Golden Monkeys :Facts, Where to see, Best time to Visit
Golden monkeys are characterized by their distinctive golden coloration covering their bodies; upon seeing a golden monkey, the prominent gold hue will unmistakably indicate its identity. The tails and cheeks of the golden monkeys have a more vivid and striking golden orange hue, distinguishing them from other monkeys. The golden monkey’s entire body features spots on its back and torso, while its legs and head are jet black.
Golden Monkeys
The golden monkey is a primate native to East Africa, predominantly located in Uganda and Rwanda. Similar to other primates, the golden monkey shares approximately 80% of its DNA with humans. The golden monkey, although occasionally classified as a variant of the blue monkey, is in fact a member of the Old World monkey family, which is predominantly confined to Central Africa. The golden monkey was regarded as a variant of the blue monkey due to their significant resemblance; however, wildlife researchers have determined through studies that the golden monkey is not a blue monkey. Golden monkeys are classified as endangered by the IUCN, with their current number estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 individuals in the wild. Similar to other primates, the golden monkey is a social species that resides in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals, governed by an alpha male. The group typically comprises females and their offspring. The smaller the group, the deeper it penetrates the forest; conversely, the larger the group, the closer it resides to the forest’s periphery.
The female golden monkeys in the group typically serve as the defenders, safeguarding the territory, while the males, who are not leaders, adhere to their guidance until they depart to establish their own groups. Young males inhabit the group momentarily and depart as soon as an opportunity arises. Golden monkeys are active during the day and inhabit trees. The animals rest in little clusters of approximately 3 to 4 individuals. They have resting sites in bamboo or analogous vegetation, which also serve as their feeding locations. The monkeys consume fruits, leaves, bamboo, shrubs, and small insects. Golden monkeys convey messages by facial expressions and distinctive vocalizations. The many vocalizations and gestures employed by monkeys serve to alert others to danger, convey happiness, signal playfulness to juveniles, and enable males to attract females and confront threats.
Golden monkeys inhabit Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These parks have acclimated certain monkeys for tourism purposes (golden monkey trekking). Golden monkey trekking occurs year-round in various parks. The price of golden monkey trekking permits is USD 60 per individual for foreign nationals in Uganda and UGX 40,000 per individual for East Africans residing in Uganda. In Rwanda, a golden monkey hiking permit is priced at USD 100 per individual, applicable to all nationalities.
In contrast to mountain gorilla permits, which need earlier booking, golden monkey permits can be acquired on the day of the intended journey. Golden monkey trekking lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours in Rwanda and 5 to 6 hours in Uganda. In Uganda and Rwanda, you will encounter the following monkeys: De Brazza’s Monkey, Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, Red Colobus Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Vervet Monkey, Patas Monkey, and Blue Monkey.
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda
Golden monkey trekking is a captivating activity in Uganda. The expenses associated with a golden monkey safari include transportation for the duration of the safari, accommodation at the selected lodge near the park, golden monkey trekking permit fees, and park entrance fees. Golden monkeys may exclusively be trekked in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda.
Mgahinga National Park is situated in the Kisoro District of southwestern Uganda, East Africa. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga volcanic mountain range spanning Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, renowned for its endangered primate species, specifically the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is Uganda’s smallest national park, bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park encompasses three volcanoes: Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhabura, all of which are integral components of the six Virunga Mountains. Mgahinga National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and the captivating Golden Monkeys, which are among the most intriguing animals to observe. The park is a tropical rainforest consisting of lowland equatorial evergreen forest, tropical seasonal forest, montane rainforests, and mountain bamboo.
Mgahinga National Park is one of Uganda’s ten national parks designated for tourism, serving as the second national park for gorilla tourism and the sole park for golden monkey tourism in the country. This park is a remarkable attraction that should not be overlooked when visiting Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority, a governmental entity responsible for all conservation areas in Uganda, manages it.
Golden Monkeys at Mgahinga National Park
The Golden monkey, Cercopithecus mitis kandti, is one of the 20 primate species found in Uganda. It is located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is part of the Virunga Mountains, where it is endemic. In comparison to other monkey species, golden monkeys possess striking beauty and aesthetic appeal.
The current estimate of the golden monkey population is from 2,000 to 4,000 individuals, and due to their exclusive habitat in the Virungas, they have been designated as endangered. They inhabit groups of approximately 100, led by an Alpha male, mostly subsisting on bamboo shoots, various seasonal fruits, bamboo leaves, lichens, sprouts, flowers, leaves, and small invertebrates. The golden monkeys are categorized into two troops: the larger population, consisting of 80 to 100 monkeys, is situated in Sabinyo, while the other troop is in the Volcanoes.
What is the cost of Golden Monkey hiking permits in Uganda?
Golden Monkeys are uncommon primates, and Uganda is fortunate to have them at Mgahinga National Park. Golden monkey tracking is a principal activity that distinguishes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as a unique destination. Two communities of golden monkeys are habituated for trekking, which commences at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the park headquarters regarding the guidelines for forest conduct. Subsequently, you commence your trek into the forest accompanied by park guides and Rangers until you encounter the golden monkeys, at which point you are permitted to observe them for one hour. Golden monkeys are exclusively located in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, both situated in East Africa.
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and associated expenses. The tracking of Golden Monkeys is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the regulating authority for all tourism activities in Uganda’s National Parks. One must have the golden monkey permit to engage in golden monkey trekking. The trekking licenses are priced at USD 100 for non-foreign residents, USD 90 for foreign residents, and 40,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens. Upon your contact, we will verify the availability of permits for your preferred trekking date. Once confirmed, we will provide an invoice for the permit payment to secure them in advance. Golden Monkey trekking permits are the most economical in comparison to the expenses associated with other primate trekking activities.
Golden monkey permits are crucial for your golden monkey safari in Uganda. The quantity of treks you wish to undertake will dictate the number of gorilla permits to purchase, hence influencing the estimated expenses for your trip.
Transportation Expenses for Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
The transportation fee encompasses vehicle rental for the duration of the safari, driver-guide remuneration, and fuel for the entire journey. Vehicle rental costs between USD 50 and 250 per day, contingent upon the type of vehicle selected; all our vehicles are 4X4 due to the road conditions leading to the Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is readily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda, requiring a four-hour drive to the park via the Chanika border between Uganda and Rwanda. The journey from Kigali may commence at the airport or hotel, include a city tour of Kigali, and subsequently proceed to Kisoro area in Uganda for lunch and an overnight stay. Access to Mgahinga National Park is available from Entebbe/Kampala, requiring an approximate 9-10 hour journey along the Kampala-Mbarara-Kisoro highway.
Additionally, one can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip, with a flight duration of around 2 hours to Kisoro Airstrip. The airfare starts at USD 273 per adult for a one-way ticket, with daily scheduled flights operated by Aerolink Uganda and other airlines; charter flights are also offered. A safari to observe the remarkable golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park can be organized for you.
Accommodation expenses in Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park offers many housing options for visitors. The majority of the lodges are situated on the periphery of the forest, offering an unobstructed view of both the forest and the mountain ranges. The Lodges vary from Budget to Luxury, including Gahinga Lodge, a luxury hotel priced at USD 400 per person per night, and Lake Chahafi Lodge, Lake Mutanda Lodge, and Lake Muhele Lodge, which cater to both Midrange and Budget categories, with rates ranging from USD 80 to 150 per person per night. Accommodation in motels is available in Kisoro town, which is within a mere 30-minute drive from the Park headquarters. Some travelers choose to reside in lodges or camps within the Rushaga section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as it is around a one-hour journey to Mgahinga National Park.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is a distinctive and exhilarating sport in which guests venture into the tropical rainforest to locate the golden monkeys, thereafter spending one hour in their natural environment upon discovery. Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda occurs at Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwestern region of the country, specifically in Musanze settlement. Golden monkey trekking occurs at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern region of Uganda.
Golden monkeys are distinctive primates that inhabit groups of 60 to 100 individuals, led by a dominant male. Golden monkey hiking in Volcanoes National Park commences early in the morning with a training on the rules, regulations, and expectations. Subsequent to the briefing, you will be assigned a seasoned park guide and commence walking into the jungle in pursuit of habituated golden monkey families, following paths marked by discarded bamboo leaves, shoots, and fruits. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park lasts between 30 minutes and 4 hours, contingent upon the location of the golden monkeys, as they frequently relocate in pursuit of food. While walking, you may encounter many monkey species, diverse avian species, and a multitude of plant and tree species, among others. Upon locating the golden monkeys, you will be permitted to observe them for one hour in their natural habitat, providing an opportunity to study their activities, witness their playfulness, observe their feeding, see them leap among tree branches, and capture photographs and films.
Price of a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda
A golden monkey trekking permit is an official document granted to those aged 15 and older, permitting them to observe habituated golden monkey families for one hour in their natural environment. A golden monkey trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park is priced at 100 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 65 USD per person for foreign residents, and RWF 4,000 for Rwandan citizens.
Procedure for acquiring a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda
Permits for golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park can be obtained directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) by contacting their headquarters in Kigali by email or telephone, or by reserving online at the IREMBO official website.
Golden monkey trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park can be reserved through a reputable tour operator such as Gorilla Trekking in Africa, You may email us with your desired date, month, and year for the visit to the golden monkeys. Upon your inquiry, we will verify permit availability; if permits are accessible for your requested dates, you will be required to provide a deposit for your permits. Upon receipt of the funds, we will acquire the permits on your behalf. Securing golden monkey trekking permits via Achieve Global Safaris is optimal, as we will not only acquire permits on your behalf but also orchestrate your entire safari, encompassing transportation, accommodations, supplementary activities post-trekking, and additional destinations to explore during your journey.
Best time for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is feasible year-round, however the optimal period occurs during the dry season, specifically in the peak months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. In the dry season, reduced rainfall in the national park results in dry and accessible roads and golden monkey hiking trails, facilitating easier walking compared to the wet season, when the trails become muddy and treacherous, complicating the trekking experience.
Accommodations for Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
Numerous lodging options are available in Volcanoes National Park for your golden monkey trekking safari. The accommodations encompass budget, midrange, and luxury options, including Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Best View Hotel, Faraja Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Le Bamboo Gorilla Village, Villa Gorilla, Garr Hotel, and Kinigi Guest House, as well as La Palme Hotel, among others.