Golden monkey experience in Uganda – Endangered golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) are found only in the Virunga Volcanoes foothills distinguished by the yellow patches, there several large groups that have been habituated for visitors. Enjoy golden monkey experience as they flit in the bamboo forest region of volcanoes National park.
Their population is estimated to be about 4000-5000 individuals surviving within the Virunga region. Golden monkeys are confined to the mountainous forest, near the dense bamboo forest zones. They can live in groups of up to 60 individuals and their diet mainly comprises of young bamboo branches, leaves, shoots, and other plant leaves, fruits
Most tourists go for golden monkey experience upon tracking in either Uganda or Rwanda – both of which offer unforgettable tracking experiences and one of the best places to track and see them. Trekking golden monkeys and gorillas is a similar experience – in a small group of no more than eight people, and you can spend one hour with the monkeys once you find them. The endangered species are very active creatures, and jump from tree to tree which is really interesting and a little difficult to photograph!
Travelers to see golden monkeys experience are required to buy permits which allow them to access and spend an hour with these amazing creatures. Fortunately, golden monkey permits are quite cheap costing $100 per permit per trek in both Uganda and Rwanda. Permits are bought from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda. Visitors are reminded to book for permits at least 4 months before the trekking date to secure permits and ensure availability since many visitors can even book 8 months before making it hard to book when its weeks towards your plan. The cost of a golden monkey permit involve park entry fees, ranger fee and government taxes.
Like any other adventure getting to see these primates can take you 30 minutes and more hours depending on their movements however unlike Mountain gorillas which hike to high altitudes in the thick forests, Golden monkeys trekking offers a different experience where by the primates occupy lowland altitudes hence making them easily accessible to visitors.
If you’re interested in wildlife, this is a rare and delightful experience not to be missed! Besides Volcanoes national park, the other population of golden monkeys reside in Mgahinga gorilla national park in Kisoro district, south western Uganda and safari vacations & travel services Ltd will always be present to help you secure all that is required to undergo this amazing experience.