Frequently asked questions about golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Limited information about golden monkeys is available because they are endangered species only found in a few places like the Virunga area. This is one reason why many questions arise about golden monkeys trekking as an activity.

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What Are Golden Monkeys?

Golden monkeys are a special kind of monkey with a body structure that is bigger than normal monkeys. They have golden brown hairs on the lower body and back. They live in communities under the leadership of an alpha male but, during the day, divide into troupes.

Although these golden monkeys are habituated to human presence, they are very playful, so do not expect them to settle in one place. They keep you on your toes all the time because of their active and exciting nature. Scientifically, the golden monkeys are called Cercopithecus mitis kandti 

Golden monkeys in Uganda live in Mgahinga National Park together with the mountain gorillas. Other primates they live with include blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons, and others.

Volcanoes National Park is another home of the Golden monkeys living with other great flora and fauna, including over 300 birds species, several primates, huge but very old natural tree species, beautiful mountains, and others

Where Can I Book A Gorilla Trekking Permit For Uganda or Rwanda

One must book a gorilla trekking permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board to be allowed to be with the Golden monkeys.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Monkey Trekking

Where to do Golden Monkey Trekking In Uganda And Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is done in Mgahinga National Park located in the fur southwestern corner of Uganda. The Rwanda golden monkeys trekking safaris are done in Volcanoes National Park.

You may have the chance to see other wild animals like forest elephants, duikers, different monkey species, rich avian life, and so much more.

How Much Is the Golden Monkey Trekking Permit In Uganda And Rwanda

The Golden Monkeys permit costs $100 per person per trek in Uganda and Rwanda. You must book in advance because they get sold out fast, especially in the peak season, that is to say, June to September and December to January.

You must remember to pay park entrance fees for either Mgahinga National Park or Volcanoes National Park because this is not included in the permit cost.

What Is Included In The Golden Monkey Permit Cost For Uganda And Rwanda

The ranger guide fees which are part of the salary paid to the rangers for helping out in leading the tourists and protecting wildlife in the different National parks. The rangers have more detailed information about the golden monkeys and other forest dwellers, which they explain in detail to tourists. They deserve good pay for all the effort they put in to collect all this and majority have information off head.

Park Maintenance

The trails where that lead to where the golden monkeys are must be well-kept so that tourists can trace their way into the forest. In case they are overgrown, some maintenance has to be done. In the park in order to give quicker access even at the starting point of the trek.

Community support

 Part of the profit accumulated annually from the sale of activities done in the parks, including golden monkey trekking destinations, is injected into the local community as a support fund for their projects. This is done to give chance to the community to appreciate the reasons why conservation is important to them too.

Fund for the Security team

The security team comprises rangers and other security organs in these countries. They work hard to keep law and order so that tourists can safely enjoy their holidays and return home in one piece.

What Is Excluded in The Golden Monkey Permits Cost?

Park Entrance fees

This must be paid by every individual entering the National Park. This is added to the wildlife conservation fund of each country.

Tipping

Although tipping is not compulsory, it is a token of appreciation for a well-done service. There is no amount set for tipping, but we advise you to tip generously. This encourages these rangers to keep doing the noble cause of preserving wildlife.

Accommodation costs

You are required to reserve accommodation closer to the park where you are to do the golden monkey trek so that you can catch up with the briefing in time.

Packed lunch

You must carry your packed lunch from the lodge before proceeding to do golden monkeys trekking because you do not know when you are to return from the trek.

Drinking water and treats

You must carry your drinking water, either in a bottle or in a container, so that when you get thirsty, you can drink it. Do not forget your treats because breakfast is taken too early to last you the entire golden monkey trekking time.

How Much Is Golden Monkey Trekking Safari In Uganda And Rwanda?

The golden monkey's safari costs must include the cost of the golden monkey permit, but other costs vary according to:

The number of paying people

The more people are traveling to do golden monkeys trekking, the less the safari costs per person. This is because some safari components costs are shared, like vehicle hire, gas, driver guide, etc. When you plan a solo golden monkeys trek, you bare all the safari costs.

Timing for booking The Golden Monkey Trek

The peak seasons, that is to say, June to September and December to January, are normally high season times. Some service providers charge high costs because of demand across all activities. The low seasons, on the other hand, may attract discounted prices on some services like  accommodation, driver guide hire, and others

The number of activities combined with golden monkey trekking, like gorilla trekking, birding, game safaris, launch trips, mountaineering, etc. The more activities the higher the amount of money you pay for this safari.

 Number of days to spend on golden Monkey trek

The more days you select to do the golden monkeys trekking safari, the higher the safari cost. The majority of the service providers charge safari costs per day.

How Difficult Is Golden monkeys trekking?

The topography of the Virunga area is mountainous because of volcanic actions in this area.  You must have some level of fitness to have the chance to overcome the golden monkeys trek. These primates are very active so expect to hike slippery slopes at times.

Sometimes it rains heavily, and the trails become soggy, you have to wear trekking boots that can withstand such conditions.

Are Golden Monkeys Aggressive?

Golden monkeys are very active primates but try to follow the rules and regulations given during the briefing. This is to prevent chances of provoking these primates because, as a troupe, they may not be very comfortable with agitating behaviors. In case they are angry, they may hoot hysterically, jump uncontrollably from one tree to another, or even throw fruits at you. Be very obedient to the instructions given during the briefing and by the ranger guides.

How Safe Is Golden Monkey trekking In Uganda And Rwanda?

The rangers, in collaboration with each country's security forces, manage the security of Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park. You also have to pay attention to personal safety by not entering the forest without an escorting guide and not counting a lot of money in public that may attract the wrong people. Pack the right gorilla trekking gear for golden monkeys trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and others.

How Long Does Golden Monkey Trek Take in Uganda Or Rwanda?

The time for locating the golden monkeys depends on the forest conditions prevailing during severe rainy seasons, they may be hiding in the trees. If their food is far, tracing them may be challenging too, and so much more.

The time for locating the golden monkeys is unknown, but you need to have some level of patience to succeed. Wait for the ranger guide to pass the instructions on how to deal with the golden monkeys when you trace them, depending on the observation he makes.

When you trace the golden monkeys, only one hour is allowed with them so that they go about their day today activities like feeding, grooming infants, and others.

When Is the Best Time To Book the Golden Monkey Trekking Safari In Uganda or Rwanda?

Golden Monkeys trekking is open all year, but tourists prefer the dry months. This is because these monkeys are more active. Golden monkeys are very active primates, but during the severe rainy seasons, they tend to keep up in the trees.

Even other forest dwellers like birds, butterflies are more active in the dry season. This area receives rain anytime, but during dry season, the humidity is not so heavy.

The low seasons, however, have fewer people booking the golden monkey trek so you can easily book your package with fewer people to obstruct you.  Even chances of getting discounted prices are high in this season, especially on other services like accommodation, driver guide fees, and others.

What To Combine With Golden Monkey Trekking In Uganda or Rwanda?

In Rwanda

Gorilla trekking

 In Volcanoes National Park, you can do gorilla trekking too. This park is composed of about 15 gorilla families that are open for tourists to book. You must also purchase a gorilla permit to be allowed to participate. Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas when you trace them. A maximum of 8 gorilla trekking permits are opened daily for tourism.

Birding in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is a birding haven for Rwanda, hosting over 300 bird species. This also includes some Albertine endemics. You may have the chance to spot birds like African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimson wings, Yellow Steaked Greenbuls, Rwenzori Batis flycatchers, and others

Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Before or after golden monkeys trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you can proceed for game drives in Akagera National Park. During the early morning game drives, you may have the chance to spot animals like giraffes, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, Bushbucks, cape buffaloes, lions, hyenas, Rhinos, and others.

You can proceed on a boat trip on Lake Ihema within the park and enjoy its great scenery.

Rwanda Genocide Memorial Visit

During the Kigali city tour, you may take an excursion to the Rwanda genocide, where the remains of the victims of the 100 days of ignorance in Rwanda are preserved. It is a reminder to the nationals and tourists of where Rwanda has come from and no need to get back there.

In Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

Uganda is the host of about half the number of mountain gorillas in the world. Gorilla trekking can be done in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You must purchase an Uganda gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. At the moment, Uganda has about 19 gorilla families open for tourism.

The gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable national park are reserved according to area, and this park has four areas. These include the Buhoma area, Ruhijah area, Nkuringo area, and Rushaga area.

Game Drives In Uganda

 Uganda has a number of game parks where you may get to see a number of wild animals like giraffes, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, oribi, statungas, hyenas and others. Although these animals are not found in all national Parks, the chances of spotting a great number of them in one park is high.

Some of the Uganda National Game Parks include Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and others.

Chimpanzee trekking In Uganda

Kibale National Park is the topmost home of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, hosting about 1500 chimpanzees as of now. Other chimpanzee trekking destinations include Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Kalinzu forest reserve, Kyambura Gorge, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and others

Visit the Source of River Nile

Uganda is the only source of the River Nile In the world. You can sail to the point where the world’s longest river starts its course.

White water rafting

On Itanda Falls River Nile, you can participate in white water rafting. No experience is needed as there are instructors to take you through all necessary requirements. You need to keep peddling up to the level you wish to stop.

Contact us for more information.