Golden monkeys are one of East Africa’s most strikingly colourful primates, found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga volcano range, split between Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Where gorilla trekking is slow and deliberate, golden monkey trekking is fast-paced — the troops move constantly through the bamboo, chattering and leaping between stems, making it one of the more energetic primate encounters in the region.
Where to Trek Golden Monkeys
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda’s habituated golden monkey troop can number over 80 individuals, making for a genuinely lively encounter. Treks start from park headquarters near Musanze, typically shorter and at lower altitude than gorilla treks in the same park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Uganda’s smallest national park, on the border with Rwanda and DR Congo, also hosts a habituated golden monkey troop, making it possible to combine gorilla and golden monkey trekking entirely within Uganda without crossing a border.
What a Golden Monkey Permit Costs
Roughly 100 US dollars per person in either country — around a twelfth of the cost of a Rwanda gorilla permit — which is why most travellers add it onto an existing gorilla itinerary rather than booking it as a standalone trip.
How the Trek Works
Treks begin with a briefing at park headquarters, followed by a walk into the bamboo zone, generally shorter and less physically demanding than gorilla trekking. Once the troop is located, visitors get a full hour of observation time, watching the monkeys feed on bamboo shoots and leaves, groom, and move as a group through the canopy.
Best Paired With
Golden monkey trekking fits naturally onto a 4-day or longer Rwanda gorilla itinerary, or a Uganda itinerary that includes Mgahinga. Because it’s a shorter, lower-altitude activity, it also works well as a lighter second day immediately after a demanding gorilla trek.
Ready to Add Golden Monkeys to Your Trip?
Get in touch and we’ll build it into your Rwanda or Uganda itinerary alongside gorilla trekking.