TREKKING WITH GOLDEN MONKEYS VERSUS GORILLAS
Golden monkey trekking and the well-known gorilla trip are two amazing primate experiences that may be had in Africa's beautiful woods. Though they differ in terms of accessibility, the habits of the primates, and the difficulties they pose, both promise life-changing experiences.
The Journey:
Golden Monkeys: Although the actual voyage is comparable to that of gorillas, golden monkeys are frequently easier to locate because of their more dependable behaviors. Be prepared for a fun, active chase as they leap through the trees!
Gorillas: Mountain Gorillas move less and move more slowly. This makes walking more tranquil and occasionally makes taking pictures simpler.
The encounter:
Golden Monkeys: These energetic, playful animals are full of life. Be prepared to move fast to keep up with their antics, but expect near encounters.
Gorillas: Known for their social interactions and silent strength, gorillas are gentle giants. They are astounding in both size and presence.
Accessibility
Group Size: Golden monkey treks are less expensive than gorilla treks, which have restricted permits, and they can accommodate more people than gorilla treks.
Age: Participants in golden monkey trekking must be at least 12 years old. For both parents and teenagers, it's an amazing adventure. The upper age limit for gorilla trekking is fifteen years old.
Cost: Permits for golden monkeys are far less expensive than those for gorillas (Uganda: $250 versus $800, Rwanda: $100 versus $1500).
Which Should I Pick?
Golden monkeys are an excellent option if you're looking for an affordable, family-friendly, active primate adventure. Go on a gorilla trip if you've always wanted to get up close and personal with the fabled mountain gorillas, who are incredibly large and strong.
The Best Time to Trek with Golden Monkeys
Although you may hike to view golden monkeys all year round, the drier seasons (June to August and December to January) are the greatest times to see these stunning animals. The weather is nicer, the trails are cleaner, and you can appreciate their joyful antics without being distracted by the rain.
However, take caution—these dry seasons coincide with the busiest travel periods in Rwanda and Uganda. Golden monkey permits are easier to obtain, but it's still important to reserve your stay well in advance, particularly if you're visiting between June and September, since lodges fill up rapidly.
Are you feeling daring?
Think about the off-peak months of March through May and October through November. Rain, muddy paths, and a little mist in the woods are to be expected. The thrill of a more difficult climb, fewer tourists, and possible lodging savings, however, can make the trade-off worthwhile.
Your Essentials for Golden Monkey Trekking Packing
Comfort and safety should be the top priorities on your packing list because trekking to view golden monkeys requires traversing high-altitude woods. Consider it a lot like trekking with gorillas! What to pack is as follows:
Clothes & Shoes
Waterproof Hiking Boots: For rough terrain, pick boots with adequate ankle support.
Long-sleeved shirts and pants: Breathable, light materials shield against abrasions and insects.
Warm Sweater/Fleece: Ideal for cool lodge evenings.
A waterproof rain jacket is essential for erratic weather conditions.
Waterproof Backpack: To shield your equipment from precipitation.
Warm Socks: During the walk and in the evenings, keep your feet warm.
Observation and Photography
Even from a distance, capture those incredible golden monkey moments with a camera equipped with a zoom lens.
For up-close views, binoculars are a fantastic substitute or addition to a camera.
Extra Crucial Items
Hat: Protect yourself from the elements.
Use insect repellent to ward against mosquitoes and other pests.
Sunscreen: The sun is harsher at high altitudes, even on overcast days.
Reusable Water Bottle: Drink plenty of water when hiking.
Snacks: Fruit or energy snacks for an instant energy boost.
Safaris for Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
A few criteria determine whether to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda or Uganda. The travel to Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is typically shorter and easier from Kigali International Airport. The opportunity to trek both gorillas and golden monkeys in one place at a lower cost is the incentive for traveling the greater distance from Entebbe to Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda benefits from lower permit costs ($60) than Rwanda ($100). Depending on where the golden monkey group is located in both parks, the difficulty of the trek can change. Also, take into account local attractions: Rwanda has a thriving cultural scene in Kigali, while Uganda is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park and other wildlife reserves.
Your journey can quickly turn into an amazing multi-primate adventure, whether you're trekking to view golden monkeys in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park or Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The following ideas will help you make your journey even more remarkable:
Experience the Mountain Gorillas of Africa: Include a day of gorilla trekking in your schedule. Mountain gorillas provide a radically different but breathtaking wildlife encounter, even though they share the same habitat as golden monkeys.
Beyond the Virungas: Take into account these choices for a broader taste of safari in Africa:
Chimpanzee Trekking: Exciting opportunities to see chimpanzees can be found in Kibale Forest in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.
Safaris for Wildlife: Explore famous savannas like Kenya's Maasai Mara or Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park for traditional safari experiences.
Effortless Planning safari with Beyond Travel Africa
Let us handle the planning of your ideal safari in Africa. We will discover the ideal lodging and obtain those priceless permissions, tailoring your primate journey to your preferences and financial constraints. You are free to fully enjoy the experience and make lifelong memories with these amazing animals on our private, all-inclusive safaris.