Tracking Golden Monkeys in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park.

Tracking Golden Monkeys in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, Nestled in Uganda’s southwestern region in Kisoro district, in the mist-shrouded slopes of the Virunga massif, Mgahinga national park offers a unique chance to meet another group of endangered primates – golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) in addition to the mountain gorillas. Golden monkey tracking is a lesser-known primate encounter the allows visitors to combine adventure, conservation and biodiversity.

Golden monkeys are commonly found in the Albertine rift, an ecological region covering parts of the democratic republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. These other group of human cousins are characterised by a vibrant orange-gold fur with black, grey limbs and a tail. These vibrant primates dwell in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, of which Mgahinga is a part, and its thought to number approximately 3,000 to 4,000 individuals remaining in the world.  Mgahinga national park is the only place in Uganda where these amazing wildlife creatures can be tracked.

Golden monkeys live in groups of 100 individuals and always move longer distances as they carry out their daily antics. They mainly feed on bamboo leaves, fruits, flowers, lichens, sprouts and small invertebrates in the forest.

The golden monkey tracking experience.

Like gorilla tracking in Mgahinga national park, golden monkey trekking starts with an early morning briefing session at Ntebeko park headquarters.  the briefing helps to provide information to the trekkers about the guidelines to be followed and what to expect during the activity. In the park jungles, experienced park rangers from Uganda Wildlife authority lead the trekkers through the tropical bamboo forested areas where the golden monkeys spend most of their time.

The length of the hike varies for 3-4 hours depending on the location of the monkeys, and the hike is less strenuous as the bamboo forested zones are fond at the foothills of the volcano.  This trek is suitable for trekkers of all physical fitness. The golden monkeys are easily spotted by their chattering sounds and jumping from one tree to another.

One hour of encounter- Once the trekkers find the golden monkeys, they are allowed to   have close encounter for one hour to observe their behavior, how they play, feed and groom. They are worth enjoying and taking photography.

Costs for a golden monkey permit.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for issuing golden monkey permits. these can be purchased on the ground at Ntebeko park headquarters of through a reputable tour operator company.  Golden monkey permits cost $100 for foreign non residents and $80 for foreign residents while the East African residents pay UGX 60,000 per person. This fee includes park entry charges.

Mgahinga National Park also offers a unique   golden monkey habituation experience    at $100, where visitors have the opportunity to spend   four hours around the golden monkeys leaning about how they behave / react to human presence.

When and how to go golden monkey tracking.

Trekking golden monkeys is possible all year round in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is accessible from both Uganda and Rwanda by road and air. The park can be reached by road from Kampala/Entebbe in roughly nine to ten hours. Travelers can also take a charter aircraft from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro air strip from, where they will connect to the park by road for about 50 minutes. The park is also easily accessible from Rwanda; visitors can choose to fly straight into Rwanda and drive from Kigali to Mgahinga via the Cyanika or Katuna borders in four hours. Additionally, it is also possible to combine a Rwanda safari with a golden monkey trek in Uganda.

Best time: Golden monkey tracking is an all-year-round wild experience. However, the most conducive times of the year are the drier months of June to September and December to February. this is because the tracking trails are drier and c the forest jungles are clear thus providing quick views of the monkeys. If you plan to travel in the drier season, try to book your permits and accommodation in advance because these months attract a lot of crowds of tourists.

The wet months of March to May and October to November are also fit for tracking but come with muddy trails and a touch of mist in the park jungles which the trek challenging though remains rewarding. However, they attract less crowds and the accommodations offer discounted services.

What to pack for the golden monkey tracking experience.

To make the best of your golden monkey tracking experience, travelers should include the following in their travel pack:

• Sturdy hiking boots: to help you traverse the varying terrain of the park.
• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers: to protect your body from plant scratches
• Rain gear: to protect you because the weather in the park is unpredictable.
• Plenty of water and snacks: to keep your energetic and hydrated
• Binoculars and a camera: for good and clear photography
• Insect repellent: to prevent insect bites and stings.

Since the golden monkeys inhabit dense bamboo forests, the terrain may be uneven and slippery, so good footwear and physical readiness enhance both comfort and safety.