Golden Monkey Trekking is only possible within the Virunga region of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Golden monkey are a sub-specie of the Sykes Monkey also referred to as “Blue Monkeys”. They are scientifically known as Cercopithecus Mitis kandti and live in large troops of about 60 members. Most live on the lower slopes of mountains within the Virunga rangers but have also been sighted in Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo, Gishwati Makura forest and Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.
Golden Monkeys stand out from other monkey species because of the gold/orange spots on their fur coats. They are considered to be one of the most beautiful and cute monkey species in Africa. Golden Monkeys generally feed on bamboo shoots/branches but will occasionally look for ripe fruits and insects on the ground. They are very active, curious and playful. You can find them always jumping from tree to tree as they look for food or escape from their chief predator, the golden eagle.
Like mountain gorillas, Golden monkey are listed as an endangered species by The International Union for Conservation of Nature and about 5000 individuals still roam the planet. They are threatened by human encroachment on their natural habitat and the civil wars within certain parts of the Virunga region. Golden Monkeys are persecuted by human communities because they sometimes venture out of parks to raid gardens. Because of their endangered status and cute looks, golden monkey trekking has become very popular. As more tourists visit them, the world gets to know about their plight and more resources are channeled towards protecting them.
Where to See Golden Monkeys
Golden monkey are found in the following national parks:-
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda: The volcanoes national park now has two habituated troops of golden monkeys. The largest and most visited group lives around the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo with about 100 individuals. Golden monkey troops can also be found in the Gishwati Forest Reserve. A small group is also believed to be surviving in the Nyungwe Forest National park. However, tracking is not organized for visitors in the Gishwati Forest Reserve and Nyungwe Forest National park. The groups found here are not habituated and remain wild.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda: There are two habituated golden monkey troops in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Mgahinga national park in Uganda is probably the best place to track golden monkeys. The park stands out because it has an extra group designated for a four hour golden monkey habituation experience. Under the golden monkey habituation experience, visitors are given more time to observe and understand the lives of the primates alongside international researchers, experienced trackers and guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The Democratic Republic of Congo: Golden monkey can also be found in the Virunga national park and Kahuzi-Biéga in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Golden monkey trekking is not yet fully open to visitors in Congo for several reasons including security.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park
Tracking golden monkeys is best done in Uganda and Rwanda. The two countries are more organized, have better tourism infrastructure and are more secure. The age limit for golden monkey trekking is 12 years. Larger groups are allowed to see a golden monkey troop at a time compared to gorillas. Tracking golden monkeys starts with a briefing which takes place at park offices at around 7:30am. After the briefing, tourists may decide to hire a porter to help with extra luggage before moving to the starting point. Tracking golden monkeys takes a shorter time (about an hour) and is less strenuous than gorilla trekking. They don’t leave behind big poop like gorillas and hence some effort is required to locate them.
Trackers can still locate them by looking out for fresh leftovers of bamboo shoot. Each day of tracking golden monkeys is different. The weather and troop movements decide how the day will go. Because of their constant movements on tree tops, taking photos of these monkey involves some difficulty. The only time the monkeys stay still is when taking shelter during the rains or when it gets too windy. The winds make it difficult for them to locate their enemies and they need to stay alert for eagles. Flash photos are allowed unlike with the mountain gorillas. The best way to take photos of these cute creatures is to set your camera on fast shutter shot speed.
Once the monkeys are located, trackers will often have to follow them around because they love jumping from tree to tree. Their long tails help them balance but may get stuck and cut off by the bamboo trees. You will notice some members with short tails as testament to this. Habituated golden monkeys are not shy around humans and may come close out of curiosity. Just like with mountain gorillas, Tourists are only allowed one hour with the monkeys. You might be interested in the 2 Days golden monkey tracking tour in Rwanda. We also have the 4 days gorilla trekking and golden monkey package. If you are interested in a shorter tour to see both primates, then read about our 3 days Rwanda golden monkey tracking and gorilla safari package.
Golden Monkey Habituation in Uganda and Rwanda
Because of their shy and wild nature, a golden monkey troop needs to be habituated before tourists can be allowed to visit them. Wild golden monkey troops will move away from humans on first sight. Golden monkey habituation is the process of training a selected troop to get comfortable with human presence around them. Golden monkey habituation experience is a special arrangement offered to Travelers who wish to get a more detailed understanding of the primates. During golden monkey habituation experience, Tourists are given an opportunity to observe the primates for 4 hours while getting more in-depth information from Researchers.
Packing List for Golden Monkey Trekking
You will need to come along with the following while tracking golden monkeys:-
- Suitable hiking boots
- long trousers
- A jacket for rain
- A hat
- long-sleeved shirt
- Packed lunch and drinking water
- A camera. Flash cameras are allowed
- A walking stick for support
- A porter to help with extra luggage and navigate slippery terrain
- An insect repellent
Golden Monkey Permits
To take part in golden Monkey tracking, you need to acquire a golden monkey permit. The permit allows a visitor one hour with the primates. Visitors can acquire permits directly from the different country Tourism Authorities. In Mgahinga National park, permits are acquired through the Uganda Wildlife Authority while in Rwanda its through the Rwanda Development Board. A Tour Company can help you arrange your entire golden monkey 
tour ranging from acquiring the permits, accommodation and transportation. Golden monkey permits may need to be booked in advance during the peak travel seasons of June to early October. The chance of spotting golden monkeys is very high. Let’s share information about the prices for tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda and Uganda.
Rwanda: The price for a golden monkey tracking permits currently costs $100 per person. The price includes Ranger and Park fees to the Volcanoes National park. The permits are acquired from the Rwanda Development board.
Uganda: Golden monkey permits in Uganda are acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A golden monkey tracking permit in Uganda costs $100 per person for international visitors. The price includes park fees, Ranger/Guide fees and the time spent with the primates. Visitors who wish to go for the 4 hour golden monkey habituation experience pay .
Note: Golden monkey tracking as an activity is overshadowed by gorilla trekking. In most cases, visitors combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking as a side activity.