creatures continue to survive in their natural home.