What are Golden Monkeys
Golden monkeys are not well known among the primates, but are extraordinarily unique and truly rare species. Their scientific name is Cercopithecus Kandti. They are highly endangered species of primates in Uganda and other parts of Africa. This is the genuine reason as to why the golden monkeys are rare in Uganda. They get their name from the golden-orange and black silver colour on their fur and this is one of their aesthetic features.
Despite the rareness the monkeys carry, they still emerge out the best and most interesting primates to trek. The trekking of golden monkeys in Uganda is an adventurous activity. It takes place in the highlands of Mgahinga national park in the southwestern region in Uganda. You can also find the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Please note that golden monkeys are only in the national parks which make up the Virunga conservation area. This means that the golden monkeys just like the mountain gorillas are not lowland primates, they love to stay in areas of a relatively high landscape elevation.
Where can i Trek the Golden Monkeys
Golden monkeys in Uganda are in Mgahinga National Park incase you would love to try out a new activity of tracking them. The bamboo forest of Mgahinga National Park provides the best dwelling place for the rare golden monkeys.
Unique Features About Golden Monkeys
They have got quite a number of unique features from the appearance on the outlook which makes them really attractive. The monkeys are fast compared to other primates, take pictures very fast. They are extremely playful and they love to jump up in the bamboo forest.
Despite the fact that the golden monkeys are in the highland areas, they do not stay in very high altitudes as compared to the mountain gorillas in Mgahinga national park. This makes monkey trekking affordable by almost all people irrespective of the factors that would have hindered. These beautiful primates in Mgahinga national park love to stay in the lowland bamboo forests. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about climbing the mountain for golden monkeys since you can easily find them in the lowland bamboo trees in Mgahinga National Park.
Facts about these Monkeys
The golden monkeys are very social primates, just like the other animals that fall in the Hominidae family. These primates live in large groups on the lower slopes of Mgahinga National Park. They are really expeditious animals. They quickly move fast as they play in the bamboo trees. If at all you want to keep track of them, you must be fast enough to catch up with the speed. The monkeys have a distinctive diet compelling to the kind of environment in which they dwell. The monkeys in Mgahinga National Park feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, flowers from trees and small shrub plants. You can equate the monkeys to the pandas in Japan, because, they all feed on bamboo shoots.
Where to trek Golden Monkeys in Uganda
These beautiful primates are only in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. However, you can also find them in Rwanda and Virunga National Park and the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The activity of monkey tracking in Uganda is not as famous as mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Despite the fact that UWA stipulated prices for the travelers who would love to take part in this interesting activity.
Permits For Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda
The Golden monkey trekking permits cost USD 50 for foreign non-residents. This as well applies to the foreign residents and UGX 20,000 for the East African citizens. The prices are much cheaper compared to mountain gorillas in Mgahinga yet you spot a lot more during the trek.
Your payment for the permit is very much paid off. This is because you get a chance to spend an hour with these unique primates of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You also get a chance to see other primates like monkeys and baboons. Furthermore, with good luck, you can find the mountain gorillas along the trekking trails. Therefore, going for this experience in Mgahinga national park is a real-life jackpot for the best primate safari in Uganda.
Where to get the Golden Monkey Trekking Permits in Uganda
The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues the permits. However, they are sold to trusted tour operators like Vibrant Holiday Safaris for a smooth memorable experience. The golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga are quite cheaper than the Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale. Therefore, ensure to engage in this activity when you visit Uganda on a safari.