Top places for Golden Monkey Trekking and Habituation Experience in Africa
Golden Monkey Safari in Africa can be done in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Known scientifically as Cercopithecus mitis kandti, golden monkeys are endangered, with only around 3,000 to 4,000 remaining in the world.
Before embarking on this unforgettable experience, it’s essential to obtain a Golden Monkey permit. Without it, access to the safari is not possible. Whether you choose to trek for golden monkeys in Rwanda or Uganda, or participate in the habituation experience in Uganda, securing this permit is a must.
Habituation is a crucial process in the life of these golden monkeys. Before they are opened to the public, a period of habituation occurs. During this time, researchers work with the wild community of golden monkeys to help them become accustomed to human presence without changing their natural behavior. This process ensures a safe and enriching experience for both the primates and the visitors.
In Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, golden monkeys share their habitat with mountain gorillas and other primates. The Rwanda Development Board manages the permits for golden monkey trekking in this park. Visitors are allotted one hour with the golden monkeys, as spending too much time with them can disrupt their natural feeding patterns and environment.
Mgahinga National Park in Uganda may be small in size, covering only 33.7 square kilometers, but it is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including golden monkeys. Here, visitors have the opportunity to participate in both golden monkey trekking and the golden monkey habituation experience. During the habituation experience, guests accompany a team of researchers into the wild for up to four hours to observe and interact with a semi-habituated community of golden monkeys. This immersive experience allows visitors to learn about the monkeys’ behaviors, feeding habits, and even participate in naming them.
How to Book Golden Monkey permits in Africa
When you want to go on a golden monkey safari and know how many permits you need, let us, Iconic Africa Safaris, help you. You can choose to go on a golden monkey trek or a golden monkey habituation experience. These experiences can happen in either Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
Once you tell us your preferred date and destination, we check with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board for permit availability. Our safari consultant will then get back to you as soon as they find available permits. It’s important to buy your golden monkey permit quickly because they sell out fast, especially during busy times like June, July, August, September, December, and January.
Remember, the golden monkey permits don’t include park entrance fees. You’ll need to pay these fees to the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board separately. Paying these fees helps support the conservation of animals and plants in these parks. It’s an important way to contribute to protecting these beautiful areas.
What is the cost of golden monkey permits in Africa?
Golden Monkey trekking Permit cost for Uganda (Mgahinga National Park)
$60 for Foreign Non-Residents
$50 for Foreign Residents
40,000shs for East Africans.
Golden Monkey Habituation Permit cost for Uganda (Volcanoes National Park)
$100 for foreign nonresidents
$80 for foreign residents
100,000shs for East Africans.
Golden Monkey trekking Permit cost for Rwanda
$100 for foreign nonresidents
$80 for foreign East African residents
$65 for East Africans.
When is the best time to book a Golden Monkey Trekking and Habituation Experience in Africa?
The Golden Monkey Safari in Africa is open all year round, but it’s more enjoyable during the dry season. This safari takes place in Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. These parks have thick forests and receive heavy rainfall, especially during the wet season. However, during the dry season, which usually falls in June, July, August, September, December, and January, the weather is more comfortable for exploring and observing the golden monkeys.
When you’re in the forest, watching the golden monkeys is an exciting experience. They are lively and full of energy, despite being used to human presence. However, they still exhibit their natural behaviors. During the dry season, the monkeys are easier to find because they are more active. Additionally, other forest animals, such as black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed mangabeys, can also be spotted. Bird enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see various bird species, including those that are unique to the Albertine Rift.
Since the dry season is the peak tourism season, it’s essential to book your Golden Monkey permit in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. However, if you choose to visit during the wet season, be prepared for heavy showers. Although there are fewer tourists during this time, you might still enjoy the safari without worrying about crowded spaces and competition for viewing spots. Moreover, during the wet season, you might have more opportunities for impromptu solo tours in Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park.
