What to expect on a Golden Monkey Trek

What does it take to conserve and protect an endangered species in the 21st century? Golden Monkey experiential tourism is a fresh new offering for visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Mountains. This adventure gives people a close-up look at why research and conservation are so crucial—and a chance to witness these fascinating primates in action.

Golden Monkeys in the Virunga Mountains

With only about 5,000 of them left, Golden Monkeys are considered endangered and can be found only in the Virunga Mountains. This chain of volcanic mountains straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In total, there are eight peaks: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Nyamuragira. What makes these mountains so special—beyond their jaw-dropping landscapes—is the wildlife they shelter.

The slopes of the Virungas are home to golden monkeys and the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Golden monkeys are only found in four protected areas: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

About the Golden Monkey

The Golden Monkeys are easily spotted by their striking golden-orange patches on the cheeks, torso, back, and tail, which stand out beautifully against their jet-black legs and head. These highly social animals form troops of 30 to 100 members led by an alpha male, though at higher altitudes, the groups tend to get a little smaller. The females stick with the group to help defend their territory, while the males usually hang around temporarily and then move on. Since they’re limited to such a specific area, they’re especially vulnerable, which makes conservation efforts all the more important.

Diet and Daily Life

Golden Monkeys are big fans of bamboo shoots! They also feed on seasonal fruits, bamboo leaves, lichens, sprouts, flowers, and leaves. They occasionally supplement their diet with invertebrates like pupae of lepidopteran larvae found on leaves. One of their most fascinating characteristics is their ability to weave beds from bamboo plants. Unlike mountain gorillas, which build a new nest each night, Golden Monkeys return to their bamboo beds each night after a day of foraging. Since they return to the same sleeping spots, it makes it easier to track them since they rarely stray far from their cozy little homes.

Tracking and Observation Experience In Uganda and Rwanda

You’ll usually track groups that are used to human presence (known as “habituated groups”), making it an easier experience. Guides know exactly what to look for—dung, footprints, and bamboo bits—since these little guys aren’t exactly tidy eaters, often leaving bamboo scraps strewn around. This makes it a lot easier to know where a troop has recently been snacking!

In Rwanda, the trek only has one session per day, and it kicks off in the morning, just like the other activities in the Volcanoes National Park. Mountain gorilla tracking is a key highlight of the park—enquire now if interested. When trekking to see the golden monkeys, you’ll drive just 15 minutes from the park's headquarters to reach the starting point. The golden monkeys live at the base of the volcanoes in the bamboo forests, making them easy to track in under an hour. Once found, you’ll have up to an hour to watch these beautiful creatures play and eat.

In Uganda, the trek starts in Mgahinga's National Park's secondary forest—once home to the Batwa people, an Indigenous group native to the area—and then moves into the primary forest, where the Golden Monkeys hang out. Hiring a local porter is encouraged, too, as it’s a great way to support the community and add to the sustainable tourism effort. Hiking to see the Golden Monkeys can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Two types of tracking licenses are available: a one-hour license, which allows you to spend time with a fully habituated group, and a four-hour license, which lets you observe a semi-habituated group. This longer option helps reduce human impact on fully habituated groups and allows for a more natural, less invasive encounter.

A Unique and Lesser-Known Wildlife Encounter

These playful monkeys don’t get nearly as much attention as their park neighbours, the mountain gorillas, so you won’t be part of a crowd during your morning trek. This makes it an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. By joining a Golden Monkey trek, you’re not only in for a unique wildlife encounter but are also helping to protect these adorable, intelligent creatures and supporting the conservation of this rare primate species.

When planning your Golden Monkey trekking adventure, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. From booking trekking licenses to securing accommodation, we handle all the details to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Whether you're travelling from East Africa or abroad, we’ll guide you along the best routes for a smooth journey.

The best time to visit these hidden gems in East Africa is during the dry seasons, from June to September or December to February, perfect for trekking through the lush forests. Don’t forget to pack comfortable hiking boots, rain gear, a camera, and your sense of adventure! With our expert guidance and tailored packages, you can rest easy knowing you’re in great hands for an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path adventure. Let us take care of everything, so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!