Golden Monkey Trekking Uganda
Golden monkey trekking is a special primate adventure awaiting you to experience on Uganda safaris. Golden Monkey Trekking Uganda offers a unique primate tracking experience to primate adventure seekers.
During the golden monkey trekking expedition, expect to witness the strikingly stunning golden monkeys with their shining fur. A close encounter with a troop of golden monkeys immersed in the jungles leaves lots of memories.
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda promises you a journey full of inspiration and travel rejuvenation. Book a Golden Monkey trek tour to experience a vacation full of lasting memories.
Trekking golden monkeys is such a sensational adventure, a journey that brings lots of surprising encounters in the wild.
Overview of Golden Monkeys –Species and Habitat
Golden monkeys make up part of the 20 primate species in Uganda. On a primate tour in Uganda, expect to explore these unique primates in the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Golden monkeys reside in the Virunga Region where Mgahinga National Park falls. The rest of the places include Volcanoes National Park –located in Northwestern Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo.
About 2000 to 4000 golden monkeys still survive in the wild today and are only concentrated around the Virunga region. They are listed among the endangered species and like most primates, their composition consists of troops. Each of the golden monkey troops consists of 100 individuals and a male alpha is always on the lead.
To make visitor interaction with golden monkeys easier, a section of these primates have been habituated. The troops that have been opened for tourism reside around the slopes of volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park. Besides normal treks, there is also a chance to engage in the experiential golden monkey habituation adventure.
Golden monkey habituation is one of the new tourism products mainly intended for research and conservation purposes. Trackers get involved in the monitoring of the semi-habituated golden monkey troop for long while observing how they behave and taking photos.
The best locations for golden monkey trekking in Uganda
The best place to visit to experience golden monkey trekking in Uganda is Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga is located in Kisoro, Southwestern Uganda. About 2 habituated golden monkey troops are available for tracking in Mgahinga National Park. They occupy the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo.
One of the golden monkey troops in Mgahinga is designated for research reasons. However, normal golden monkey treks mainly involve exploring already habituated troops with an experienced park ranger guide.
What to expect on the trekking experience
On the golden monkey trekking adventure, expect to start the day with a briefing about the rules and regulations as well as the allocation of troops or park ranger guides. At around 8:00 am, the normal trek can begin taking you between 2 and 5 hours. The most essential part will be to observe the troop of golden monkeys in the wild for 1 hour and also take pictures.
Golden monkeys in Mgahinga reside in the bamboo forest and can be spotted in a playful mood. The troops of golden monkeys to be visited have already undergone habituation by the park experts or team of conservationists.
The best time to go golden monkey trekking in Uganda
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is excellent and enjoyed during the peak dry season. This is possible during the long dry months that is from June to September or short dry spells which occur around December to February.
Trekking through the jungles of Mgahinga during the dry months is easier due to low rainfall. These are the best months to trek golden monkeys compared to the wet months; March, April, May and October, to November.
Preparing for your trek: Essential gear and tips
Essential gear to pack for your golden monkey trek in Uganda includes;
- Insect repellents help protect you from biting insects.
- Long-sleeved shirts not only to keep you warm but also to help protect your hands from falling tree branches.
- Long-trousers –ideal for your trek with golden monkeys and help protect your legs from crawling insects.
- A waterproof daypack –to protect your essential documents.
- Adequate bottled drinking water – to keep you hydrated throughout your golden monkey adventure.
- Waterproof rain jacket –to keep you protected when it rains.
- Sturdy walking or hiking boots –to ensure that you safely walk through the muddy and steep slopes. The hiking boots should be waterproof.
- A good camera with no flashlight –for photography.
- Extra batteries –to ensure you have continued with the photography session.
- Energy snacks –to keep you energized.
Conservation efforts and relevance of golden monkeys
Golden monkey conservation efforts mainly involve protecting golden monkey habitats, raising awareness, and promoting sustainable golden monkey trekking tourism. The conservation of golden monkeys is the reason why these primates have existed for long. Golden monkey conservation is relevant to Uganda’s tourism sector.
Other wildlife experiences in Mgahinga
Birding
Birding in Mgahinga National Park allows you to explore a variety of birds including the Albertine endemic species. The various birds in Mgahinga include the blue-breasted bee-eaters, white-necked raven, Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters,
Cape robin chat, Double-collared sunbirds, Malachite sunbirds, Yellow-billed kite, Rwenzori batis, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Moorland chat, Fire-finch stonechat, red-throated alethe, dusky turtle dove, brown crown tchagra, black-headed waxbills, grey capped waxbill, and handsome francolins.
Why Golden Monkey Trekking Should Be on Your Bucket List
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda should be on your bucket list because it guarantees distinct and thrilling primate adventures. Engaging in the trek with golden monkey troops, you get a chance to witness habituated golden monkeys.
How much is golden monkey trekking in Uganda?
A valid Golden Monkey trekking permit can be reserved at USD 60 for foreign non-residents, USD 40 for foreign residents, and shs. 40,000 for all East African citizens.
Is Golden Monkey trekking worth it?
Golden monkeys reside in the same habitat as the endangered mountain gorillas. Participating in the trek with golden monkey troops in Mgahinga is worth every penny and effort. It is a lifetime opportunity for primate enthusiasts to encounter a habituated troop of golden monkeys.
Leave a Reply