Golden Monkey

The golden monkey is a type of monkey found in Mgahinga National Park in southwest Uganda. It lives mainly in highland forests, especially around bamboo. The golden monkey is similar to the blue monkey but has a distinctive golden-orange patch on its sides and back. It’s a small, curious monkey that enjoys climbing and playing in the trees.

You can track golden monkeys in the tropical rainforests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are two groups of these monkeys that are used to humans. You can join researchers in the morning or afternoon to follow the golden monkeys and spend four hours observing them. Many travelers book a four-day tour that includes both gorilla trekking and golden monkey watching. This gives you the chance to see these little monkeys up close and learn about their behavior in their natural environment, making your trip to Mgahinga unforgettable.

The cost of a permit for golden monkey tracking is $140. The treks start in the morning from the park headquarters and include four hours with the monkeys, park entry fees, and a guide.

Behavior

Golden monkeys live in groups that can range from three to 62 monkeys. Groups at higher elevations tend to be smaller. After feeding during the day, they usually return to the same sleeping area, often in small groups of four. They sleep at the top of bamboo plants, using dense bamboo or several plants woven together to make a safe place to rest. They often feed near their sleeping area and return to the same spot each night.

Diet

Golden monkeys mainly eat young bamboo leaves, fruits, bamboo shoots, flowers, and shrubs. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning their diet changes depending on what’s available. When fruit is ripe, they tend to eat more fruit. They may also eat flowers and shrubs when they’re in season. Bamboo is their main food because it’s available year-round.