Visit Uganda and Rwanda in East Africa to have a tremendous time trekking golden monkeys in their natural habitats. These endangered old-world primates are primarily found in East Africa, and mainly in the Virunga Mountains, and their population is estimated at 2000-4000 individuals. Golden monkey trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda are done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park respectively. These unique monkeys with golden-orange coats live in troops within the montane bamboo forests. Some of these agile and playful primates have been habituated to be explored by visitors in their natural environment.

Golden monkey tours generally start at around 7:30am with a briefing session at the park’s administrative center led by a ranger guide. A knowledgeable tracker and two armed rangers will guide you and other hikers into the dense forest via trails to locate a particular troop of habituated golden monkeys. The trek can take a duration of about three to four hours before locating a habituated troop. Upon encountering the troop, the mandatory time to spend in their presence is an hour. This provides the best opportunity to observe their behavior and take pictures amidst the green background. Unlike Rwanda, Uganda offers golden monkey habituation experiences, where visitors are allowed to spend four full hours with the primates.

To enjoy such a delightfully thrilling trekking experience, you must have a golden monkey permit. In Uganda, golden monkey permits cost USD 60 for foreign non-residents, USD 50 for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 for East African Community citizens. Golden monkey habituation experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs USD 100 for foreign non-residents, USD 80 for foreign residents and UGX 100,000 for East African citizens.

In Rwanda, the permit costs USD 100 for foreign non-residents, USD 65 for foreign residents and East African Community citizens, USD 80 for East African foreign residents and RWF 4,000 for Rwandan citizens. A maximum of 8 people are allowed to track golden monkeys per day.

Booking a golden monkey permit can be done through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board in Uganda and Rwanda respectively. This is done by either contacting either agency or visiting their respective premises. The best strategy is booking through a reputable tour operator. These have the added advantage of conveniently booking on your behalf while planning a tailored tour package with you. This will also include transportation, food, accommodation, tour guide, park entarnce and many others. The minimum age for a person to be approved for golden monkey trekking is 12 years, therefore you must present your official passport details to avoid any inconveniences.

Best Time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for Golden Monkey Trekking Tours

Golden monkeys in both Rwanda and Uganda can be explored throughout the year with the best time being the dry seasons. Dry seasons in either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Volcanoes National Park occur during December to February and from June to August. Hikers will find it much simpler to move through the drier trails and less dense vegetation cover compared to the wet seasons. Precipitation and chances of rainfall is lower thus offering uninterrupted trekking adventures in the dense forests. The dry seasons are experienced during the high tourist season thus ensure that a visitor has sufficient company to share their tour experiences while trekking golden monkeys.

For boldly adventurous travellers, the wet seasons are the best period to visit either Rwanda or Uganda for golden monkey trekking tours. The wet season occur in the months running from March to May and also from the month of October to November. These are also the low seasons, that experience heavy rainfall. The trails and access roads are often muddy and more challenging to traverse. The forests are misty with relatively dense vegetation cover to reduce visibility. The trek is much more ambient and intimate since the hikers are fewer during this time. Encountering the golden monkeys is much more exciting since they are less active during this season. Discounts on accommodation is common, thus favorable for budget travellers.

What to Pack for Golden Monkey Trekking Tours in Uganda and Rwanda?

• Come with clothing to keep you warm and dry at all times especially if it becomes chilly in the night. Carry hiking pants, long sleeved shirts, trousers to ensure that your hands and legs are protected against the bites from insect-spreading insects like mosquitoes.
• Ensure that you pack a pair of comfortable waterproof shoes or hiking boots to traverse the uneven hilly terrain. Gaiters are also essential to protect your lower legs and feet from moisture and dirt.
• Trekking poles to enhance your stability while trekking on steep areas like the Virungas.
• A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin, face, eyes, ears and neck from the adverse effects of sunshine while hiking.
• Raincoat or poncho to stay comfortably dry just in case it rains while enjoying your trek.
• Carry a backpack to conveniently hold essential items such as water bottles, first aid kit, insect repellent and snacks among others.
• Personal medication in case you have a treatable health need.