Golden Monkey Trekking Uganda, Rwanda, Congo (Trekkers Guide)

Golden monkey trekking/trekking is a distinct primate safari experience. This primate adventure takes visitors on a guided walk through the natural forest for primate enthusiasts to explore in-depth the behaviors of golden monkeys. The golden monkeys survive in the Virunga region, an area that encompasses Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Golden monkey trekking is such a thrilling primate adventure you should expect in East Africa. Embarking on a guided trek with golden monkeys is a great deal to enjoy a close encounter with a troop of golden monkeys (blue monkeys –Cercopithecus Mitis kandti).

Golden monkeys can be found in troops consisting of up to 60 individuals and they range around the lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes. Golden monkeys are stunningly beautiful with gold or orange patches on their bodies. They are notably Africa’s most beautiful monkey species and like most primates, they depend on bamboo shoots, ripe fruits, and at times insects.

Golden monkeys are active and playful creatures. They can be spotted as they jump from tree to tree in search of food or escaping predators. They are also listed by IUCN as an endangered species with currently 5000 of them still thriving in the wild. The survival of golden monkeys like mountain gorillas is threatened by human encroachment or habitat loss, civil wars, and poaching practices. Visiting these primates on the golden monkey trek tour is the best way to contribute towards supporting their conservation in the wild.

Naturally, golden monkeys are social and can be found along the high-elevation bamboo forest-dominated areas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The best primate safari destinations in East Africa to visit to encounter golden monkeys include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park.

Where to Trek/See Golden Monkeys in East Africa

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda

In Uganda, primate seekers can visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to explore more about golden monkeys in the wild. Mgahinga is home to a significant population of these dazzling primates. About two troops of habituated golden monkeys currently exist in Mgahinga National Park. It takes about 4 hours to trek golden monkeys in the wild, and there is also an option of engaging in golden monkey habituation experience. There are park ranger guides to accompany visitors on a trek or golden monkey habituation experience.

Rwanda Golden Monkey tracking

The Volcanoes National Park, located in Ruhengeri –Northwestern Rwanda is a perfect place to find an already habituated troop of golden monkeys to trek. Most of the troops of golden monkeys here exist in Sabyinyo Volcano and comprise over 100 individuals. Some of the golden monkeys in Rwanda also survive in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park although they have not been habituated.

Golden Monkeys in Congo

Golden monkeys in the DRC live in the Virunga National Park and some parts of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. These primates have not been opened for golden monkey tourism in Congo because they are unhabituated.

Golden monkey permits per destination in East Africa

As per the standards, visitors can only be allowed to go trek golden monkeys when they have valid golden monkey permits. These can be booked through local experts such as Flawless Adventure Planners Limited | info@premiumafricasafaris.com. The government organs in the respective Golden Monkey trekking destinations are responsible for setting the rates or prices for Golden Monkey permits. In Uganda, this is done by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and in Rwanda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Golden monkey permits for Rwanda go at USD 60 per person for foreign nonresidents, and USD 50 per visitor for foreign residents. The rest of the visitors, especially the East African citizens (Ugandans inclusive), pay UGX 40,000 per person.

In Uganda, there is also golden monkey habituation with permits available for booking at USD 100 per person (foreign nonresidents), USD 80 per person for foreign residents, and shs 50,000 for East Africa community citizens.

Rwanda Golden Monkey permits are available for booking at USD 100 per visitor. The cost of Golden Monkey permits covers the park fees, ranger fees, and conservation fees.

What is golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda like?

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda begins with a briefing on guidelines. This will be followed by the allocation of park rangers. The normal trek begins at 8:00 am and you may spend 2-4 hours less or more depending on where golden monkeys stay, your fitness level, and the nature of the habitat.

Golden monkey trekking tours can be combined with gorilla trekking safaris. There are the best Rwanda gorilla trekking tour packages to book including 3-day gorilla trekking Rwanda, 2 day gorilla trek Rwanda. You can plan for a budget, midrange, or luxury Rwanda safari. For all gorilla bookings or golden monkey reservations, contact us and you won’t regret it.

Golden Monkey Habituation Uganda

Golden monkey habituation offers long-day exploration with golden monkeys in the wild. Engaging in the golden monkey habituation involves following the unhabituated golden monkey troops in their natural habitat. This is done with the lead of other conservationists in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Things to pack for golden monkey trekking

The list of essentials to consider packing for the golden monkey trek includes a safari hat, a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, waterproof hiking boots, walking sticks, a camera, gardening gloves, additional camera batteries, a waterproof rain jacket, and insect repellents.

Golden monkey trekking Vs gorilla trekking

• Golden monkey trekking takes you on a search for the unique golden monkeys and gorilla trekking involves exploring gorillas- mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas.
• Golden monkeys are trekked in only Uganda & Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is open to visitors in all three 3 destinations; Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
• Golden Monkey trek permits are relatively cheaper than gorilla permits.
• Only 1063 mountain gorillas still live in the wild against over 5000 golden monkeys.
• Trekking gorillas can go for 2-6 hours compared to 2-4 hours for golden monkeys.
• Age limit for trekking golden monkeys is set at 12 and above then gorilla trekking 15 and above.

Is golden monkey tracking worth the money?

100%, golden monkey tracking is worth it! The treks are source of financial support towards conservation of the endangered golden monkeys. By you booking a golden monkey trekking safaris with Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd, you would have played a vital role towards supporting the survival of golden monkeys in the wild.

Where to stay

Places to stay on Rwanda golden monkey trekking include the Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Lodges to stay in Mgahinga before or after trekking Golden Monkeys include Lake Mutanda Resort, Gahinga Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and other lodges around Rushaga or Nkuringo.