As the name States “Golden monkeys”, even the Experience got during and after tracking them is “Golden”.
When they say Uganda is a world of real experience, discovery and primates, yes you have to believe; Gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, and monkeys, and now the golden monkeys. Very Unique, rare, interesting to watch, attractive and indefinable, tracking these species of golden monkeys in Uganda can be very fascinating and adventurous.
Golden Monkeys are unique species of primates that are not found in so many places apart from the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes which are shared between Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo.
Just like the Chimpanzees, Golden monkeys also live in groups of about 30 individuals or more wandering over a large territory in the Virunga volcanoes
In Uganda, you will Track the Golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park located in south-western Uganda, covered with bamboo forests on the foothills of the extinct Gahinga volcano which provides a much-appreciated habitat for these endangered creatures. The fact is, tracking these specific species of monkeys is very interesting, it is so popular as compared to tracking gorillas found at the same destination. Mgahinga national park offers a very scenic background for golden monkey tracking.
In comparison to any trekking experience, Golden monkey trekking is a very active tour because it is done in the mountainous area and they are continuously moving which requires you to follow them and be very keen especially if you will want to learn something. They are small and fast which makes tracking them an active but truly rewarding experience. They are easily found within the bamboo sections because it is what they enjoy eating especially the young bamboo shoots of the forest.
In Uganda and Mgahinga national park, the cost of tracking Golden monkeys is as low as $50 while a half day golden monkey experience is 100$ but each encounter is truly worth the investment.
At Mgahinga gorilla national park, golden monkey trekking commences at 8.00 am with a brief briefing and document verification on what to expect and what to do or not to do while in the forest. Afterward, the park rangers will separate you from different groups where you will set offered to the jungle for the actual exercise. This experience is very easy and interesting at the same time.
What you need is to carry an insect repellent since the trekking takes places in a forest with so many insects, Day pack for your lunch in case the trek takes longer than expected, Water for drinking in to quench thirst, wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, Waterproof hiking boots and a good mood, a walking stick for support, you will appreciate the support on the sometimes slippery paths among others.
The beauty with these monkeys is the unique and pleasant physical appearance, their bodies are very attractive with a very outstanding color; close to gold, hence the name. These monkeys are They are very playful and move quite fast from one tree to another, so if you want to take pictures you need to make sure you are steady and fast. The fact is that a number of these monkeys are used to humans so they will not run away if they see people.
As you re-check your travel bucket list, Golden monkeys should be a good selection in your Ugandan safari, while other activities can b added such as gorilla trekking, white water rafting at river Nile, mountain climbing and so much more; however, golden monkey tracking is exciting and interesting all on its own.
Don’t have any doubt, their names tell you all that they are gold and trekking them is a very golden opportunity worth grabbing, Golden monkeys are steadily waiting for your visit in Mgahinga national park, the southwestern part of Uganda.