Is Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda worth it?
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is home to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife and natural wonders. One of the many treasures in Golden Monkey Trekking is in the high-altitude forests of the southwest. Golden monkey trekking offers you the craziest up-close encounter with one of the most elusive and beautiful primates in Africa, especially if you get a chance to interact with them, hidden in between the misty mountains of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park!
If you are a tourist whose passion lies in wildlife and who loves the zest of adventure while travelling, this exciting trek to see gorillas could be quite delightful and unforgettable. Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is worth all you need to know about.
Golden Monkey in Uganda
There is a subspecies of the blue monkey, the golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), which occurs only in the high-altitude forests on the Virunga Volcanic Mountain range in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Primarily known for their extremely colourful attire, these two-legged simians have golden-orange fur all over, contrasting with black limbs. These primates are some of the most beautiful, colourful and playful monkeys in the world.
Uganda hosts Golden monkeys, endemic to the bamboo forests of this region, of which you can only trek to see them in their natural habitat in hardly any places across the world. However, they live in social troops ranging from 30 to 100 individuals and spend nearly all of their time just jumping from tree to tree, hunting for their preferred food, such as bamboo shoots.
Where to Go for Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda
Golden monkey trekking would be best done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. The park forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which also encompasses Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mgahinga is known for its gorillas, but it’s the only place in Uganda where you can track the rare golden monkeys. With towering volcanic mountains and lush montane forests, the area makes the perfect setting for golden monkeys. Mountain gorillas, forest elephants and more than 180 species of birds live in the park; it is a biodiversity hotspot.
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
About 500 km from the capital city, Kampala, transfer is available by road and air. A true road trip that takes about 9–10 hours features landscapes of rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and local communities. The nearby Kisoro Airstrip is reachable by domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield, but for those short on time, the park is just a short flight from the airstrip. It is just a 14 km drive from Kisoro to the park headquarters. Whether you choose to fly or drive, the journey to Mgahinga takes you through some of Uganda’s most scenic landscapes, with the majestic Virunga volcanoes looming in the background.
What to Expect on the Golden Monkey Trek in Mgahinga National Park
The golden monkey trek begins early in the morning. Many guides are available, including those who conduct the pre-trek briefing at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre, where park rangers provide an informative overview about the monkeys, the trek route, and guidelines for staying safe near wildlife. Golden monkey trekking, compared to gorilla trekking, should not be much of a physical adventure, as this species of monkey has their habitats deep inside the thick forest and bamboo groves where you don’t have to struggle too much to be in their presence.
It takes between 2 and 4 hours through a misty forest to find the monkeys. The trail winds through dense bamboo forests filled with the sounds of birds and the scent of the forest, crossing small streams along the way. Your guide will point out specific flora and fauna as you go, along with additional stories, giving a richer experience.
When the golden monkeys are located, you’ll have one hour to view and capture them. Golden monkeys are much more active and playful than gorillas, who stay still and tear through vegetation. Wildlife lovers love to watch this thrilling acrobatic movement of their social interaction.
When is the best time for golden monkey trekking in Uganda?
You can go for golden monkey trekking all year, but the dry seasons between June and September and December and February are considered the perfect moments for trekking. During and after these months, the trail becomes easier to navigate due to its drier conditions. In addition to the presence of golden monkeys, visibility in the forest improves, increasing your chances of seeing them up close.
However, rain is never an issue, as the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring more of it, though trekking here in this season does afford its attractiveness. The forest is full of colour and very little sound, and a number of visitors enjoy the wildlife.
