Golden Monkey
Trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Watch these brilliantly coloured, acrobatic primates leap through the bamboo canopy of the Virunga volcanoes — found nowhere else on Earth.
About Golden Monkeys
The Jewel of the Virunga Bamboo Forest
The golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) is one of Africa's most striking primates — a subspecies of the blue monkey distinguished by its vivid orange-gold back, contrasting sharply with its black limbs, crown, and tail. It is an Albertine Rift endemic, found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Massif, which straddles Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only place to trek habituated golden monkeys. The park's bamboo zone — which covers the lower slopes of the Virunga volcanoes — is the heart of golden monkey territory, and treks here offer spectacular views of the monkeys feeding on bamboo shoots, leaping between stems, and grooming each other in the dappled forest light.
Golden monkey trekking is shorter and less physically demanding than gorilla trekking, making it ideal for families, older travellers, or those acclimatising before a gorilla trek. The permit is also significantly cheaper at $60 USD per person, and many visitors combine both experiences on the same day.
Groups of golden monkeys can number 30–80 individuals, and once you find them, the energy is extraordinary — dozens of brilliantly coloured monkeys moving through the bamboo in every direction, completely at ease with human observers.
At a Glance
- LocationMgahinga Gorilla NP, Uganda
- DurationHalf day (1–3 hr trek)
- Time with monkeys1 hour
- Group sizeMax 8 visitors
- DifficultyEasy–Moderate
- Altitude2,227–2,800 m (bamboo zone)
- Permit cost$60 USD per person
- Best monthsYear-round
- Combine withGorilla trekking (same day)
The Experience
What to Expect on a Golden Monkey Trek
Morning (7–8 am)
Briefing at Park HQ
Arrive at the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger station for a briefing on golden monkey behaviour, photography guidelines, and trekking rules. Your guide will share the latest tracking information.
1–3 hours
Trek into the Bamboo Zone
Set off into the bamboo forest on the lower slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The terrain is gentler than gorilla trekking — mostly well-defined trails through dense bamboo thickets.
Variable
Finding the Troop
Golden monkeys move quickly through the bamboo canopy. When your guide locates the troop, you'll hear them before you see them — a chorus of calls and the rustling of bamboo stems.
1 hour
Time with the Monkeys
Spend one hour with the golden monkey troop — watching them feed on bamboo shoots, leap between stems, groom each other, and play. Groups can number 30–80 individuals, so the experience is wonderfully immersive.
Late morning
Return & Certificate
Trek back to the ranger station and receive your golden monkey trekking certificate. The morning finish leaves the afternoon free for gorilla trekking, a Batwa cultural experience, or relaxing at your lodge.
Book a Safari
Tours Including Golden Monkey Trekking
Tour Packages
Tour Packages Including Golden Monkey Trekking
These packages include your golden monkey permit, guide, accommodation, and all transfers — fully arranged.
Also in Kisoro
More Things to Do
Kisoro is one of Uganda's most activity-rich destinations. Combine experiences to make the most of your time.
FAQ
Golden Monkey Trekking Questions
How much does a golden monkey permit cost in Uganda?
A golden monkey trekking permit for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs $60 USD per person — significantly less than a gorilla permit. We include permit booking in all our Mgahinga tour packages.
Where can I see golden monkeys in Uganda?
Golden monkeys are found only in the Virunga Massif. In Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only place to trek habituated golden monkeys. They can also be seen in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.
Can I combine golden monkey and gorilla trekking in the same day?
Yes — this is one of the great advantages of Mgahinga. Many visitors do golden monkey trekking in the morning and gorilla trekking in the afternoon on the same day. Both permits must be booked in advance.
Is golden monkey trekking suitable for children?
Yes — golden monkey trekking is more accessible than gorilla trekking, with shorter, less strenuous trails. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, but golden monkey trekking has no minimum age requirement.
What is the best time of year for golden monkey trekking?
Golden monkey trekking is available year-round. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best trail conditions, but the wet season brings lush green bamboo and fewer visitors.
Ready to Trek Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga?
We handle permits, accommodation, and guides. Combine with gorilla trekking for the ultimate Mgahinga day.