Golden Monkeys in Uganda are only found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Golden monkey is a rare monkey species found only in the Bamboo forest areas of the Virunga Volcanoes and the best way to encounter them is by undertaking golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park.

The other only national parks to spot a healthy population of Golden monkeys in Africa are; Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo and there are some populations have been spotted in Giswati Mukura Park of Rwanda.

Some travelers might confuse this stunning monkey species with the Blue Monkey however, the Golden monkey features a golden orange patch on their upper flanks & back. Also, never confuse it with the Golden snub-nosed monkey that inhabits the mountainous forest areas of southwestern China.

Little is known about this endangered monkey species but, these charming playful monkeys live in groups of about 30 individuals and feed mostly feed on Bamboo shoots, leaves, and some insects.

Often, visitors on Uganda gorilla tours in Mgahinga park track golden monkeys first and then do other activities next for example gorilla trekking or volcano hiking.

Below, let’s explore more about the Golden primates in Uganda Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The Appearance of Golden Monkeys

It’s easy to distinguish a Golden Monkey in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from other monkey species of Uganda for example Blue Monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and the Black and white colobus monkeys. Also, their habitats are totally different, mostly Golden monkeys dwell in highland forest habitat areas, and mostly bamboo sprouts

This monkey is recognized by its lovely golden orange patch on its back and upper sides.

Unquestionably, the incredible beauty of this monkey species is the main reason why tourists undertake golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga park.

Interesting Facts About Golden Monkeys

1. A Golden monkey can be confused with a similar Blue monkey but for it, it holds a golden orange backside.
2. Females are lighter than males
3. These playful primates are of the Old World Monkey species endemic in Central Africa
4. These monkey species are social living in groups of about 3-62 individuals led by a dominant male
5. In the entire World, Golden monkeys can be found only in Virunga Mountains in parks like Mgahinga park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
6. The scientific name of a Golden monkey is Cercopithecus kandti
7. They sleep under nests which are made every night mostly in Bamboo tree areas where they mostly dwell.
8. A group of Golden monkeys is called a troop
9. They can live between 19-25 years. Those in captivity live longer!
10. Tourists tracking these primates can only spend one hour with then upon spotting them

Ecology & Behaviors of Golden Monkeys

Golden monkeys can feed in variable group sizes. They have been spotted in small groups of around 3 to large groups of up to 62 individuals.

Usually, small groups can travel to higher elevations and after feeding, they will return to lower zones (sleeping area) for sleep. On average, Golden monkeys sleep in a groups of 4 on the top of Bamboo plants which are dense and firm.

While communicating these monkeys use both facial expressions and several vocalizations. Males use some of these vocalizations in fights or territorial defense. Females of this species utilize a variety of cries to maintain group togetherness and warn of potential threats. Certain calls are associated with sub-adult mobbing. Infants may show submissiveness through vocalization.

Mating Habits of Golden Monkeys

Less is known about the mating system of golden monkeys. However, since their group consists of one dominant alpha male with multiple females, it means that their mating system is either polygynandrous or polygynous.

Mating is initiated by females and it’s seasonal! The gestation period goes for 5 months and one infant is produced. The females usually give birth every after 2 years. Babies are born with total fur and even eyes open.

Infant Golden monkeys are nursed by their mums for the first few months and with time the female gradually reduces the care. When the baby becomes sexually mature, it will leave its natal group and join another.

Natural Habitat of Golden Monkeys- Where Does the Golden Monkey Live?

The golden monkey’s natural habitat consists mainly of areas that hold abundant fruit and bamboo shoots.

These stunning monkeys move in their feeding habitats following the season of the year. Golden monkey species remain to feed in an area with ripe fruits. During the rainy season, bamboo is shooting therefore, they will move to such a habitat.

The main areas to enjoy golden monkey tracking in Africa are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The others include; Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Virunga park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Diet of Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Golden monkeys are mainly herbivores in nature. Their diet consists of young bamboo leaves, bamboo shoots, flowers, and ripe fruit- the seasonal fruits. Occasionally, Golden monkeys feed on small invertebrates like the pupae of lepidopterous larvae which are found on leaves.

Conservation of Golden Monkeys

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Golden monkey is listed as an endangered species. Most of the threats to this beautiful monkey are due to human threats especially from park neighboring local communities as they are trapped in snares sometimes.

Also, illegal human activities in their bamboo habitat are a great threat to their natural habitat. However, within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority- UWA ensures that park rangers patrol the park to keep away park intruders.

The natural predators of Golden monkeys are; African Golden Cats, African Crowned Eagles & Serval Cats though rare. Eagles normally target the Golden monkey babies! So, in an attempt to protect young ones, adult females hug and hold their babies to repel the strike of eagles. This is an amazing display of survival instincts.

The golden monkey population is estimated to be over 3000-4000 individuals in the Virunga Conservation Area.

The golden monkey population is estimated at around 2000-4000 individuals in the Virunga area. Around 42-60 individuals are habituated open for golden monkey trekking in Uganda Mgahinga park.

Best Time to See Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Tourists can track golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park any time of the year but, we suggest a dry season when rains are minimal. The relatively dry months in Mgahinga park are December to February as well as June to August. This is also the ideal time for tracking mountain gorillas in this park or volcano hiking.

In the wet months (March-May and September-November), Mgahinga park area is expected to receive rainfall in most hours of the day. Rain can inconvenience you during your golden monkey trekking adventure.

Visitors are allowed to spend one hour with Golden monkeys.

Cost for Golden Monkey Trekking Experience in Mgahinga National Park

The cost for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is $60 for foreign non residents. East African citizens interested in golden monkey tracking in Uganda Mgahinga park pay 40,000 UGX pay while foreign residents pay $50.

You can book your golden monkey trekking permit through a trusted tour operator or buy this permit from UWA park headquarters. However, most travelers do book their golden monkey tracking permits through tour operators.

The permit for trekking Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga park is $800. It’s possible to do all these activities on your visit.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

Visitors interested in golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga park can access this protected park in southwestern Uganda by either road or air.

By road from Kampala, you’ll drive via Kampala, Mbarara, Kabale Kisoro Road, and then connect to park headquarters. This scenic drive takes almost a whole day- around 9-10 hours drive. It’s possible to access Mgahinga park from Rwanda.

While using air transport, there’re charter flights offered by Aero Link from Kajjansi airstrip to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to Ntebeko park headquarters using a tour vehicle. The drive takes less than an hour.

Travelers coming for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga park should park appropriately! This packing list is just similar to that of the gorilla tracking experience. We recommend a camera, light hiking boots, insect repellents, a warm jumper, a day backpack, a hiking stick, and a rain jacket just in case it rains while you are still on the trek. It’s possible to track both golden monkeys and Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga park on your Uganda safari tour.

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