Golden Monkeys in the heart of Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park: The Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable destination in Rwanda, renowned for its captivating mountain gorillas that call this stunning landscape home. The Volcanoes National Park is a vibrant habitat for various primates, with the golden monkeys being among the most frequently spotted. The golden monkeys inhabit two other countries: Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and they are an endemic species of the Virunga region.
The Golden monkey is a fascinating sub-species of the Sykes Monkey, often referred to as the Blue Monkey. These monkeys often thrive in large family groups, sometimes numbering as many as 60 individuals. Their vibrant orange fur blankets their bodies, making them stand out effortlessly. The golden monkeys enjoy a diet of fruits, bamboo shoots, and small insects, and they spend their time energetically swinging from one tree branch to another. During a golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, it is best to immerse yourself in the moment rather than focusing on capturing a photo, as it can be quite challenging.
The Golden monkeys are classified as an endangered species by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), much like the mountain gorillas, whose population is estimated to be around just 1,000 remaining in the world. The golden monkeys number around 5,000 individuals remaining in the world, exclusively found in the Virunga ranges. The Virunga ranges consist of a series of volcanic mountains that stretch along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, featuring a total of eight majestic peaks.
The Virunga Range Mountains include the majestic Mount Karisimbi, the towering Mount Mikeno, the impressive Mount Muhabura, the stunning Mount Bisoke, the enchanting Mount Sabinyo, the captivating Mount Gahinga, as well as the formidable Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamulagira. These peaks are not just breathtaking; they are also the vibrant habitat of golden monkeys and the magnificent mountain gorillas that thrive on their slopes.
Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Exploring the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Only four national parks offer the chance to encounter the golden monkeys: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Trekking golden monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not a fully developed tourism activity mainly due to security concerns in the region. However, trekking golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers an exhilarating experience, allowing you to engage in a 4-hour long habituation with these playful and fascinating creatures. The trekkers who choose to embark on a journey to encounter golden monkeys during a Uganda safari will relish the opportunity to spend plenty of time in the realm of these enchanting creatures, surrounded by their authentic environment. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey alongside researchers and expert ranger guides, all led by the adept trackers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda offers an exhilarating experience, as the activity is well-established for tourists to enjoy. The Rwandan government, in collaboration with Volcanoes National Park, operates with remarkable organization, ensuring that the country is a safe haven, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your activities without concern. Trekking golden monkeys offers an experience that welcomes adventurers of all ages, allowing anyone interested to join in the excitement.
The golden monkey trek is an exhilarating full-day experience that kicks off as early as 7:30 am with a morning briefing at the Volcanoes National Park offices. Here, you will learn about what lies ahead on your journey and the expected code of conduct while exploring the enchanting forest. You have the opportunity to enlist a porter to assist with any extra luggage if necessary, so grab your hiking stick and venture into the forest.
Embarking on a trek to encounter golden monkeys offers a swifter experience than the journey to meet mountain gorillas, as you will find the golden monkeys in less time than it takes to reach their majestic counterparts. This doesn’t mean it is a simple task, as it requires effort and enthusiasm, given that they do not leave behind traces of their presence. One way to track the golden monkeys is by spotting fresh leftovers of the bamboo shoots. When you encounter them, you will see them swinging from one tree branch to another. The best way to capture an image might be by setting your camera to a fast shutter speed.
The golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park are accustomed to human presence, allowing you to observe them without fear, enhancing your experience with these remarkable creatures. Experience an exhilarating hour with the golden monkeys of Rwanda, and explore a variety of safari packages that feature an unforgettable golden monkey trek. A permit for trekking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is available for 100 USD per person, and it is wise to secure one ahead of time to prevent any last-minute letdowns.
