A Guide to Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda

A Guide to Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda : Golden monkeys are a subspecies of blue monkeys, which are more frequent. They are distinguished by the presence of gold on their back and cheeks. Only three nations have golden monkeys: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Golden monkeys thrive on the slopes of volcanoes, particularly where there are nourishing bamboo plants. Golden monkeys are gregarious primates that live in groups of roughly 60 people.

They mostly consume bamboo plants, fruits, and tiny insects. On a typical day, the monkeys would go out in search of bamboo shoots and fruits before retiring for the night. They sleep on the limbs of big bamboo trees, where predators like as eagles cannot see them.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated golden monkeys as endangered. Around 5000 people are said to be still alive on Earth, and as a result, they are actively supporting government programs to safeguard them.

Where can you find golden monkeys?

The following national parks have golden monkeys;

Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden monkeys are mostly found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Along the Golden monkey trekking in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, the monkeys may be seen hanging on top of bamboo woods. Mount Sabyinyo contains the largest concentration of primates, which number in the hundreds. different armies, in lesser numbers, can be spotted in different regions of the park. Following the habituation process, two groups have been designated for tourist visits.

Golden Monkeys in Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks. 

Aside from Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys may also be found in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda. Because the golden monkey families in these two parks are not habituated, they are not accessible to tourists. They can be seen on nature hikes or while tracking chimps (Nyungwe).

Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be found on the slopes of Mount Gahinga and Muhavura in Uganda. These two volcanoes hold the world’s greatest concentration of gold. It is also where the majority of tourists gather to see the primates. Visitors may also see two habituated populations of golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Golden Monkeys in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Aside from the two national parks mentioned above, golden monkeys may also be found in Kahuzi Biega national park. However, the golden monkey populations in this area are not accessible to tourists. Only on a nature walk or when monitoring eastern lowland gorillas can you observe the monkeys.

What to expect when tracking Golden Monkeys in Rwanda and Uganda?

Both Rwanda and Uganda devised a novel method of raising donations for golden monkey conservation. They established the golden monkey trekking experience, in which tourists pay a set amount of money to spend one hour with the monkeys. Thousands of travelers visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda each year to see the primates. Most people combine gorilla trekking with primate tracking for a truly unforgettable experience. Because the landscape is so similar, golden monkey trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda offers the same experience. The regulations and rules are comparable.

On a normal golden monkey tracking day, travelers congregate at the park headquarters for a mandatory briefing. The park authorities offer crucial information about the primates, their status, and how to behave while in their presence during the briefing. Following the briefing, the Rangers take tourists deep into the jungle in search of monkeys.

Golden monkey tracking is less strenuous than gorilla tracking since the monkeys do not go far from their primary resting areas. The search for the primates takes around an hour. Because golden monkeys spend so much of their time on the tops of trees, swinging from one limb to the next, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is less intimate than gorilla trekking. Even when on the ground, they are constantly moving, making shooting more challenging. The engagement with the monkeys barely takes one hour.

One hour is ample time to shoot shots, observe how the group interacts, grooms, mates, and feeds. Golden monkeys are among the cutest monkeys in the planet. Their sparkling and distinct gold color distinguishes them from the majority of monkey species. Aside from seeing monkeys, golden monkey tracking will reward you with breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes. You may also see birds, lesser primates, forest creatures, and, if you’re lucky, mountain gorillas.

How much is a Golden monkey permit in Rwanda and Uganda?

The golden monkey hiking permit in Uganda costs $60 per person for all visitors excluding park entry fees of $40 per person. East Africans simply have to pay 40,000 Uganda shillings. The golden monkey habituation permit costs $100 for non-East Africans and 100,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans. The permit charge covers Park Ranger fees but does not include park admission, which is $40 per person. The golden monkey hiking permit in Rwanda is $100 per person and covers park entrance and Ranger fees.

Try Golden Monkey Habituation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda?

Aside from conventional golden monkey trekking, guests can also participate in what is known as the golden monkey habituation experience. This encounter is only available in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park.

Golden monkeys, like any other natural animal, normally shun humans. Before you can visit a golden monkey group/family, they must go through a habituation procedure to get comfortable in the company of humans. A team of primatologists and indigenous trackers is usually in charge of the golden monkey habituation procedure.

They generally begin by analyzing the social structure and behavior of a certain troop, which they then utilize to acquire their trust. The habituation period might last up to three years. Tourists interested in understanding how researchers gain the confidence of the monkeys can participate in the golden monkey habituation event.

It is a more expensive and time-consuming excursion in which tourists spend more time in the bush researching and observing everything they can about monkeys. Tourists will also discover what is being done to safeguard them internationally under the supervision of researchers/primatologists.

What to pack for Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park?

To have the most comfortable experience monitoring the monkeys, carry the necessary materials such as water, food, and clothes. Golden monkey trekking entails travelling great distances in difficult terrain. Hiking boots with sufficient traction are required. In addition to the boots, you’ll need clothing that covers your complete body. This refers to long-sleeved shirts and pants.

In case it rains, you’ll also need a mackintosh. During the dry season, wear a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the harsh sunshine. If you don’t bring enough water and food, you’ll grow hungry. Hand sanitizers are also useful, but an insect repellent is significantly more effective in keeping tropical insects at bay. Don’t forget to bring a binocular and a good camera to photograph the primates.

Porters are available for hiring at around $15 per hour. Bring your trekking stick if you have one. Park officials will also provide you with complimentary trekking sticks. The golden monkey trekking packing list is identical to that of gorilla trekking.