Overview
Golden monkeys are one of the endangered primate species in Uganda, among the 20 primates found in Uganda. This positions golden monkeys as the only endemic to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The golden monkeys can also be found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. They are also found in Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Uganda is unique as it is the only place in Africa for golden monkey habituation.
Just like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are also endangered. Only about 3000-4000 individuals have been registered in all Virunga areas covering Uganda, DRC, and Rwanda. Uniquely, golden monkeys live in larger groups of over 40-100 individuals as compared to other primates. A group of golden monkeys is known as a troop, living under the leadership of a supreme male. The golden-colored primates feed on shoots and leaves of bamboo, lichens, small invertebrates such as snails and insects, among others, seasonal fruits, and edible flowers.
What is golden monkey habituation?
Golden monkey habituation is the process of training wild golden monkeys to get used to human presence. Golden monkey habituation is only possible in Mgahinga National Park in South-western Uganda. However, golden monkeys can be found even in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and in Virunga National Park of DRC.
The golden monkey habituation experience gets tourists actively involved with the researchers, rangers, and guides in the study of the golden monkeys. This experience begins with a briefing at the Ntebeko Visitors Centre. The 2-5-hour habituation search for the golden monkeys begins from Ntebeko Visitors Centre, into the rainforests, and depending on where you meet the habituated golden monkeys, you take strictly 4 hours studying and monitoring the golden monkeys.
Studying the shy golden monkeys involves giving them treatment for the injured, vaccinating them, watching the females breastfeed their young ones, some swinging from one tree branch to another among other golden monkey activities as you take pictures of these shy primates. The golden monkeys are very simple to deal with during habituation since they also habit 90% of a man’s DNA. They usually keep in low-altitude areas with permanent homesteads where they all gather in nests of 4 per troop to rest for the night. However, can still be found in high-altitude areas and those in high altitudes stay in smaller troops.
How special are Golden monkeys in Uganda?
Golden monkeys are very unique primates, call them “the shy apes” as they are very shy compared to all other primates, but so friendly after the habituation process. The golden monkeys are gorgeous to look at as they have brightly colored fur all over their body, a mixture of gold and orange marking them so attractive with that light black on them. The golden monkeys prefer the bamboo areas of the mountains where they are found since they mainly feed on the Bamboo leaves and shoots.
How much are golden monkey habituation permits?
The golden monkey habituation permits in Mgahinga cost 100 USD for foreign non-residents and 80 USD for foreign residents. East Africans pay UGX 100,000 for the same golden monkey habituation. This amount covers the entrance fee and is used to develop the communities around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This money is also invested back into the conservation of wildlife by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
When is the best time for a golden monkey habituation experience?
Golden monkey habituation experience is best done during the dry season. This runs from June to September and December to February, since there is less rainfall. The dry season has short grass, and trails are easy to maneuver through. The wet season makes it easiest to spot the golden monkeys in the bamboo areas. This is because in the wet season the bamboo is plentiful and the golden monkeys enjoy it in abundance. Wet seasons are also difficult for the habituation of the golden monkeys since the area is always very muddy.
Just when you thought gold was to land on, nature proves it has the best of it all. Explore the gorgeous golden monkey in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Be sure you shall yearn for gold no more other than the golden monkeys.