It’s one of the Uganda’s 20 primate species. Golden Monkeys are found in Mgahinga Gorilla national Park which is part of Virunga Massif. Golden Monkeys forms the second sought for attraction after Gorilla. Golden monkeys co -exist with gorillas in MGNP.
It’s estimated that there are about 2000 and 4000 individual golden monkeys and only found in Virunga regions. Golden monkeys move in troops of about 100 leads by a mature male. Golden Monkey mostly feed on Bamboo shoot, seasonal fruits, lichens, sprouts, flower, leaves and small invertebrates.
Golden monkeys cost US$60 (FNR), US$50 (FR) or 40,000 (EAC). Advance payment is the best option to be able to book your permits in time.
Golden monkey undergo habituation to facilitate golden monkey trekking. The aim of habituation is to make them get used to human being. The process calms them down to facilitate golden monkey tourism.
Golden Monkey trekking is less strenuous than gorilla trekking because, they are easy to detect their location of the days. There are also semi- habituated golden monkeys which are reserved for research and experiential tourism.
Golden monkeys make the second popular tourist attraction after gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Other attraction includes birds, volcanic hills, montane forest, Batwa pygmies and so on.
Golden monkey Habituation also give a detailed understanding of golden monkeys. The 2-3years practice aimed at enabling golden monkeys get used to human beings, done by experts or researchers who also guides visitors to participate in this process.
Golden Monkeys trekking starts early morning with briefing at 7am at the park headquarters before trekkers can start the trip into the park. You spend an hour with the golden monkeys after spotting them. The trekking generally takes about 2 hours depending on where they nested the previous night and how far it is from the starting point.
Golden Monkeys are social animals which moves in groups under the leadership of one dominant male (Alpha male). The golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can easily be detected because they move in large number and in most cases spend many days feeding on bamboo shoots.
Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga National Park moves freely in Virunga region including Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Elsewhere, golden monkeys can be found in the Kahuzi Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.