There are over 5000 individual golden monkeys in the Virunga ranges. International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists golden monkeys as endangered as it is with the gorillas. The golden monkey is a sub-species of the Sykes monkey (Blue Monkey). They live in groups as big as 60 individuals (per family). Their bodies are covered by bright orange hair. They feed on bamboo shoots, fruits and small insects.
Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
The Golden monkey (Cercopithecus Kandti) is an Old World Monkey residing in the Volcanic Virunga Mountains of Central Africa. It is only found in 4 national parks, namely: Volcanoes in Rwanda, Mgahinga in Uganda, Virunga and Kahuzi Biega in Eastern DR Congo. Uganda and Rwanda have fully habituated golden monkeys to human presence whereas DR Congo has not.
In Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park a 4 hours golden monkeys Habituation experience is offered to visitors. A team of researchers and knowledgeable trackers from Uganda Wildlife Authority accompany visitors on this important experience.
The golden monkeys tracking permit costs $100 at either Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The dry season (June – September, and Dec – February) is the time to visit the park for the golden monkeys for better trail conditions. On the day of tracking, visitors converge at Kinigi Park Headquarters for briefing. An hour’s observation is allowed to trackers after encountering the golden monkeys.
While tracking the golden monkeys, there are always no clear visible signs to follow their trails. However if one is lucky left-overs of bamboo shoots can always
Packing list for golde
- Solid, comfortable hiking boots and rain gear