Golden monkey trekking is one of the famous primate trekking experiences in East Africa. Uganda and Rwanda are two popular destinations for trekking golden monkeys. Whereas golden monkey trekking is usually done as a complement to mountain gorilla trekking, the experience itself is magical and worth doing! For those who have done it before, golden monkey trekking is a truly special wildlife encounter that allows travelers to trek and interact with the playful and lively creatures in their natural habitats. Just like in gorilla safaris, the allowed time with golden monkeys is strictly an hour counted from the time travelers meet them.
Travelers with extended time are advised to combine golden monkey trekking with other wildlife experiences such as gorilla tours, cultural experiences, volcano climbing, nature walks and birding among others. A combination of golden monkeys with other chimpanzees of gorillas offers you a lifetime primate trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda. Superfine Safaris is the best guide on your golden monkey trekking safari.
Best places for golden monkey trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahunga Gorilla National Park is one place to see the endangered golden monkeys in the whole of Uganda. The park is situated in the Virunga conservation area sharing borders with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla Park is also known as a place “Where Silver meets Gold” due to the fact that it has both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Silver stands for silverback Gorilla while gold represents the golden monkeys. The park comprises diverse landscapes and bamboo forests that favor the habitation of golden monkeys and other wildlife there. Trekking to see golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks begins from Ntebeko Park headwaters where registration and briefing take place. Different troops of golden monkeys have been habituated for trekking in this park
The cost of golden monkeys trekking in Uganda
Regarding the cost of Golden Monkey trekking, each permit costs $100. This is inclusive of the park entrance fees and government taxes. Golden monkey trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority on a first come first serve basis. Permit booking is recommended as early as possible at least 4 months in advance. Superfine Safaris helps you reserve and secure your golden monkey permits in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Other activities in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
In addition to golden monkey trekking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers travelers a variety of other interesting activities. These include Mountain gorilla trekking to see the one and only Nyakagyezi gorilla family, Bird watching, the park is home to over 250 bird species 17 of which are endemic to the Albertine region, Batwa cultural trail to experience the traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs of these Indigenous forest people and nature walking. Also, Mgahinga is a center of Volcano climbing sheltering three volcanic mountains (Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo & Mount Muhabura. Our 2 Days Mgahinga Golden Monkey trip offers you the chance to trek lively creatures in the shortest time possible
Volcanoes National Park
Situated in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is yet another place to see, enjoy, and encounter the endangered golden monkeys. Whereas the park is famous for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is another popular activity that attracts travelers to this bamboo forest park. Rwanda Development Board has habituated various groups of golden monkeys to ease an encounter with them. Just like in Uganda, golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is done alongside other activities which include gorilla trekking and cultural tours among others.
The Bamboo Forest Volcanoes National Park Covers Rwanda’s share of the Virunga Conservation Area. Similar to Uganda, golden monkey treks in Volcanoes National Park can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the monkeys’ location. The terrain can vary from gentle slopes to steeper areas. Rwanda Development Board is responsible for Golden Monkey trekking and general tourism in Rwanda. Each permit to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda costs $60. The 3 days Rwanda gorillas and golden monkey trekking tour offers you a chance to meet up with the two endangered primates in their natural habitats
Other activities in Volcanoes National Park
In addition to golden monkey trekking, travelers to Volcanoes National Park can engage in other interesting experiences in the park. These include mountain gorilla trekking, the park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas habituated into 10 families. The park shelters the second-highest gorilla population after Bwindi Forest in Uganda. Each gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda costs $1500 which makes the country a luxury gorilla tour destination. For birders, Volcanoes National Park shelters over 200 bird species some of which are not found anywhere else in East Africa.
A cultural tour of the Ibyiwacu cultural village (Gorilla Guardian Village) introduce you to the norms, customs, and beliefs of the Rwanda local people. A hike to the summit of Mount Karismbi offers you the chance to conquer the tallest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation area. Our 2 days Mount Karisimbi Hiking tour is a suitable package for you. Visiting twin lakes, Musanze cakes, nature walking, Dian Fossey graveyard hike, and Mount Bisoke hike are other interesting activities done in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
What to expect on the gorilla monkey trekking adventure
The day starts with an early rise, heavy breakfast, and a transfer to the respective Park headquarters (Ntebeko in Mgahinga and Kinigi in Volcanoes National Park). Start with registering with the park wardens and then assemble for a briefing on the rules and regulations of Golden Monkey trekking. You will be grouped and allocated golden monkey troops to trek. At 8:00 am, armed park rangers with guide you into the respective forest searching for the endangered primates. Trekking time ranges between 1-4 hours! The allowed time with golden monkeys is strictly an hour from the moment you see them. Expect to have a memorable encounter with the incredibly active and photogenic primates. The playful creatures are seen climbing and jumping through the bamboo trees s they feed on fruits, shoots and small insects on the tree trunks
Best time for golden monkey trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
The dry season from June to September and December of February is the best time for golden monkey trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda. The season is generally dry characterized by sun and low or no rain which makes it easy to trek through the jungle forests. However, the endangered primates can also be visited in the low season
What to pack for golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
To ensure a stress-free and enjoyable golden monkey trekking experience, travelers ought to have their travel bags packed with essentials. Among the things to pack include waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a sweater, and a rain jacket. Also, you are reminded to carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks. A porter and a walking stick are also highly recommended for a peaceful golden monkey trekking adventure
In conclusion, golden monkey trekking is a lifetime experience you should not miss. Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for a face-to-face encounter with the energetic primates with Superfine Safaris Limited
