The golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) is a species of Old World monkey found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, including four national parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It is restricted to highland forest, especially near bamboo.
This species was previously thought to be a subspecies of the blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis), and the two are similar overall, but the golden monkey has a golden-orange patch on the upper flanks and back.
Not much is known about the golden monkey’s behaviour. It lives in social groups of up to 30 individuals. Its diet consists mainly of bamboo, leaves and fruit, though it is also thought to eat insects.
Due to the gradual destruction of their habitat and recent wars in their limited habitat, the golden monkey is listed as endangered on the IUCN.
Uganda’s only park for Golden Monkey Trekking is Mgahinga National Park, this endangered species of Golden Monkey Trekking – Mgahinga Gorilla Parkmonkeys numbers around 3000 to 4000 according to a 2003 survey. One must keep in mind that the beautiful Monkeys only exist in the Bamboo Forests of the Virunga Volcanoes – nowhere else in the world.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda – the best park to trek the Golden Monkeys. There are more Golden Monkeys to be found. You can do the 4-hour Habituation Experience, which is a near all-day Trek compared to 4 hours for the regular trek here.
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is close to especially the South-End of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Rushaga, and Nkuringo areas meaning that Gorilla Trekkers can easily add on Golden Monkey Tracking in the park.
Golden Monkey Tracking Fees In Mgahinga
- Foreign Non Resident $60
- Foreign Resident $60
- East African Citizens $40,000
- Excludes Park Entrance
Golden Monkey Experience Fees In Mgahinga
- Foreign Non Resident $100
- Foreign Resident $100
- East African Citizens $100,000
- Excludes Park Entrance