Golden Monkey Tracking
Journey into the misty bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes to track the rare, fast, and highly entertaining Golden Monkeys.
1 Hour
Viewing Time
Max 8 People
Group Limit
90%+
Success Rate
UWA Permit
Requirement
Where Gold Meets Silver
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is famously known as the place “where gold meets silver.” While visitors flock here to see the Silverback Mountain Gorillas, the park’s other great treasure is the endangered Golden Monkey.
Endemic to the Albertine Rift, these striking primates are characterized by their bright orange-gold bodies, cheeks, and tails, contrasting sharply with their black limbs. They live exclusively in the bamboo zones located on the lower slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Unlike the peaceful gorillas, Golden Monkeys are incredibly fast, playful, and agile. They leap constantly through the bamboo canopy, making them wildly entertaining to watch and a fantastic photographic challenge.
The Tracking Day
A step-by-step look at your morning inside the Virunga bamboo forests.
The Briefing
Your adventure begins at 08:00 AM at the Ntebeko Visitor Center in Mgahinga. UWA rangers will brief you on the rules of the park, how to behave around the monkeys, and what to expect during the hike up the volcano slopes.
The Bamboo Trek
The hike is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking. You will walk through the lower forests until you hit the bamboo zone (around 2,500m elevation). The guides follow the fresh trails of bamboo shoots, the monkeys’ favorite food.
The Encounter
Once you locate the habituated troop, you have exactly one hour. Be prepared to move! They constantly jump between bamboo stalks. Photographers will need a high shutter speed to capture their lightning-fast movements.
Need to Know Before You Go
UWA Permits Handled
Golden Monkey tracking requires a specialized permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. 6Summits seamlessly handles the procurement of these permits as part of your safari itinerary.
Photography Tips
Because they move rapidly through the shaded bamboo canopy, taking photos can be tricky. We recommend setting your camera to a fast shutter speed and bringing a lens that performs well in low light.
Specific Packing List
The bamboo forest is dense. You must wear sturdy hiking boots, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt and trousers to protect your skin from scratching against the rough bamboo stalks.
Add Tracking to Your Expedition
Combine your Rwenzori summit with a visit to the Virunga volcanoes.