Golden monkey trekking (Uganda Vs Rwanda)

Golden monkey trekking is among the top tourism activities that are carried out with in Uganda and Rwanda. These primates are among the most sought-after creatures in the World.  Golden monkeys are very social animals, and they usually live in groups on a relatively lower altitude compared to mountain gorillas.

The monkeys have an orange golden black and silver color which makes them one of the most beautiful primate species on earth. Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is carried out from Mgahinga national park while in Rwanda it is done within volcanoes national park.

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers special but varying experience to the people who wish to trek these beautiful primates.

 The Golden monkey trekking experience.

Very early in the morning, the experience starts up with a briefing at the park’s headquarters. The briefing involves trekkers learning more about the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest.

After the briefing, you will have to go in the forest with a group of people. During the trekking, you will see some bird species and some animal species. In the forest, only one hour will be offered to you to spend with these creatures.

The one hour includes taking photos with golden monkey, see them play, feed and many more. After the one hour you will have to come out from the forest and the experience will have ended.

Habituated golden monkey groups.

If your interested in which country that has more habituated golden monkey groups, both Uganda and Rwanda have the same number of habituated golden monkey groups. Rwanda has 2 habituated groups available for tourism.

Trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda is done within volcanoes national park.  The golden monkey group/ family is said to be having over 80 members.

The same is true on the Uganda side of Mgahinga gorilla national park. Also note that Mgahinga and volcanoes are both part of the greater Virunga massif which make them to share the same terrain and a close experience

Accessibility-Mgahinga Vs Volcanoes

Accessing volcanoes national park is the two hour drive from Kigali international airport which makes the park easily accessible to those interested in the golden monkey trekking experience.

While.

Mgahinga national park where golden monkey trekking is done from the side of Uganda is a 10 hour drive from Entebbe international airport which is the only international airport that Uganda has. However, Mgahinga can also be accessed from Kigali international airport of Rwanda and the drive will be a 5-hour drive from Rwanda capital city to the park

Trekking experience-Mgahinga Vs Volcnoes

The trekking experience is generally the same as both parks are part of the great Virunga massif range, hence sharing the same terrain. However, there is still a difference in the terrain of both parks. the steep of Mgahinga national park is slightly higher compared to that volcanoes national park making harder to hike Mgahinga than Volcanoes

Affordability-Mgahinga Vs Volcanoes

The cost of trekking golden monkey from Uganda will offset you 80$ to acquire the golden monkey trekking permit from Uganda wildlife authority while the golden monkey trekking permit from the Rwanda side costs 100$ and the permit can be secured from Rwanda development board or through an authorized tour operator in the country.

Golden monkey habituation – Mgahinga Vs Volcanoes

Tourists interested in spending much time with the golden monkeys Uganda becomes your rightful destination. Golden monkey habituation is only done with in Mgahinga national park and Rwanda does not have it. The price of a golden monkey habituation permit in Uganda costs $100 for foreign non residents, $ 80 for foreign residents and shs 100,000 for foreign non residents.

How to book for your golden monkey permit in Rwanda and Uganda?

Booking a golden monkey permit either in Uganda or Rwanda is very simple. A permit can be obtained through booking online either at Rwanda development board website or Uganda wildlife authority website. The other way of accessing a golden monkey permit is by booking with trusted tour operators either with in Uganda or Rwanda.

What to pack for your golden monkey trekking?

Before going for golden monkey trekking, you need to pack the necessary requirements such as

Good hiking shoes

You need to carry good hiking shoes that will help you as you hike through the hilly and mountainous steep slopes as you search for the golden monkeys.

Long sleeved shirts

Hiking for golden monkey trekking involves you passing through thickets and thick vegetations of the park so you need to pack long sleeved shirts.

Insect repellents

Always carry insect repellents that will help you from insect bites. Remember Africa has many insect species.

Rain coats

Please pack your rain coat since Rain is very unpredictable incase it rains as your trekking.

Safe drinking water

Please carry safe drinking water in your water bottles incase you need to drink as you hike.

Binoculars and cameras

Always carry your camera which will help you take clear photos while binoculars help you to see the far away creatures.

Sun screens

Please carry sun screens that will help you from direct sunlight as your trekking your golden monkeys.

Best time to carry out golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking is an all-year-round activity implying that it can be carried out at any time of the year. The best time to carry out golden monkey trekking is generally the dry season. The dry season covers months like (Dec to Feb, June to July).

The dry season is the ideal time for visiting golden monkeys because they are less rains thus easy trekking since the trails are not slippery.

However, golden monkey trekking can still be carried out during the wet season and one enjoys thrilling experiences. The wet season usually runs from Sept to November. During the wet season tourists are able to enjoy the experience with ease since people are less crowded.

Whether trekking golden monkeys either in Uganda or Rwanda the experience is generally the same.

Golden monkeys can be traced with in the two countries and leave you with both remarkable and unforgettable memories however selecting where to trek from depends on some factors such as accessibility, affordability and many more.

Tourists interested in an affordable trek mixed with many experiences, Uganda is number one choice while tourists who need the most accessible park, Rwanda is your next destination.

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