Golden monkey trekking in Uganda Mgahinga forest

Uganda’s Mgahinga gorilla national park is one of the four destinations currently known in the whole world to inhabit the rear and endangered golden monkeys sometimes referred to as a distinctive race of the more widespread silver or Blue monkey, a little known bamboo-associated unique primates are listed as ‘endangered species’ by the international union for Conservation of Nature . This rear golden monkeys are Endemic to the Albertine Rift, the golden monkey is characterized as a bright orange-gold body, cheeks and tail, contrasting with its black limbs, crown and tail end.

Until a few years ago, this pretty monkey was common in Rwanda’s Gishwati Mukura Forest Reserve, most of which was chopped down by returned refugees in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide and unconfirmed sources indicate that a small population might occur further south in the same country’s Nyungwe Forest National Park. Fortunately, the golden monkey is the numerically dominant primate within this restricted range – a 2003 survey estimated a population of over 2000 golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park.

These primates are endangered and endemic to this region, sharing their home with the world famous Mountain Gorilla, as well as buffalo, forest elephant and other species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

Some of the destinations where you can see the golden monkeys include Rwanda’s volcanoes national park, DR Congo’s Virunga and Kahuzi biega national parks respectively.

Golden monkey permits

These permits can be booked on ground from the Park headquarters in Ntebeko Visitor Center however electronic payments are allowed only. Tourists who wish to spend more quality time and understand the detailed information regarding the golden monkeys can visit this Park for the engaging golden monkey habituation experience that costs between $100-200 per person.

What to pack

Just like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking takes place in the forest and clients have to ensure that they dress appropriate in order to have a successful trekking, some of the essentials include: a cap, long sleeved khaki shirt quick dry, gloves, long pants quick dry, long stockings, gaiters, hiking shoes with good grip, a bag pack to carry drinking water, camera, rain jacket, spear batteries and SD Cards, packed Lunch, money for tips and shopping.