Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park; The Volcanoes National Park is one of the finest Rwanda safari destination because of being a home to great mountain gorillas as well as active golden monkeys. Volcanoes National Park is among the few parks in East African countries where you can encounter the golden monkeys, such countries Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo and are an endemic species to the Virunga region.
Facts, Golden monkey is a sub-species of the Sykes Monkey, also known as the Blue Monkey. These monkeys live in big groups of up to 60 individuals in a family.
They are easily differentiated by the bright orange fur spread out all over their bodies.
Golden monkeys feed on fruits bamboo shoots and small insects and spend most of their swinging from one tree branch to another.
The experience is quite enjoyable and worth a visit.
More so, the Golden monkeys are listed as an endangered species on the International Union of Conservation of Nature ‘’IUCN’’ just like the endangered mountain gorillas whose population are approximately to be around 1100 individual left in the world. Yet, the golden monkey species estimates to be about 5,000 individual left in the whole world and they only exist in the Virunga ranges. More to that, the Virunga ranges are a chain of volcanic mountains spread out along the border lines of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. There are 8 Virunga mountains.
The Virunga range mountains include; the Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamugira and all these are home to the golden monkeys and the critically mountain gorillas that live on their slopes.
Golden monkey species can only be found in four national park that is Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda, the Virunga National Park and the Kahuzi Beige National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
One choosing to trek golden monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo is quite unenjoyable activity due to insecurity concerns in the region, however, doing golden monkeys in the Mgahinga gorilla national park is an eventful and great experience as you get to do a 4-hour long habituation of these playful and active creatures.
Travelers who choose to do golden monkeys on a Uganda safari will enjoy ample time in the home of the golden monkeys. While doing golden monkey experience will be joined by researchers and skilled park ranger guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda is a great option activity recommended for tourists to partake in. Note, Rwanda is a secure country with no worries of visiting the park for the activity. More fact, trekking golden monkeys, unlike the mountain gorillas have no age limit which means every one interested can take part in it.
Golden monkey activity is quite memorable as you watch these active primates play around on the tree branches – it starts as early as 7:30am with a morning briefing a head of the experience and briefing is done at the park head offices. Then after, you will be escorted with park ranger to lead you in search for them. The moment you approach them, you will be given an hour to spend with them – watch them as they feed, play on tree branches as well as capturing videos for your future remembrance.
How easy to track the golden monkey is by spotting fresh leftovers of the bamboo shoots and when you meet them, you will notice them swing from one tree branch to another and the best way to capture an image is by putting your camera to fast shutter shot speed.
Golden monkeys of the Volcanoes National Park are habituated and this means are used to human presence whereby trackers will get to enjoy them.
A golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda is sold at USD100 per person per trek. It is advisable to book your valid permit in advance to avoid disappointment.
Lastly, Rwanda has got an incredible safari tour package, where you can include a golden monkey trek experience.
Get started now!
