If there is a region that is endowed with natural wonders then East Africa is one of them. Not only will you find savanna grassland wildlife like African elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards but also variety of forest dwellers including the striking golden monkeys. These are among a few most fascinating primate species you need not to miss to explore while on Uganda safari. These primate species belong to the old world monkey order and believed to be a sub species of the blue monkey.

Over 4000 to 5000 individuals of these incredible species still thrive today and they scientifically called cercopithecus kandti. They can easily be differentiated from the rest of the species using their golden orange patch on their backs and flanks. They are very attractive given their striking looks, playful and can be spotted the fact that they have been habituated and now used to human presence, quick moving and need you to be sharp while taking pictures, they come in small size with about 15 kilograms.

They derived their name from the long golden hair on their backs and undoubtedly a few most stunning creatures in the world. This category of primates is endangered species and their population today has kept on decreasing. They can be sighted in areas like;

Uganda

With only 3 areas where these rare creatures thrive from, Uganda is that one African state you need to visit to see these amazing natural wonders in the world while in their natural habitat. While on safari in Uganda, head off to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where these magnificent creatures dwell from.

The park is suitably located in southwestern Uganda just at the Albertine rift valley and also offers refuge to rare mountain gorillas. They can spotted within the park’s bamboo forest while you are on golden monkey trekking where you will have an hour of magical encounter with these dramatic creatures or golden monkey habituation experience. It allows you to spend four hours of magical encounter with these unique primates after nearly the whole day of hiking through the jungles of Mgahinga National Park. They can be tracked within the park’s three Virunga Mountains.

The park can be reached within three hours’ drive from Kigali and about 8-9 hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe. To be part of this adventure you need to pack appropriately starting with essentials first especially day pack, waterproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirts or t-shirts, packed lunch, bottled water or two if you are heading for golden monkey habituation experience, hat, camera and many others.

Rwanda

In Rwanda, you can explore more about the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park which lies in the northwestern side of the country and for visitors on gorilla safari; they can combine the two and will have ultimate primate adventure. There is no habituation experience in Volcanoes National Park however, 2 groups of these striking creatures have been habituated and open for visitors to track. This park is 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city. Permits for tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda cost $100 per person.

Golden monkeys are also found within the Virunga National Park and some parts of Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, given the political situation in the DR Congo, you need to first find out or cross check with your embassy more on current security of DRC before your actual trip.

Conclusively, golden monkeys are a few most striking creatures you need not to miss to explore while on safari in Africa. While on gorilla safari, don’t miss to catch a glimpse at these amazing primates in Uganda and Rwanda.