The golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) are uncommon and exceptional and similar to the mountain gorillas, the golden monkeys are only be seen in 3 countries which are Uganda, Rwanda and Congo in the lower slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. Generally the Golden monkeys weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, and their bodies have a golden body with black limbs, and a crown on the heads.
The total population of Golden Monkeys in Uganda remains unclear although researchers consider that they are in greatly reducing even within the protected regions unlike the Mountain Gorillas which today are increasing. These monkeys are subjected to similar challenges as the mountain gorillas such as human encroachment, traps majorly set for antelopes as well as humans entering their natural habitat as they search for firewood plus herbs.
Several people travel to Uganda to majorly to visit the areas inhabited by the internationally famed mountain gorillas, however their small cousin the fascinating Golden Monkey also offer a remarkable wildlife experience especially since they are found very close by.
An opportunity to track the Golden Monkeys only costs just half the price of tracking the mountain gorillas and presents very enjoyable and exciting experiences as you trail these impressive little animals. Similar to Chimpanzees as well as mountain gorillas, the golden monkeys too have been habituated and for that reason they are very accustomed to human presence and will actually carry on with their day to day activities as stand marveling at them.
With Mgahinga Gorilla National Park you safari to track these monkeys will be led by a guide and the tracking is done in small groups of people and will take you through the montane bamboo-forest on the slopes of the grand volcanoes.
Although Golden Monkeys are somewhat challenging to capture on camera we recommend that you use rapid shutter speed plus low light because you will be the thick verdant forest so this will give you better snap shots.
tracking the Golden Monkey is a very lively encounter that shouldn’t be missed specifically by persons hoping to also track Gorillas or Chimpanzees in Uganda. visitors are allowed to spend at most one hour with the golden monkeys marveling at them at a very close distance within their green natural habitat. You can see them play in the verdant bamboo forest, see the mothers carry for their young and feeding on young bamboo leaves without even minding that people are watching them
Similar to gorilla tracking, tracking of golden monkey in Uganda begins at 8 am with an briefing and latter setting off into the verdant wild a small group led by a guide(s), trekking through the Bamboo Forests as you look for the Golden Monkeys. As you walk through the forest you will come across other mammals, birds and various butterfly species. The time it will take for you to finally find the monkeys is unpredictable but on finding them you will be marveled at their exceptional beauty.
