Guide to Golden Monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with Authentic Africa Safaris. Golden monkey trekking offers a unique opportunity to witness these elusive primates in their natural habitat. Found in Uganda and Rwanda’s bamboo and rain forests, golden monkeys are among the most popular visited primates in the two countries. Uganda and Rwanda provide exceptional experiences, each with its distinct charm. Primate lovers visiting Uganda and Rwanda normally combine golden monkeys with other primate experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking among others. Golden monkey trekking is a unique and exhilarating experience that offers a glimpse into the lives of these elusive primates
Best Destinations for Golden Monkey Trekking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Located in Kisoro district in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the prime destination for trekking golden monkeys in Uganda. The small park covers Uganda’s portion of the Virunga Conservation Area, which borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Several golden monkey communities have been habituated for trekking in Mgahinga. Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for trekking and habituation of golden monkeys in Mgahinag Gorilla National Park
Volcanoes National park
Nestled in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is yet another interesting destination to see golden monkeys. The bamboo forest park is a popular destination for golden monkey trekking alongside its renowned mountain gorilla trekking. Volcanoes Park is also found in the Virunga Massif sharing borders with Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board and African parks, which together promote conservation and tourism in the Land of a Thousand Hills
Best Time to Trek Golden Monkeys
While golden monkey trekking can be done all year round, the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, are the best times to visit these endangered primates. During these months, the trails are drier, visibility is better, and the chances of encountering the monkeys are higher.
What to Pack for golden monkey trekking
Just like in any other primate trekking experience, travelers visiting Golden Monkeys are advised to pack the right things to ensure a peaceful and stress-free trekking experience. Among the things to carry for golden monkey trekking include
-
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support to ease your hiking through the jungle forests
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing layers
- Rain jacket to deal with unpredicted forest weather
- Warm layers for cooler mountain climates
- Backpack to carry water, snacks, and other essentials
- Hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and head from direct sun
- Sunscreen for your skin
- Insect repellent to protect your skin from poisonous insect bites
- Camera with a good zoom lens and extra battery
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles for support
Rules and regulations of golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, golden monkey trekking is governed by rules and regulations. These have been set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board to ensure conservation and sustainable golden monkey trekking experiences. Travelers are urged to follow and respect these rules if they want to have an ultimate encounter with the endangered primates. The guidelines for golden monkey trekking include:
- Maintain a respectful distance away from the endangered primates. The recommended distance is 7 meters
- Talk in silence. Keep our voices low
- Do not touch the golden monkeys
- Keep keen and hold your cameras tight, the playful creature can easily grab it from your hands if not held properly
- Do not trek when sick
- Avoid direct eye contact with the golden monkeys
- Do not use a flashlight camera
- Do not eat or drink in the presence of golden monkeys
- Carry your trekking permit. It’s a must-have for anyone taking part in this adventure
- Do not litter in the par
- The allowed time with golden monkeys is strictly an hour from the time you meet them
- Keep in the designated trail. Do not move away from your group
Trekking Permit Cost for Golden Monkey Trekking
The cost of golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda varies. In Uganda, each permit costs $60 for foreign nonresidents, $60 for foreign residents, and UGX 40,000 for East African citizens.
In Rwanda, each golden monkey trekking permit costs $100 for foreign non-residents and $60 for East African citizens.
Booking Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
You can book golden monkey trekking permits through various channels:
- Directly with the Park Authorities: Contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to inquire about permit availability and booking procedures.
- Through a Tour Operator: Many tour operators specialize in gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Authentic Africa Safaris is one of the reliable tour companies to book your golden monkey trekking safari with. We handle permit bookings, transportation, accommodation, and guide services.
Golden monkey trekking addons
In addition to golden monkeys, travelers to Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park have other interesting things to see and do. These include Mountain gorilla trekking, cultural tours, mountain hiking, bird watching, nature walks, and colobus monkey trekking, among others. You can also visit Savannah Parks for game-viewing experiences and visit chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda, and Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
In conclusion, golden monkey trekking is a lifetime experience you should not miss on your Uganda and Rwanda safari. Contact Authentic Africa Safaris, book your safari to see these endangered primates, and have fun with them in their natural habitats
