Golden monkey tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Another incredible experience for those seeking adventure at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is golden monkey tracking. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda is home to the incredible golden monkey, an endangered species of primates. A portion of the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA), one of the last remaining indigenous habitats for golden monkeys in the world, includes the park.
The Albertine Rift Valley is the perfect place for golden monkeys to live. Therefore, visiting one of the parks in this area is the only chance to see the incredible monkey. The narrative of “Watch the Golden Monkeys” corrects the error by mentioning the interaction between gold and silver. This is due to the possibility of seeing golden monkeys coexisting alongside silverback mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Areas.
Trek into the forest to discover these incredible creatures. At Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, golden monkey trekking entails entering the jungle and beginning a search for these extraordinary monkeys. The hunt continues in the wild jungle, where you must forge your own way, much like while trekking with the mountain gorillas.
All about golden monkeys
The hilltop forests, particularly those near bamboo, are the only habitat for the golden monkeys. The blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis), which shares many characteristics with these monkey species, was once assumed to be a subspecies of these species. On its upper flanks and back, the golden monkey bears a golden-orange patch, though.
The behaviors of golden monkeys have not been well studied, although they are social primates who live in larger groups of 100 people. The bamboo, leaves, and fruit that make up their houses are mostly reflected in the golden monkeys’ food. They may also consume insects.
Golden monkeys are conveniently placed for tracking since they live in the same environment as mountain gorillas, the largest of all apes. The best locations for mountain gorilla trekking are in the golden monkey trekking regions. Tracking the golden monkeys in the forested highlands is a fantastic chance on any gorilla trek across the Virunga Massif.
The stunning golden monkeys are timid and may flee when they see people. This necessitated the habituation of the monkeys to guarantee that they grew accustomed to human presence. The habituation process lasts a little longer than two years for them. The community is then available for tracking after scientists and authorities are certain that the primates are fully accustomed. How incredible is the
The cost of a Golden Monkey Permit
Not like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s gorilla tracking licenses. Despite the scramble to find the primates, tracking golden monkeys is rather affordable. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in charge of all national parks and national reserves, issues the permit for golden monkey tracking. Simply make a reservation at least three months prior to your tracking date to receive a golden monkey tracking permit. Without paying for park admission, a permit to search for golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs $60.
How’s it going for the golden monkey?
Similar to gorilla tracking, finding golden monkeys requires penetrating dense tropical forests and bamboo-covered hillsides. The track begins with a briefing on proper tracking technique, after which you are paired with an armed ranger guide who will take you up close to these magnificent animals.
Every day, there are two tracking sessions for golden monkeys. The first one begins at 8 a.m., while the second one begins at 2 p.m. To locate the community you have been assigned to track, the hiking session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. You have an hour in their presence while hunting down the community. This is an opportunity to observe, among other things, how these primates behave and go about their daily lives.
The best time to trek with golden monkeys at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Although tracking the golden monkeys can be done at any time of the year, the dry season is the best. The grounds are less muddy and slick during the dry season because of the infrequent, and occasionally absent, rainfall that defines this time of year. Compared to the rainy season, when the ground is soggy and it occasionally rains while you’re hiking, the trek is simpler. The best times to follow the golden monkeys are, ideally, from December to February and from June to August, when the weather is dry.
What to pack on the Golden Monkey Track?
You should consider what to include in your tracking pack when preparing for golden monkey tracking. Always have these things on hand before setting out on a mission to look for lovely primates. Hiking boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a packed lunch, at least two liters of drinking water, a cap, rainproof clothing, and anything else you would desire are some of the items in the tracking pack for the golden monkey tracking adventure. Bring your binoculars and a designated camera for taking pictures.