Frequently asked questions about golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Since golden monkeys are an endangered species that is only found in a few locations, such as the Virunga region, there is little information accessible on them. For this reason, a lot of people have inquiries regarding trekking for golden monkeys.
The Golden Monkey: What Are They?
A unique kind of monkey, golden monkeys have larger bodies than other monkeys. Their back and lower body are covered in golden brown hair. Although they live in groups headed by an alpha male, they split up into groups during the day.
Despite being accustomed to human presence, these golden monkeys are quite playful, so don’t expect them to sit down in one spot. Their lively and thrilling personality keeps you always on your toes. The golden monkeys are known scientifically as Cercopithecus mitis kandti.
at Uganda, golden monkeys coexist with mountain gorillas at Mgahinga National Park. They also coexist with vervet monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, and other primates.
Golden monkeys can also be found in Volcanoes National Park, which also has stunning mountains, more than 300 bird species, various primates, large yet ancient natural tree species, and other wonderful flora and wildlife.
Where Can I Reserve a Rwandan or Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Permit?
To see the golden monkeys, one has to reserve a gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Common Questions Regarding Trekking with Golden Monkeys
Where in Rwanda and Uganda Can I Go Golden Monkey Trekking?
In Uganda, golden monkey trekking takes place in Mgahinga National Park, which is situated in the country’s far southwest. Volcanoes National Park is where the trekking safaris for Rwanda’s golden monkeys are conducted.
Other wild creatures that you might be able to view include forest elephants, duikers, various monkey types, a variety of birds, and much more.
How Much Does It Cost to Trek in Rwanda and Uganda with a Golden Monkey Permit?
In Rwanda and Uganda, the Golden Monkeys permit costs $100 per person each trek. They sell out quickly, especially during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January, so you have to make reservations in advance.
Since park admission fees for either Volcanoes National Park or Mgahinga National Park are not included by the permit cost, you must keep this in mind.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Golden Monkey Permit In Rwanda And Uganda?
In exchange for their assistance in guiding visitors and safeguarding animals in the various national parks, rangers get a portion of their salaries in the form of ranger guide fees. The rangers provide tourists with more thorough explanations of the golden monkeys and other forest inhabitants. Most of them have information off their heads, and they should be paid well for all the work they put into gathering all of this.
Park Upkeep
To allow visitors to follow the golden monkeys’ path through the forest, the paths leading there need to be preserved in good condition. They need to be maintained if they are overgrown. in the park to provide faster access, even at the trek’s beginning.
Support from the community
Every year, a portion of the profits made from the sale of park activities, such as golden monkey trekking locations, are donated to the neighborhood as funding for their projects. This is done to offer the community a chance to understand why conservation matters to them as well.
Money for the security staff
In these nations, rangers and other security organs make up the security team. They put a lot of effort into maintaining law and order so that visitors can travel safely and get back home without incident.
What Does the Price of Golden Monkey Permits Not Include?
Fees for park entrance
You have to pay this each time you enter the National Park. This is contributed to each nation’s wildlife protection fund.
Tipping
Tipping is a sign of appreciation for a job well done, although it is not required. Although there is no predetermined tip amount, we suggest leaving a sizable tip. This motivates these rangers to continue their wonderful work of protecting animals.
Costs of lodging
In order to make it to the briefing in time, you must book lodging nearer the park where you will be doing the golden monkey trek.
packed a lunch.
Since you are unsure of when you will return from the Golden Monkeys journey, you must bring your packed lunch from the resort before starting the journey.
consuming water and sweets
To be able to drink it when you’re thirsty, you need to keep your drinking water with you, either in a bottle or another container. Breakfast is eaten too early to last you the whole golden monkey trekking time, so don’t forget your sweets.
In Rwanda and Uganda, how much is a Golden Monkey Trekking Safari?
The price of the golden monkey permit must be included in the price of the golden monkey safari; however, additional expenses differ based on:
The quantity of individuals who pay
The cost of the safari per person decreases as more people travel to trek for golden monkeys. This is due to the fact that certain safari expenses, such as car rental, gas, driver’s guide, etc., are shared. You are responsible for all safari expenses when organizing a solo golden monkey expedition.
When to make reservations for the Golden Monkey Trek
High season times are typically June through September and December through January, which are the peak seasons. Due to demand across all activities, some service providers charge exorbitant prices. On the other hand, some services, such as lodging and driver guide rentals, may provide lower costs during the off-peak months.
Numerous activities, such as gorilla trekking, birdwatching, game safaris, launch expeditions, mountaineering, etc., are coupled with golden monkey trekking. The cost of this safari increases with the number of activities you participate in.
How many days would the Golden Monkey Trek take?
The cost of the Golden Monkeys Trekking Safari increases with the number of days you choose. Most service providers charge safari fees on a daily basis.
How Hard Is It to Trek with Golden Monkeys?
Because of local volcanic activity, the Virunga region has a hilly topography. To have a chance of completing the Golden Monkeys Trek, you need to be somewhat fit. Expect to trek slick slopes occasionally because these primates are quite active.
Trekking boots that can tolerate such circumstances are necessary because heavy rains can occasionally cause the routes to become soggy.
Golden Monkeys: Do They Act Aggressively?
Despite being highly busy primates, golden monkeys make an effort to abide by the guidelines provided during the briefing. Since these primates may not be accustomed to agitated activities as a group, this is done to reduce the likelihood of upsetting them. If they’re upset, they might hop wildly from tree to tree, hoot maniacally, or even hurl fruits at you. Pay close attention to the ranger guides’ and the briefing’s directions.
How secure is it to trek with golden monkeys in Rwanda and Uganda?
The rangers oversee the security of Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park in coordination with the security forces of each nation. Additionally, you should be mindful of your own safety by not going into the forest without a guide and by not making large cash displays in public since this could draw unwanted attention. For golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and other places, bring the appropriate gorilla trekking equipment.
How Much Time Does It Take to Trek Golden Monkeys in Rwanda or Uganda?
The golden monkeys may be lurking in the trees, and the best time to find them depends on the forest conditions during intense wet seasons. It may be difficult to track them down if their food is far away, among other difficulties.
It’s unclear how long it will take to find the golden monkeys, but success requires some patience. When you trace the golden monkeys, wait for the ranger guide to give you recommendations on how to handle them based on his observations.
You are only permitted to spend one hour with the golden monkeys during your tracing so that they may go about their daily routines, such as feeding and grooming the babies.
In Rwanda or Uganda, when is the best time to reserve a Golden Monkey Trekking Safari?
Although Golden Monkeys hiking is available year-round, visitors choose the dry months. The reason for this is that these monkeys are more energetic. Despite being extremely active primates, golden monkeys prefer to stay in the trees during the intense rainy seasons.
During the dry season, butterflies and birds, among other forest inhabitants, are more active. Although it rains here at any time of year, the humidity is lower during the dry season.
However, fewer people book the Golden Monkey Trek during the off-peak times, so you may easily reserve your package with fewer people to get in your way. During this season, there is a good potential of receiving a discount, particularly on other services like lodging and driver guide expenses.
What Should Be Included in Rwandan or Ugandan Golden Monkey Trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is also an option in Volcanoes National Park. There are roughly 15 gorilla families in this park, and visitors can make reservations. In order to participate, you must also get a gorilla permit. When tracing mountain gorillas, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them. Every day, a maximum of eight gorilla trekking permits are made available to tourists.
Rwandan birdwatching
With more than 300 bird species, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some Albertine endemics are included in this as well. Birds like the African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimson Wings, Yellow Steaked Greenbuls, Rwenzori Batis flycatchers, and others can be visible to you.
Akagera National Park Game Drives
You can embark on game drives in Akagera National Park either before or after trekking with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. You might be able to see giraffes, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, cape buffaloes, lions, hyenas, rhinos, and other creatures during the early morning game drives.
You can take a boat ride on Lake Ihema at the park and take in the breathtaking views.
Visit at the Rwanda Genocide Memorial
You can visit the Rwandan genocide site, where the remains of those who perished during Rwanda’s 100 days of ignorance are kept, as part of the city tour of Kigali. It serves as a reminder to both locals and visitors of Rwanda’s history and the necessity to avoid returning there.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Approximately half of the world’s mountain gorillas are found in Uganda. In Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekking is possible. A Uganda gorilla permit must be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. There are currently roughly 19 gorilla families in Uganda that are accessible to tourists.
There are four zones in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and gorilla permits are reserved based on area. These include the regions of Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhijah, and Buhoma.
Ugandan Game Drives
A variety of wild creatures, including giraffes, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, oribi, statungas, and others, can be seen in Uganda’s game parks. The likelihood of seeing a large number of these animals in a single national park is considerable, even though they are not present in every park.
Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and others are among the Ugandan national game parks.
Trekking with chimpanzees in Uganda
With approximately 1500 chimpanzees now living there, Kibale National Park is the best place in Uganda to go chimpanzee trekking. Additional chimpanzee trekking locations include Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, and others.
See the Nile River’s Source
The world’s only source of the Nile River is Uganda. You can sail to the beginning of the longest river in the world.
Rafting in white water
You can go white water rafting on the Itanda Falls River Nile. There are teachers available to walk you through all the prerequisites, so no prior experience is required. You must continue selling until you reach the point at which you want to quit.
