Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; Golden monkey trekking is an active activity that involves moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the golden monkeys and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environment. Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is done in Mgahinga gorilla national park which is located in southwestern region and Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern part of Rwanda. Golden monkeys are unique primates which live in groups of about 30 members and feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, shrubs, fruits and wild insects.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the forest with an experienced park guide following trails of leftover bamboo shoots and leaves. Golden monkey trekking takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on where they are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, mammals, bird species among others and once the golden monkeys are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which helps you to learn about their behaviors, watch them jump up in tree branches, take photos and record the breathtaking moment to show people back home after the safari.
Cost of a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda
A golden monkey trekking permit is a legal card that is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit the habituated golden monkey families in either Mgahinga gorilla national park or Volcanoes national park.
A golden monkey trekking permit in Mgahinga gorilla national park costs 100 USD per person for foreign non residents, 100 USD per person for foreign residents and 100,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. A golden monkey trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs 100 USD per person for all nationalities.
How to book a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda and Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board by contacting the head offices on email or telephone calls. Golden monkey trekking permits can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris whereby you will contact us with the dates when you wish to trek the golden monkeys and the destination you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for availability of the golden monkey permits that match with your dates. If there is no availability on your desired dates you will be asked to choose other dates that have availability. You will later be asked to make a deposit for the permits and once we receive the money, we will purchase the golden monkey trekking permits on your behalf. Booking Golden monkey trekking permits through Achieve Global Safaris is the best option to use in that we will not only purchase the permits on your behalf but also plan for your entire safari which includes transportation to the national parks, accommodation where you will be staying during safari, other activities to engage in after golden monkey trekking such as gorilla trekking, hiking, cultural tour, wildlife viewing and other destinations to visit during the Uganda safari.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the national parks therefore access roads and golden monkey trekking trails will be dry and passable which make trekking easy compared to the wet/ rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make golden monkey trekking difficult.
What to carry or pack during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda
Hiking boots to support your ankles and keep your feet dry during trekking
Long sleeved shirt and trouser to protect you from stinging nettles and keep you warm during morning hours
Insect repellent to protect you from biting insects during trekking such as tsetse flies and mosquitos
Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour in the presence of the golden monkeys.
Waterproof rain jacket/ poncho to protect you from rainfall
Walking stick to support you and give you balance during trekking
Waterproof backpack to carry your golden monkey trekking items such as camera, drinking water, insect repellent among others.
Golden monkey trekking is an active and interesting activity that shouldn’t be missed on your safari, for more information and booking, kindly contact our tour consultants at Achieve Global Safaris.
