Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda takes you on a distinct adventure to see the habituated golden monkey troops in their natural habitats. Golden monkey trekking experience involves embarking on a guided hike deep into the rainforest to locate these unique primates. Golden monkeys exist mainly in the Virunga Conservation Areas, and generally, they are playful creatures with strikingly lush golden-orange fur. Are these among the unique primates you want to explore in detail on your next holiday in Africa? Then take time and explore this detailed travel guide to golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Where to go for golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Uganda and Rwanda aren’t only popular for their captivating gorilla encounters but also golden monkey sightings. Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is specifically conducted in the Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga is one of the beautiful National Parks located in the Southwestern end of Uganda and driving to this park from Kampala takes 9-10 hours, but you can drive for 4-5 hours starting from Kigali.

Or take a flight, but early booking is required and for this case, you can depart from the Entebbe Airport (Central Uganda) to Kihihi/Kisoro Airfield. This is Uganda’s smallest Park with an area coverage of 33.7 sq.km and derives its name from Gahinga, a local word translated as the pile of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the volcanoes.

Mgahinga first started as a Game Sanctuary in 1930, and later, it was declared a National Park in 1991. Mgahinga is set at an altitude of 2,227 to 4,127 m. The primary reason for its establishment was to shelter the present endangered mountain gorillas and their habitats –the rainforest. But there is more than gorillas to explore on Uganda safaris in Mgahinga, and golden monkeys are some of the unique species to expect to see.

While in Mgahinga, golden monkey treks are carried out in the bamboo forest dominated slopes of its Virunga volcanoes. The Sabyinyo Volcano is the ideal spot to explore on golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga since it holds one of the 2 habituated troops. To begin your golden monkey trek excursion, visitors assemble at the Ntebeko Visitor Center to get briefed and assigned professional ranger guides.

The Rwanda Golden monkey tracking experience

Like Uganda, golden monkey treks in Rwanda are best experienced in the Virunga Mountain slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Located in the Ruhengeri/Musanze, Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park offers mesmerizing golden monkey encounters at the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. The Sabyinyo Volcano slopes are dominated by the lush bamboo forests, and this is where the biggest troop of golden monkeys reside, comprising of over 100 individuals.

Getting to the Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, to begin your trek with golden monkeys takes just 2-3 hours of driving from Kigali. Visitors on the Rwanda golden monkey tracking tour to Volcanoes National Park can reach the park using a 4×4 tourist vehicle.

Secure a valid golden monkey trekking permit.

To get a chance to explore Uganda and Rwanda’s golden monkeys, you require a valid golden monkey permit, which can be booked through the local expert. The cost of the permits varies from Uganda to Rwanda. In Uganda, you can secure a golden monkey trekking permit at USD 60 per person, and in Rwanda at USD 100 per visitor.

Golden monkey trekking regulations.

Like gorilla or chimpanzee treks, visiting golden monkeys also requires you to respect the set rules and regulations, which include;

1. Observing a distance of 7m from the troop of golden monkeys.
2. Avoid any body touches or behaviors like feeding golden monkeys.
3. Using a flashlight camera for photo taking should be avoided at all times.
4. When you embark on a trek with golden monkeys, your voices should be lowered.
5. To track golden monkeys in Rwanda and Uganda, you should be above 15 years old.
6. Avoid any practice related to smoking or eating/drinking in the presence of the golden monkeys.
7. A maximum of one hour is guaranteed for your up close and personal interaction with the golden monkey troop.
8. Avoid disposing of any human waste carelessly; observe the park official’s instructions.
9. A valid golden monkey trekking permit is needed for you to participate in this primate adventure.

When is the best time to go for golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Adventures like golden monkey trekking need to be carefully planned and first, you must understand the ideal time. The dry season for this case offers ideal weather conditions for tourists to experience the best of golden monkey trek. The longest dry months/seasons begin from June, July, August, and September, whereas the shortest dry months extend from December to February.

Golden monkey tracking adventures are also open during the wet or rainy season though you can experience some interruptions from rain. The wet/rainy season occurs from March to May or from October to November.

Packing for the golden monkey trekking

Packing appropriately is needed when it comes to golden monkey treks, and in this guide, we have put together the ideal gear, clothing, and footwear to make your adventure memorable. The list of items to include on the Rwanda and Uganda golden monkey tracking tour ranges from waterproof hiking boots, a camera, a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts/trousers, a pair of binoculars, insect repellents, gardening gloves, a lightweight rain jacket, water and snacks, a safari hat, sunscreen, a first aid kit.

Where to stay in Uganda and Rwanda for the golden monkey trek

Choose the best lodge to stay at, and you should be directed by the proximity of the facility to where your adventure is to start from. In the Mgahinga, available lodges and camps to consider for overnight stay include Mutanda Eco Community, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Mt. Gahinga Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Golden Monkey Guesthouse, and Travelers Rest Hotel.

If you plan to track Rwanda golden monkeys, then expect to spend a night in the Virunga Lodge, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and many others.