Golden Monkey Trekking with Gorilla Trekking Guide

Want to learn how to include golden monkey trekking in a gorilla trekking itinerary? When tourists think about an African primate safari, mountain gorillas often come first. However, golden monkeys are another special primate that many travelers overlook.

Golden monkeys are a rare subspecies of the blue monkey. They are known for their golden orange fur on their backs and sides. They live in bamboo forests and move in large groups that can reach about 60 individuals.

Where to Combine Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking

Combining golden monkey trekking with gorilla trekking is very possible. The two activities feel different and balance each other well. Gorilla trekking is more demanding and often involves longer walks. Golden monkey trekking is easier and usually takes less time. Both activities can be done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga

Mgahinga is the only park in Uganda where mountain gorillas and golden monkeys live in the same area. The park has one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi. Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre. The walk can last from 30 minutes to six hours, depending on where the gorillas are found. Once the gorillas are located, visitors spend one hour with them.

After gorilla trekking, tourists can go for golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forest. Mgahinga also offers a golden monkey habituation experience. This allows visitors to spend at least four hours with the monkeys instead of the usual one hour.

Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

In Rwanda, all activities in Volcanoes National Park start at the Kinigi park headquarters. The procedures for both gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking are similar to those in Mgahinga.

Why Combine Both Experiences

Maximize safari value: Combining gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking costs less than buying a second gorilla permit. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs USD 800, while a golden monkey permit costs USD 100. In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 and a golden monkey permit costs USD 100.

Support conservation: Taking part in both activities helps support the protection of primates. Money from permits is used for conservation work and park management.

Balanced experience: Gorilla trekking can be physically tiring. Adding golden monkey trekking gives a lighter activity with shorter walks, which helps travelers relax.