Golden monkey trekking is an adventure activity that involves tracking and observing golden monkeys in their natural habitat. This activity is mainly done in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These destinations are a good spot for golden monkey trekking in their natural habitat which is a unique and rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers.
National Parks to do Golden Monkey Trekking.
1. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda harboring a good number of golden monkeys making it the best destination to do this activity.
Mgahinga National Park provides ultimate and unmatched golden monkey trekking experiences where you get to encounter golden monkeys in their natural habitat. These primates are usually found in bamboo forests under the guidance of experienced guides who help you through the thickets looking for golden monkeys.
Golden monkey trekking begins with a briefing at the park headquarters where you are briefed on how to behave once you get to encounter these primates. Golden monkeys have different features of identifications from other primates and the guide will lead you through their locations.
You are required to wake up early and track these primates before they head into hunting since they are fond to move from one place to another. At the park headquarters, you are allocated a troop and once you get to encounter it, you are given time to be in their presence as you observe their behaviors and how they feed their young ones. This activity takes about 3 hours depending on where the primates will be found.
You have time to observe how they hunt, feed their young ones and feed too as you take scenic photographs. This activity provides you with ultimate information about these primates and the conservation efforts in place to protect them and their habitat.
During golden monkey trekking, you get a chance to encounter other primates like olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, wildlife species like duikers and various bird species since the park is a bird haven.
2. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is located in Rwanda providing you with a fantastic adventure of golden monkey trekking within their natural habitat. The activity begins with a briefing in the morning at the park headquarters, where you are guided on the dos and don’ts of the activity.
After briefing, you are set into the jungle to find your assigned troop of golden monkeys. The activity takes about 2 hours or more depending on their location. Golden monkeys are known for their striking golden fur and the guide will lead you through their location until you get to encounter them.
Once you get to encounter golden monkeys, you have the opportunity to observe them up close as they display their playful nature of jumping from one tree branch to another. Take photographs of the primates and keep them for great memories.
During golden monkey trekking, you will come across lush bamboo forests, scenic views of Virunga and Volcano mountains, and different flora and fauna of different bird species and other primate species.
Best time to do golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking depends on the weather and your time preferences. In Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, golden monkey trekking is best done in the dry seasons of June to September and December to February.
During this period, trails are dry and less slippery compared to the wet seasons when trails are wet and slippery. Please note that golden monkey trekking is open throughout the whole year.
