Compare Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

Comparison of Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

Golden Monkey Trekking is a fascinating activity offered in both Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, making it an enticing prospect for travelers. However, there are some differences between the two destinations, and we aim to help you make an informed comparison using our travel expertise.

Golden monkey trekking shares similarities with gorilla trekking as both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas are endemic to the same high-altitude rainforests in central Africa. The golden monkeys are found only on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, which span three national borders across three protected national parks. While populations of golden monkeys exist in Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, golden monkey trekking is specifically available in Rwanda’s Volcanoes and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Parks.

Both destinations offer daily guided golden monkey trekking excursions starting at 07:30 from the park headquarters, where trekkers venture into the forest for an unspecified duration (typically ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours) to locate a habituated group of golden monkeys. Once found, visitors can spend an hour observing the unique behaviors and social interactions of these enchanting primates. However, Uganda also provides an extended golden monkey experience called the “golden monkey habituation,” allowing visitors to spend at least four hours with the golden monkeys.

Let’s delve into a detailed comparison between golden monkey trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda offers golden monkey trekking with two habituated groups available for tourism in Volcanoes National Park. One group inhabits the slopes of Mount Karisimbi, while the second resides in the bamboo forest on Mount Sabyinyo. These troops are among the largest, comprising about 80 to 100 individuals in a single group.

Trekkers depart for the golden monkey trek at 07:00 from the Kiningi Visitor Center. Unlike gorilla trekking, there is no limit on the number of trekkers, and the current cost of a Golden Monkey permit is $100 per person. The permit can be arranged in advance or obtained at the park headquarters on the morning of the trek.

The process and price of securing a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda are relatively comparable to Uganda. Both countries charge the same permit fee and do not restrict the number of travelers, as golden monkey trekking is not as popular as gorilla trekking, ensuring that trekking groups remain small, with barely a dozen visitors on any given day.

To participate in the trek, travelers often spend a night near Kiningi to ensure they arrive at the park headquarters in time for the experience. Very few visitors attempt to drive from Kigali on the same day of the trek.

Unlike Uganda, which offers two golden monkey trekking excursions daily, Rwanda only provides one standard excursion at 07:00, coinciding with the timing of gorilla excursions. This means travelers cannot do both activities on the same day and must allocate one or two additional nights to include golden monkey trekking in their itinerary.

A typical gorilla and golden monkey safari in Rwanda usually spans about 3 nights, with one night in Kigali and two nights outside Volcanoes National Park near the base of the Virunga Mountains.

One downside of trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda, particularly for independent and budget travelers, is the challenge of planning a safari due to the country’s focus on high-end tourism. Finding affordable accommodation choices and budget-friendly logistics can be difficult in Rwanda, compared to Uganda.

Nevertheless, the actual experience of tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda remains quite similar to Uganda.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda

Uganda offers golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park, with one habituated group consisting of about 30 individuals. Additionally, Uganda provides the unique golden monkey habituation experience with a second habituated group, exclusive to Mgahinga National Park.

Golden monkeys in Mgahinga forage in the bamboo forest zone, approximately 2 km from Ntebeko visitor center, which allows for a relatively accurate estimation of trekking time compared to Rwanda.

In Mgahinga, visitors can choose to join either the 07:30 or 14:00 golden monkey trekking excursion, but the specific timing depends on the number of visitors on a particular day and is determined by the park headquarters.

During the trek, an expert guide leads the group and communicates via radio to locate the habituated monkeys. Two armed rangers ensure the safety of trekkers as they venture into the bamboo slopes to find the golden monkeys. The trek may also offer opportunities to encounter other forest inhabitants, such as mountain gorillas, forest buffalo, elephants, or duikers, adding an extra dimension of excitement to the experience. Mgahinga National Park boasts over 70 mammal species and a variety of bird species, keeping trekkers vigilant throughout the journey.

Similar to Rwanda, the golden monkey permit in Uganda costs $100 per person and includes one hour of observation, a guide, two rangers, and park entrance fees. For those interested in the extended golden monkey habituation experience, the permit costs $140 per person, also including park fees. Golden monkey permits can be booked directly in advance at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala, through tour agents/operators, or on the day of the trek at the Ntebeko park headquarters. For accurate permit information, travelers can contact Trek Africa Expeditions consultants at info@trekafricatours.com.

Combining golden monkey trekking with gorilla trekking on a single trip in Uganda is much more affordable compared to Rwanda, making it an attractive option for independent and budget-conscious travelers. The gorilla and golden monkey permits in Rwanda alone cost $1600 per person, whereas in Uganda, the combined permits cost $800, providing substantial savings. This price difference allows travelers to allocate more funds towards additional nights in Uganda, either in a decent lodge on the edge of the forest or for thrilling game-viewing adventures in Uganda’s savannah parks north of Mgahinga.

Furthermore, Uganda offers a broader range of safari activities to complement the golden monkey trekking experience, including visits to ten safari parks and various tourist destinations, compared to Rwanda’s four parks and limited tourist destinations.

A typical golden monkey safari in Uganda often includes a night in Entebbe (located 32 km outside Kampala), followed by a 10-hour drive through Uganda’s picturesque mountainous countryside to the southwestern tip, where travelers spend two nights outside Mgahinga National Park. The itinerary typically involves trekking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on separate mornings before driving north to spend additional nights in the savannah parks.

Active adventurers may choose to extend their stay in Mgahinga to enjoy an extra day of hiking the Virunga Volcanoes or birdwatching around the park.

Compared to the abundance of accommodation options around Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, lodging options around Mgahinga are relatively scarce. Most travelers prefer to stay in Kisoro town, located about an hour’s drive away, where a good concentration of lodging choices is available.

Best Time to Go for Golden Monkey Trekking

Both the golden monkey parks in Rwanda and Uganda are open year-round, but the best time for golden monkey trekking is during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February.

During the dry months, the trekking trails are easier to navigate, and visitors can enjoy a pleasant experience without rain. However, it’s essential to note that the dry seasons attract a high number of travelers, making lodging availability a potential challenge if not booked well in advance. To secure accommodations during these peak periods, we recommend booking golden monkey trekking trips months ahead of time.

The rainy seasons of March, April, May, October, and November are less popular for travel to the region, and most travelers avoid visiting Rwanda and Uganda during these months. However, independent travelers seeking budget-friendly options can take advantage of discounted pricing on facilities during this time. For budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind the rain, this is an excellent opportunity to travel for gorilla and golden monkey trekking on a budget.

What to Pack for Golden Monkey Trekking

Both Rwanda and Uganda offer golden monkey trekking at high altitudes of approximately 2000m / 7185 feet. The temperatures can get very chilly in the late hours, and rain showers can occur unexpectedly. It is essential to pack appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry during the trip.

Trekking takes place on relatively steep trails with potentially muddy and uneven terrain. Pack a pair of lightweight, waterproof walking shoes, trousers, and gaiters to protect against mud and moisture. Wear a long-sleeved shirt to shield your arms from vegetation, and carry a waterproof backpack to keep your electronics safe.

It’s crucial to pack lightly, as golden monkey trekking is physically demanding, and travelers may not want the additional weight slowing them down during the trek. For those concerned about their physical fitness or carrying heavy loads, porter services are available at the visitor centers for a fee. Hiring a porter not only provides assistance with carrying your daypack but also contributes to the local communities around the parks.

Booking a Golden Monkey Trekking Safari

After considering the detailed comparison between golden monkey trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, the choice of destination depends on various factors, including your budget, desired activities, and the availability of permits and accommodations.

For budget-conscious travelers, Uganda is a more attractive option, while those seeking an activity-filled experience may prefer Uganda due to the variety of safari parks and tourist destinations. Independent travelers interested in a deeper adventure experience may lean towards Uganda as well.

Regardless of your choice, Trek Africa Expeditions is equipped to help you organize a golden monkey trekking safari in both destinations. We handle all the local logistics and ground handling, including accommodation, meals, and transport.

For a free quote and personalized assistance, please contact our consultants at info@trekafricatours.com. We look forward to helping you plan an unforgettable primate safari in either Uganda or Rwanda.