GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING IN UGANDA AND RWANDA.
Uganda and Rwanda are the best primate destination for gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys but the best primate species that outstand is golden monkeys in mgahinga national park in Uganda and volcano national park in Rwanda. Golden monkey tracking is an interesting and adventurous activity that a visitor doesn’t wish to miss on a safari package in Uganda and Rwanda.
Golden monkey tracking is also spotted in Virunga national park, Kahuzi Biega in Congo where it is reported to have some although not confirmed yet. The golden monkeys are found of demarcating their territories and living together in big numbers which is a common thing about these primate mammals such as groups of about 30 members,60 members and so on. They occur only in moist montane forests, mainly in bamboo and forest mixed with bamboo since they feed on leaves and fruits in the jungle, shrubs as well as wild insects.
In a comparison of golden monkeys trekking with gorillas, golden monkeys live on a lowland, unlike gorillas who move searching for food in hilly and mountainous areas which makes it not so easy for trekkers who aren’t fit to hike.
What makes golden monkeys unique?
- The appearance makes the golden monkey unique.
- They have an attractive outstanding color, close to gold hence the name.
- They are very playful and move quite fast, so if you want to take pictures you need to make sure you are steady and fast. Most of them are used to humans so they will not run away if they see people.
Where do we see golden monkeys?
Mgahinga national park
In Uganda, golden monkeys are spotted in mgahinga national park. The park not only habits golden monkeys but also mountain gorillas which are known as close relatives of humans due to 98% DNA. During the tracking in the thick forests of mgahinga, trackers pay $50 to see golden monkeys which are cheaper than the ones in Rwanda. Just like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is done in the early morning although, before trekking, there is a brief orientation on what to expect and what to do or not to do while in the forest. After the orientation, you are then separated into groups with guides and off you go tracking monkeys in the bamboo forest.
Volcano national park.
Volcano national park is the best destination for golden monkeys and gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The park is located in Musanza village in the northwestern region of Rwanda and it is approximately 2-3 hours drive from Kigali international airport. Golden monkey tracking is always open throughout the year and before the tracking, visitors are briefed first just like those trekkers of gorilla trekking. Visitors are given one hour while they are with golden monkeys, with a limited number of trekkers.
Travelers are allowed to spend one hour with the golden monkey group once allocated as they enjoy taking photos and videos with these stubborn and playful creatures in their territories as well as learning about their behavior patterns of life in the jungle.
Virunga national park.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the best destination for golden monkeys in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega. The Golden monkeys are a sub-species of Sykes Monkey also called the “Blue Monkey” and living in large troops of about 60 members on the lower slopes of the Virunga mountains. What makes them different from other monkeys is that they have a colorful golden-orange spots on their fur coats thus making them beautiful and interesting to see.
What are the best times to track golden monkeys?
The best recommended season to trek the golden monkeys is during the dry season in the months of December to February, June to October when there is little rainfall that is expected, and when the forest trails are dry and passable since the golden monkey is always open to travelers throughout the year. Depending on the best time you want, it is advisable to trek in the dry season since the wet season is the rainy season where the roads and forest trails are wet, muddy and slippery thus making the golden monkey trekking difficult.
Where to stay?
While in Uganda, visitors for golden monkey tracking will stay in luxurious hotels, mid-range and budget lodges depending on what you want. Some of these lodges include Virunga Inn Resort &Spa, volcano view, mt muhabura climbers rest camp and many others. In virunga and volcano national park, visitors can stay in virunga lodge, gorilla mountain view lodge, bisate lodge and sabyinyo silverback lodge. and in Uganda, visitors will stay in mgahinga gorilla triangle lodge Gahinga lodge and many more which a safe and comfortable to relax in.
What to pack?
- Cameras.
- Comfortable hiking boots.
- Long trousers, long stockings, long t-shirts.
- Water & snacks.
- raincoat.
Besides Golden monkeys, what other activities do visitors see in the Virunga conservation area?
Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking is a close relative of humans due to 98% DNA. Uganda inhabits half of the gorilla population census compared to the ones in Rwanda and Congo. While in Uganda, gorillas trekked in Bwindi impenetrable national park and mgahinga national park, in Rwanda gorillas trekked in Volcano national park and Virunga national park in Congo. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda costs $700 per person, in Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1500 which is expensive compared to other countries. However, Congo gorilla permits cost $400 per person.
What are the rules and regulations of golden monkey tracking?
Visitors trekking gorillas and golden monkeys are advised to wear comfortable hiking boots, long stockings, long trousers, long trousers, cameras, water & snacks, a raincoat and hiking sticks.
Children below 15 years of age are not allowed to trek gorillas however golden monkeys in Rwanda children above 12 years are permitted to trek.
Cameras without flashlights are accepted while in the gorillas and golden monkey jungle
Illed visitors are not accepted to trek since gorillas can easily be affected. For ill clients are either refunded their money gorilla permits or wait until they recover.
Visitors are limited to about 8 individuals during the golden monkey tracking.
To Sanitize and observe other SOP guidelines.
