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A golden monkey trek involves an exciting half-day hike in the Virunga mountains to visit a golden monkey troop. It is one of the top three primates sought after by tourists who go on safaris in Uganda and this primate is endemic to Central African forests. Here’s a little info on these endangered primates, where you can do the trek, how hard it is, what it costs, and why it’s so rewarding.

Golden monkeys derive their name from the golden patterns that make up parts of their bodies. Golden/orange colors can be seen in areas around their cheeks, backs and long tails. The golden patches are lighter on the female golden monkeys as compared to the male ones.

Physical Characteristics

Golden Monkeys of MgahingaThe statement ‘what you see is what you get’ probably originated from this. Or it was not a creative naming day. Golden monkeys are named after the way they look. With golden-orange patch straight from their long tail to its back and cheeks and some darker patches on the legs, arms and face giving them a weird but captivating look from the other primate animals in the wild.

The male monkey’s range between 48 and 67 centimeters and females 46 to 53 centimeters, rendering them slightly smaller. The males can weigh approximately 4.5 to 7 kg while the females go up to about 3.5 to 4.5 kg. In case you were expecting large animals, they are not.

Communicate using distinct sounds and facial expressions

These sounds can be made by male golden monkeys to communicate distress, when dealing with a threat or when intruders invade their territories. Young golden monkeys also make specific sounds to show submission towards the older members of the troop. The females will make sounds that are meant to show unity and content within the group.

Eagles are their main prey but they have a Long Lifespan given their small size

Golden monkey can live between 19 to 20 years in the wild. In captivity, golden monkeys usually live longer. Golden monkeys are small primates. The males weigh between 4.5 to 7 kilograms while the females weigh between 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms. Because of their small size, eagles prey on them whenever they can. Golden Monkeys are particularly vulnerable when it rains because they have difficulty seeing the direction of danger. The monkeys are also afraid of lightening.

Polygamous males

Golden monkey males’ mate with all the females in their troop. The females are the ones that initiate the mating process. After the mating process, it takes 5 months for a young one to be born. The young monkeys are groomed and nursed by their mothers for about two years when they reach maturity. Male golden monkeys leave the group to join other troops and start a new life. Young female golden monkeys often stay with their original families all their lives

Very social and playful primates

Golden monkeys are very social, playful, cute and cheeky primates. They are fun to watch in their natural habitats and that is why tourists love them. They live in groups which are made up of a few males with many females and their young ones. A dominant male heads each golden monkey group. The role of the dominant male is to protect his troop from danger and other rogue males. Females can also be seen guarding their territories especially when the dominant male is temporarily away from the group. Golden monkeys sleep in groups during their resting time for safety. They construct nest from bamboo and return to use it at the end of the day.

Herbivores Primates but also feed on insects

Golden monkeys feed on plant leaves, flowers, shoots and roots from selected species of plants. One of their favorite plants is the bamboo tree. Golden monkeys enjoy bamboo leaves and shoots more than any other foliage. They developed a taste for bamboo as a result of living in mountainous areas. Mountain slopes support the growth of bamboo vegetation. Golden monkeys also enjoy wild fruits which grow seasonally in the forests. Fruits offer them the opportunity to diversify their usual diets of foliage. Apart from fruits and bamboo, golden monkeys also occasionally feed on worms/insects.

Want to spend longer with a troop?

If you’re all about the animals and an hour just isn’t enough, then you can opt for a golden monkey habituation experience, which costs more but lets you spend four hours with a troop.

For most people, the regular golden monkey trek is sufficient. But for those with a special interest in primates, it might be worth the extra spend to be able to linger in their presence and really observe the troop’s behaviors over a longer period of time.

Note that on a habituation experience the golden monkeys might be shy. This is because you’re dealing with a troop that is in the process of becoming habituated to the presence of humans.

Do I need to be fit for the trek?

Yes, you need to be walking fit to manage a golden monkey trek comfortably. Precisely how far or long you have to hike depends on the location of the troop on the day that you’re visiting.

On the trek you’re going to be walking first through farmland and then up and down narrow, steep, rocky and often muddy forest paths. You won’t, however, climb as high as the subalpine or moorland zone.

Note that you can hire the services of a porter for the trek if you like. Not only will your porter carry your backpack, but they’ll also hold your hand on tricky sections of the trail if you like. So, we recommend you give the trek a try even if you’re nervous of slippery forest trails; just ensure you’re capable of hiking for a few hours at a reasonable pace.

In conclusion

Golden monkeys are generally very playful and they are a joy to look at. Most people who come to Uganda and Rwanda to track golden monkeys usually bundle it up with a wildlife and gorilla trekking safari.

For those who are fascinated with primates, the highlight of Uganda and Rwanda safari is usually seeing chimps, gorillas, golden monkeys and the other primate species like baboons, colobuses and L’ Hoest monkeys. Here is a 20 Days Primate Expedition through the great lakes region where you can meet upclose and personal with the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees.