Best Golden Monkey Trekking Destinations in East Africa
Embarking on a golden monkey trekking adventure in East Africa offers a unique and fulfilling experience. While many travelers flock to Uganda for gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or chimpanzee encounters in Kibale National Park, exploring the golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is equally fascinating.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda
Despite its name, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda is renowned for providing an exceptional golden monkey tracking experience. Visitors have two options for monkey viewing: the standard one-hour visit or the exclusive ‘Golden Monkey Habituation Experience,’ a distinctive opportunity unique to this park.
The habituation experience allows participants to spend four hours in the company of the golden monkeys, observing them closely. Researchers studying these monkeys conduct long-term investigations, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look into primate science. This extended experience not only enhances your understanding of golden monkey behavior but also provides a deeper connection with these fascinating creatures.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, most tourists focus on gorilla tracking, but the more discerning travelers extend their stay to witness the golden monkeys. The experience mirrors that of Mgahinga, with the added benefit of a potentially more polished experience and shorter, easier walks. The park boasts two habituated soldier groups, with Sabyinyo being the largest and most frequently visited, comprising around 80 to 100 monkeys.
Why You Should Book a Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
Golden monkeys, with their attention-seeking nature, showcase a stunning coat of colors, including rusty reds, blazing oranges, dark blacks, blue tints, and gold. Despite their vibrant appearance, these monkeys often go unnoticed. Found in the volcanic forests of the Virunga highlands in Rwanda, Uganda, and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, golden monkeys share their habitat with the more famous mountain gorillas.
These monkeys were once considered a novelty subspecies of the common blue monkey, and their existence in the shadows highlights the overshadowing focus on mountain gorilla tourism and conservation. Despite being endangered, only a few human tourists make the effort to appreciate these beautiful primates. Currently, only two parks have habituated troops for visitor observation, offering a unique opportunity to encounter these often overlooked creatures.
What you Should Know Before Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Before embarking on a golden monkey trekking adventure, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here are some key points to consider:
- Energetic Nature of Golden Monkeys: Golden monkeys are more energetic than gorillas, requiring visitors to walk rapidly through thick jungle terrain to keep up with them. This experience is more akin to observing chimpanzees than gorillas.
- Limited Duration: Standard golden monkey excursions are restricted to one hour, providing a brief yet memorable encounter with these vibrant primates.
- Group Size: While there is no specific limit to the number of participants in a golden monkey trekking expedition, groups are typically small, ensuring a more intimate experience.
- Suitability for Children: There is no minimum age requirement for golden monkey trekking. However, due to the walking involved, it may be challenging for small children.
- Permit Costs: Standard golden monkey trekking permits cost $100 in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and $60 in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. The habituation experience in Uganda has a higher cost, priced at $140, inclusive of park entry fees.
Conclusion Embarking on a golden monkey trekking safari in East Africa offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant and often overlooked golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Whether in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, these encounters provide a deeper understanding of primate behavior and contribute to the conservation efforts of these endangered species.