Top African Destinations for Tracking Golden Monkeys

Discovering Africa’s Prime Locations for Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species that can only be found in the Virunga region of Africa, specifically in Rwanda and Uganda. For avid nature enthusiasts seeking to embark on an unforgettable golden monkey tracking adventure, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are the top recommended destinations.

The golden monkey tracking activity is a thrilling experience similar to gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, where visitors embark on a forest walk to track and observe the primates in their natural habitat. However, due to their playful and curious nature, golden monkeys are always on the move, making it essential for visitors to put in some effort to track them. With their small size and swift movements through the bamboo shoots in search of food, tracking these primates requires a level of physical fitness and agility.

Golden monkeys typically live in communities of around 30 members, and they roam over large territories as they forage for food. This behavior makes it easier to spot and observe them, providing a higher chance of sighting these magnificent primates compared to other primates in the region. The experience of observing these highly social primates in their natural habitat is a must-do activity for visitors seeking an immersive wildlife encounter in Africa.

How to Book a Golden Monkey Trek in Uganda and Rwanda

If you’re an adventurous traveler looking to embark on a golden monkey trek in Uganda or Rwanda, it’s essential to secure a golden monkey tracking permit. To help you with the booking process, Trek Africa Tours offers a hassle-free way to obtain these permits.

To get started, simply reach out to us with the exact dates you plan to participate in the trekking activity. We will handle the permit booking process for you, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish.

In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a golden monkey tracking permit costs USD100 per person per trek. Meanwhile, in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the cost is USD60 per person per trek, plus an additional USD40 for the National Park entrance fee. With our assistance, you can rest assured that your permit will be secured on time, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.

The golden monkey habituation experience in Uganda provides a unique opportunity for visitors to spend extended periods in the company of these playful primates. Unlike the traditional golden monkey tracking activity, this experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours observing the monkeys while accompanied by the Uganda Wildlife Authority research team.

During the experience, visitors can also participate in training the monkeys to become accustomed to human presence, making for a more intimate and memorable encounter. With four hours at their disposal, visitors have ample time to get to know these elusive primates, and over time, the monkeys become more relaxed around humans, making for an even more rewarding experience.

The golden monkey tracking activity typically starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park offices at 7:00am. During the briefing, visitors are informed about the necessary dos and don’ts while tracking the monkeys. This helps ensure the safety of both visitors and the primates, and also helps to minimize any negative impacts on their natural habitat.

The duration of the golden monkey tracking activity can vary depending on the location of the primates, as they may move around frequently. However, visitors can expect to spend a minimum of 2-4 hours tracking the monkeys through the forest, and with the guidance of experienced trackers, the chances of a successful encounter are high. Overall, the golden monkey habituation experience is a must-try activity for visitors seeking an immersive wildlife encounter in Uganda.

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a beautiful destination that can be accessed both by road and air. If you are traveling by road from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, it will take approximately 9-10 hours to reach the national park. During the journey, you will have an opportunity to stop at the Equator line for photography and at Mbarara town for lunch. You will then proceed through the lush green rolling hills adorned with banana plantations and grazing cattle, finally arriving at the national park in the evening.

Alternatively, you can access Mgahinga National Park from Kigali International Airport in Rwanda through Kyanika or Katuna borders. This scenic drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.

For visitors who prefer flying, you can take a domestic/internal flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip. From Kisoro Airstrip, it’s less than an hour’s drive to the national park.

Trek Africa Tours offers a range of domestic/internal flights to visitors interested in exploring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Our team can help you with all the logistics, including booking your flight and arranging for ground transportation to the national park. We are committed to making your travel experience as seamless and stress-free as possible, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty and magic of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Reach Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, one of the most popular national parks in Africa, is located in Rwanda and is easily accessible by road from Kigali. Visitors can take a scenic 2-3 hour drive from Kigali to the national park. We recommend visiting the Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali before embarking on your journey to the national park.

For visitors who are planning to explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, you can access Volcanoes National Park through Kyanika or Katuna borders. This option requires you to cross to Uganda from Rwanda before continuing your journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Trek Africa Tours

is a reputable tour operator in Uganda that specializes in organizing safaris and tours to all East African countries. We are committed to ensuring that your travel experience is hassle-free and enjoyable. Contact us for any information regarding your planned safari, and our team will help you plan it well depending on your interests, time, and budget. We can also help you with all the logistics, including transportation, accommodation, and permits, to ensure that you have an unforgettable experience in Volcanoes National Park.