Also referred as the “Old World Monkeys”, Golden monkeys are endangered primates that occupy lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes within East and central Africa. These primates live within the Virunga Mountains range in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These extraordinary creatures are easily recognized by their golden-brown color with another interesting feature that distinguishes them from other primate species being their nostrils that face upwards instead of downwards as it is with other primates. Much as these primates are found in three places, they are actually trekkable in Volcanoes and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Golden monkeys are more vibrant and playful than mountain gorillas hence visitors interested in trekking them have to be prepared for swift movements when observing and taking photographs as a way of keeping up with them whenever they move. These creatures’ activeness can be related to that of chimpanzees hence visitors are advised to always be on high alert. After hours of trekking these creatures, the duration of time allowed in their presence is one hour much as there is no limit to the number of visitors trekking them. This however doesn’t mean that these old World monkeys are out-numbered or not cared for, but you will be surprised as how it is just a handful of visitors who trek them. The age limit for trekking them is 12 years compared to mountain gorillas that is set at 15 years

Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park currently shelters two habituated troops of Golden Monkeys, with the largest troop comprising of 80 to 100 individuals and live adjacent to the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. Departure for the outstanding golden monkey trekking tours in this Park is from Kinigi Park Headquarters at 7:00am. A permit can be arranged in advance or even on the morning of the trek at the Park Headquarters, and costs about $100 per person and also guarantees one hour with these primates.

Some of the remarkable places to stay when enjoying golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park are Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Amarembo Gorilla Village, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge and Volcanoes Virunga Lodge among others.

Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Golden Monkey trekking in Uganda is conducted within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with the departure point being Ntebeko Visitor center at 7:00am. The adventure takes about 1-4 hours and visitors are allowed to spend only one hour to watch them swiftly jumping on tree branches, munch on bamboo stems or rest the return back to the starting point.

Permits for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost $60 for foreign residents and non-residents as well as Shs. 40,000 for East African Community residents. For visitors interested in the Habituation Experience will have to part with $100 for both foreign resident and non-residents as well as Shs. 100,000 for East African Community Residents.

Visitors relishing the golden monkey trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge, Travellers Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Heritage Guesthouse Kisoro, Amajambere Iwacu Camp, Countryside Guesthouse Kisoro, Mucha Hotel Kisoro and many others.

What to wear for memorable Golden Monkey trekking experience

The recommended wear for Golden monkey trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda is long-sleeved shirts with colors that properly camouflage into these primates’ natural environment. A lightweight and breathable rain jacket is handy in case it rains, long safari pants are important for combating stinging nettles, red ants and other uncomfortable plants from scratching your legs. Also, hiking boots with enough ankle support are must-have in case of mud, slippery trails and should be properly fitting, gaiters should also be worn right above your boots and lower pants leg. A hat and sunglasses are handy for protection against the scotching sunshine, binoculars are recommended for spotting far and small attractions in the park while a waterproof daypack is good for storing/carrying items needs during the trek. Don’t forget insect repellant with DEET for protection against mosquitoes and other irritating insects in the jungles and also pack some toiletries especially sunscreen, moisturizing cream, toothpaste, hair gel, toothbrush and lotion.

When to undertake golden monkey trekking

Golden monkey trekking is undertaken all year round but the dry season-mid December to February as well as June to August is perfect because penetrating/maneuvering through the dense bamboo forest on the steep slopes of Virunga Mountains are much easier. Although the activity is also undertaken during the wet season-March to May and October to November, treks are a bit difficult and sometimes require stronger determination and commitment on the part of visitors to successfully undertake and complete the adventure.