Golden Monkey Trekking at Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey Trekking at Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s national parks, renowned for harboring the country’s mountain gorilla species. Volcanoes National Park is also habitat to several primates, with the golden monkeys being the most prevalent. The golden monkeys are located in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and they are an indigenous species of the Virunga region.
The Golden Monkey is a subspecies of the Sykes Monkey, also referred to as the Blue Monkey. These monkeys typically inhabit large familial groups of up to 60 individuals. They can be readily distinguished by their vibrant orange fur that covers every part of their bodies. The golden monkeys consume fruits, bamboo shoots, and small insects, and predominantly traverse by jumping from one tree limb to another. During a golden monkey trekking experience at Volcanoes National Park, it is advisable to savor the moment rather than attempting to capture a photograph, as it may be challenging.
Golden monkeys are classified as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), similar to the endangered mountain gorillas, whose population is believed to be approximately 1,000 individuals remaining globally. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 golden monkeys remain globally, exclusively inhabiting the Virunga highlands.
The Virunga ranges comprise a series of volcanic mountains situated along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, consisting of eight peaks. The Virunga Range comprises Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Muhabura, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Nyamulagira, all of which are habitats for golden monkeys and mountain gorillas residing on their slopes.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Only four national parks offer the opportunity to observe golden monkeys: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Trekking golden monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains an underdeveloped tourism activity primarily due to regional security concerns; however, trekking golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a remarkable experience, featuring a four-hour habituation with these playful yet intriguing creatures. Trekkers opting for a Uganda safari to encounter golden monkeys will have extensive time in their natural habitat. Researchers and professional ranger guides will accompany you, headed by the proficient trackers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda is a very commendable option, since the activity is thoroughly established for visitor participation. The Rwandan government, in conjunction with Volcanoes National Park, is highly organized, and the country is secure, alleviating concerns regarding your activities. Trekking for golden monkeys, in contrast to mountain gorillas, has no age restrictions, allowing any interested individuals to participate.
The golden monkey trek is a full-day activity commencing at 7:30 am with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park offices, where participants are informed about the trek’s expectations and the required code of conduct while in the forest. You are afforded the opportunity to employ a porter to assist with excess luggage if necessary, as well as to retrieve your hiking stick and venture into the forest.
Trekking golden monkeys is a more expedient endeavor than trekking mountain gorillas, as one encounters the golden monkeys in a shorter duration. This does not imply that the activity is simpler, as it requires considerable work and enthusiasm, given that they do not leave behind trace of their existence. One method to monitor the golden monkeys is by identifying recent bamboo shoots. Upon seeing them, you will observe them swinging from one tree branch to another. The optimal approach to get a photograph may involve setting your camera to a quick shutter speed.
The golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park are acclimated, indicating that human presence will not intimidate them, allowing for an enjoyable experience. You will experience one hour with the golden monkeys of Rwanda, and there are several safari packages available that include a golden monkey walk. A golden monkey trekking permit at Volcanoes National Park is available for purchase at a cost of 100 USD per permit per individual, and it is recommended to get a reservation in advance to prevent last-minute regret.