Golden monkeys are found in the parks within the Virunga region like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern parts of Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern Congo. There are about 3000 to 4000 golden monkeys within the Virunga volcanoes according to the survey which was conducted in 2003. Golden monkey are beautiful primates

These golden monkeys can also be found in Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati Forest Reserve in Rwanda but they are not habituated for trekking so they are too shy for human presence.

Golden monkey trekking is only done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda which is located in southwestern Uganda and only in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This is because of the peace, security and the good organization of the different conservation bodies within Uganda and Rwanda unlike the Democratic Republic of Congo which is politically unstable.

Both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park have two habituated groups of golden monkeys that are active for golden monkey trekking.

Golden monkeys are unique monkeys in a way that they have a golden-orange spot on their fur coats which beautifies them, making them look cute monkey species in Africa.

In Uganda, tourists can opt for the standard golden monkey trekking or golden monkey habituation experience. With golden monkey trekking, you spend one hour with the Golden monkeys from the time you set your eyes on them while Golden monkey habituation you spend four hours with the golden monkeys from the time of setting your eyes on them. It should also be noted that there’s no age limit for golden monkey trekking.

Golden Monkey trekking experience

The golden monkey experience has no age limit so every person interested can go for it. You can either go for Golden monkey trekking or Golden monkey habituation depending on your budget and the time you have for the holiday.

The golden monkey trekking and habituation are guided by experienced researchers, trackers and well-trained ranger guides from Uganda wildlife authority who help you trace where the habituated golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are easy to track compared to mountain gorillas because they don’t build nests each day and remain in the same area. Once you set your eyes on a large number of these beautiful species of monkeys, you will enjoy seeing them in large numbers of about thirty members jumping from tree to tree, feeding, playing, and swinging on tree branches.  Golden monkeys are so entertaining to watch and observe because they are fast-moving animals and the only time they are at a standstill is when they are under the shelter when it’s raining. Tourists interested in taking photos should be good at taking photos because it’s difficult to take photos when they are playing and feeding.

The social interaction of these golden monkeys is so amazing to observe and the cost of the experience is worth it because you won’t regret after setting eyes on them.

For those with heavy bags, there are porters to hire who will help you with carrying some luggage as you are looking for the golden monkeys.

Time

Golden monkey trekking experience starts at 7 am Ugandan time at the park headquarters, you will be briefed before trekkers are allocated to different groups for trekking and the trek usually starts at 8 am.

The duration for golden monkey trekking takes two hours and the golden monkey habituation experience takes four hours with the golden monkeys.

Cost for golden monkey trekking

In Uganda, standard golden monkey trekking costs USD 50 per person while golden monkey habituation is at USD100 per person. In Rwanda, the standard cost of golden monkey trekking is at USD100

What to carry for golden monkey trekking

·         Camera

·         Insect repellants

·         Day pack for lunch in case you are going for golden monkey habituation

·         Drinking water

·         Long-sleeved shirts

·         Trousers

·         Hiking boots

·         Walking stick

·         Hat