What is Golden Monkey Tracking?
Golden Monkey tracking is an active adventure activity that involves walking and hiking up into the mountains in search of small and cheeky primates called Golden Monkeys. The monkey’s favourite meal is Bamboo shoots and insects which explains why they dwell in the Bamboo zone.
Places to see Golden Monkeys
Golden Monkey tracking can only be done in three (03) countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo. Similar to their forest counterparts the mountain Gorillas, the golden monkey is also considered an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
Uganda and Rwanda are considered the safest place to track golden Monkeys in Africa – DR Congo still suffers ongoing civil unrest that makes it unsafe for tourism.
In Uganda, golden Monkey tracking Is done in only Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and nowhere else. Mgahinga Gorilla Park is home to approximately 3000-4000 Individuals. Golden Monkey tracking, unlike gorilla trekking, is less expensive.
Golden Monkey Trekking In Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park. Its however rumoured that the present-day Gishwati Forest was home to a big number of Golden monkey whose habitat was lost to human settlement after the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda.
Price Of Golden monkey Permit.
Golden Monkey Permits in Uganda and Rwanda both cost USD100.00 per person. The fees mentioned above include Park entry fees, one (01) Golden monkey permit and the services of a UWA/RDB ranger guide to lead you on your golden Monkey experience.
Best time to track golden Monkeys.
Generally, Rwanda and Uganda experience similar weather/climate patterns.
Therefore the best time to go tracking golden monkeys is in the dry season months of June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry golden monkey viewing experience is higher during these months.
What to expect on the day of Golden monkey trekking.
Just like Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey tracking starts at 8:00 am and takes up most of The morning. There are two (02) tracking sessions; Morning (AM) & Afternoon (PM) – both sessions are good. On the trekking morning/afternoon, you will be briefed by a UWA/RDB official on the does and don’ts ( call them Golden Monkey Tracking rules) that all travellers are to follow during the trek. On your trek to see the golden monkeys, you will be guided by a UWA/RDB ranger to assist in interpreting nature and also leading the way in this completely unfamiliar forest. Upon finding the golden monkeys, you will be permitted to view and photograph them for a maximum of one (01) hour after which you will be lead back to the start point.
What to wear/bring on a Golden Monkey trek.
