Golden Monkey Tracking in Uganda And Rwanda (Frequently Asked Questions)

Golden monkeys are beautiful and frisky golden-orange-colored primates that live in the wild Bamboo zones of the Virunga Mountains as well as in Gishwati-Mukura National Park in western Rwanda. Scientifically known as “Cercopithecus mitis kandti”, these primates derive their name from the golden-orange patch along their upper flanks and backs. They live in groups of up to 30 members and their diet is mainly comprised of bamboo leaves, branchlets, shoots, and stems as well as fruits, other plant leaves, flowers, and sometimes insects.

There is so much that travelers don’t know about these endangered primates and therefore, here are the frequently asked questions about Golden monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda;

How many golden monkeys are currently left in the whole World?

The Global population of Golden monkeys currently stands at only about 5,000 individuals only living in the Virunga massif, hence the reason for their “endangered” status under the IUCN Red List.

Where are golden monkeys tracked in Uganda and Rwanda?

The Golden Monkeys in Uganda are tracked from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, found in the southwestern part of the country. For Rwanda, these endangered primates are tracked from Volcanoes National Park on the Northwestern side of the land of a thousand hills, although small troops of Golden monkeys also live in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Unlike Gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking is not limited to a specific number of visitors per group.

How much is golden monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda?

These two countries charge different rates for tracking the golden monkeys. In Uganda, the activity costs $60 per person for foreign residents and non-residents, and Shs. 40,000 for the East African Community residents. In Rwanda, Golden Monkey tracking permits go for $100 per person and include Park entry fees, services of a Park Ranger/s, as well as park entry fees.

How long does golden monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda last?

Golden monkeys’ natural habitats are marked by bamboo vegetation, although the terrain is usually steep with no marked trails in certain areas. These conditions have an effect on the duration of treks but expect anywhere between 3 and 5 hours, which include one hour that you will spend watching and photographing them as they play, jump on tree branches, rest, or feed on different bamboo parts. While

mountain gorillas and golden monkeys can be found in the same National Parks, tracking the latter is less hectic because these creatures occupy the lower slopes of the Virunga Mountains compared to the higher altitude areas that are occupied by Mountain gorillas.

When is the ideal time to go Golden Monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Questions of timing/season are also common among travelers planning and the answer is simple- all year round. Regardless of the month you choose to enjoy your adventure, you are guaranteed to see these Primates, although challenges/opportunities differ. It is undeniable that the dry season is preferred by many travelers because rainfall levels are reduced and forest paths are less muddy/slippery. This means tracking is less difficult but expect longer treks because the primates move farther looking for food.

For the wet season, rainfall levels are increased, which means forest paths become muddier and slippery, thus travelers experience more challenging treks. However, there is more food for the golden monkeys during the wet season and therefore they won’t have to move farther thus making treks shorter than they are during dry months.

What should I pack during Golden Monkey tracking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Golden monkeys are tracked through the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, and for this reason, it is important to pack sturdy hiking boots with enough ankle support, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, an insect repellant, sunglasses, safari pants, energy-giving snacks, drinking water, a backpack, and gardening gloves. A camera and binoculars are a must-have for your adventure.