Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; Golden monkey trekking is an active and interesting activity which involves moving on foot into the forest in search of the golden monkeys and once found spend one hour with them in their environment. Golden monkeys are unique and interesting primate species that live in groups of about 30 individuals and feed on bamboo leaves, shoots, fruits, insects among others. Golden monkey trekking is done in Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda.

Where to go for golden monkey trekking tours

Mgahinga gorilla national park

Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern region in Kisoro district and it’s the only destination that offers golden monkey trekking in Uganda. Mgahinga gorilla national park also harbors other wildlife species like gorillas, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, mammals and different bird species.

Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is another destination that offers the interesting golden monkey trekking. The national park is located in north western region in Musanze village. Golden monkeys in Volcanoes national park are found in the slopes of Mount Sabinyo and are open for trekking on a daily basis.

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda — Golden monkey in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking experience

Golden monkey trekking is an active activity that starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing you will be allocated a park guide and start trekking in the forest following trails of left over bamboo shoots, leaves and fruits. Golden monkey trekking takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where they are located because they are active primates that like moving from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primates like black and white colobus monkeys, view different bird species, plants among others. Once the golden monkeys are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you a chance to learn about their behaviors, watch them play up in trees, feed, take photos and record the breathtaking moment.

Cost of a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda

A golden monkey trekking permit is a card/document that is issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit a golden monkey family in either Uganda or Rwanda. A golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda costs 100 USD for all nationalities and a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda costs 60 USD per person for foreign non residents, 60 USD per person for foreign residents and 40,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.

How to book a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda.

Golden monkey trekking permits can either be booked directly through Uganda wildlife authority a government body in Uganda or Rwanda development board a government body in Rwanda by contacting the offices via email or telephone calls. Golden monkey trekking permits can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. When booking through achieve global safaris, you will contact us with the dates and destination you wish to visit. After contacting us we will check for permit availability and if there are permits that match with your dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for permit. When the payment has been made, we will acquire the permit of your behalf.

Best time to go for golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Golden monkey safaris can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season the golden monkey destinations receive less rainfall therefore trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery due to heavy rainfall which make trekking difficult.

What to carry for your golden monkey trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Hiking shoes to protect your feet and keep them dry during trekking
Long sleeved trouser and shirt to protect your skin and keep you warm especially during morning hours.
Waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall
Warm sweater to keep you warm during the wet season or morning hours.
Energy food like packed lunch and drinking water to keep you hydrated
Insect repellent to protect your skin from biting insects such as mosquitos and tsetse flies
Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour in the presence of the golden monkeys.
Backpack to carry your golden monkey trekking items.

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park is a fascinating activity that shouldn’t be missed during your safari. Golden monkey safaris can be combined with other activities like gorilla trekking, mountain climbing, bird watching and wildlife viewing. For more information you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable Uganda safari packages.