Golden Monkey
1. Introduction
1.1 Overview of Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkey tracking is an exhilarating adventure that takes enthusiasts into the heart of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Where they can observe and interact with one of the world’s most charming and endangered primate species – the golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti). These remarkable creatures are characterized by their vibrant golden coats. Playful antics, and unique social structures, making them a captivating subject for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
1.2 Importance of Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Forest
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and diverse habitats. Ranging from montane forests to bamboo groves and volcanic peaks. Among its many inhabitants, the golden monkey holds a special significance as one of the park’s flagship species. As an endangered primate species endemic to the Albertine Rift region, the presence of golden monkeys in Mgahinga underscores the area’s conservation importance and highlights the need for sustainable management practices to safeguard their habitat.
2. Preparation for Golden Monkey Tracking
2.1 Obtaining Permits and Reservations
Before embarking on a golden monkey tracking expedition in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it is essential to secure the necessary permits and make reservations in advance. Permits for golden monkey tracking can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized tour operators. Due to limited availability and high demand, it is advisable to book permits well in advance to ensure availability on preferred dates.
2.2 Necessary Equipment and Clothing
When preparing for golden monkey tracking, it is crucial to pack appropriate gear and clothing to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout the excursion. Essential items to bring include sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction for navigating uneven terrain. Lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. A hat or cap to shield from the sun, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent. A small backpack to carry essentials such as water, snacks, and camera equipment. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, as rain showers are common in the rainforest environment of Mgahinga.
2.3 Safety Guidelines and Precautions
While golden monkey tracking is a rewarding experience, it is essential to prioritize safety and adhere to established guidelines to minimize risks and ensure an enjoyable outing for all participants. Before setting out on the trail. Visitors receive a safety briefing from experienced guides, who provide instructions on hiking etiquette, wildlife encounters, and emergency procedures. Some key safety guidelines and precautions to keep in mind include:
- Stay with the group: Always remain with your designated tracking group and follow the instructions of your guide to avoid getting lost or separated from the rest of the party.
- Keep a safe distance: While observing golden monkeys, maintain a respectful distance to avoid causing stress or disturbance to the animals. Adhere to the recommended viewing distance provided by your guide and avoid approaching or touching the monkeys.
- Respect wildlife and habitat: Treat the natural environment and its inhabitants with respect, refraining from littering, feeding wildlife. Engaging in behavior that may disrupt their natural behaviors. Preserve the pristine beauty of Mgahinga by leaving no trace of your visit and minimizing your impact on the ecosystem.
- Be aware of surroundings: Stay vigilant and mindful of your surroundings while hiking. Watching for potential hazards such as uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, or low-hanging branches. Be cautious when traversing steep slopes or crossing streams, and always watch your step to avoid accidents or injuries.
- Stay hydrated and nourished: Carry an ample supply of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the tracking excursion. Take regular breaks to rest, rehydrate, and refuel, especially in hot and humid conditions, to prevent dehydration and fatigue.
By adhering to these safety guidelines and precautions, visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable golden monkey tracking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Immersing themselves in the natural wonders of this biodiverse wilderness while contributing to conservation efforts aimed at protecting the golden monkeys and their habitat.
3. Golden Monkey Tracking Experience
Use a formal tone in your response. Consider wearing khaki clothes and gray hoods. Tend to anger the golden monkey, and remember to wear a rain jacket and appropriate footwear for the hike. A packed lunch and mineral water are essential for this trip. Your trek will take you through three different vegetation zones: Bamboo (2400-2800m), Hagenia, and Hypericum. You will get quite muddy, and the temperature and weather can change very rapidly. It can get quite cool by the afternoon.
The golden monkeys are quite mobile and they move around quite a bit, so the time required to track them varies. Although you can reasonably expect to find them within 3-4 hours. Once you locate them, you will spend a maximum of one hour with them. You are not permitted to get within 7 meters of them. The monkeys are very curious and will try to get closer to you.
They often pass you at very close range, which can lead to spectacular photographic opportunities! Located in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mgahinga Park is very scenic with stunning views of the volcanoes and the rift valley. Crossing the park’s various rivers and swamps will be a challenge. But an even greater challenge will be holding back the rangers. Who love to teach you (in true mountain hiking style) about all of the park’s scenery and animals!
This completely untouched environment is what East Africa used to be like a century ago. All of this combined with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and photograph the golden monkeys makes for an incredible day!
3.1 Meeting the Golden Monkey Guides
As previously mentioned, trekkers and trackers in Mgahinga Forest receive a comprehensive orientation about their tracked species. Possible threats to the park’s inhabitants, and rules and regulations regarding the park’s habituated groups. After signing in at park headquarters, tourists are divided into groups of no more than eight individuals and paired with a guide and guard. All guides at Mgahinga Forest are specifically trained in the ecology and conservation of the park and its wildlife.
Those tracking the golden monkeys will often be accompanied by John Barigye, the gazetted golden monkey guide for Mgahinga Conservation. George Owoyesigire, the park’s warden for research and monitoring. Tracking guides and research personnel maintain a network of informers throughout the park. Often know the whereabouts of the habituated golden monkey troops better than the monkeys themselves. These guides will provide detailed information about golden monkey behavior and ecology. The circumstances under which the specific group the tourists are visiting was habituated.
They will also provide detailed explanations of each monkey activity observed during the day and information on the unique individuals within the group. In addition, guides will provide general information on the ecology of Mgahinga Forest itself and threats to its ecosystem. This is a far different learning experience than tourists will obtain while tracking other primates in Uganda. But one that is likely more positive given the social nature of the golden monkey and its relative ease of viewing.
3.2 Trekking through Mgahinga Forest
Before you start, it must be noted that Golden Monkeys move in the lower bamboo zone, which is a wide altitudinal range. This generally means that Golden Monkey trekking is less strenuous than Gorilla trekking and should not take more than 4 hours. The chances of viewing the Golden Monkeys are also higher than observing the Gorillas.
During the dry season, when the Golden Monkey’s food is more plentiful, they range far and wide through the forest. When the rains come and their food is readily available even at the lower levels of the park. At times they have been known to stray to the park boundary and even into the adjacent community farmland. This makes tracking the Golden Monkeys a more flexible activity than Gorilla tracking.
3.3 Observing and Interacting with Golden Monkeys
The monkeys are fascinated by human clothing and will often approach to touch or tug on the clothing for inspection. This is harmless and you should not be alarmed by such behavior. The guides will give you a maximum of 1 hour to view and photograph the monkeys. Flash photography is not allowed and it is advisable to use a camera with a high-speed film.
This is because the monkeys are constantly moving and playing, and it can be very hard to get good photographs. A fast film and camera will ensure you get the best possible photographs of your encounter. A camera trap is also very useful and the guides can help you to set this up in an area which the monkeys frequent. This way you can get shots of the monkeys when you are not present. It is much less intrusive for them.
Though there may be a temptation to interact with the monkeys, you should always keep a respectful distance. Passengers you are not to eat near the monkeys or even drink in their vicinity. This minimizes the risk of food or drink being taken from a passenger by a monkey. Which can be harmful as the monkeys are unaware of the risk of consuming substances such as sugar or alcohol. Should a monkey approach you, simply move a few meters away so that it feels comfortable.
3.4 Photography and Filming Tips
Given the low light conditions in Mgahinga, it is important for those who genuinely wish to achieve quality results to have a camera allowing for manual adjustment. Disposable and compact cameras are easy to use, but unfortunately most struggle in anything other than really bright conditions. Along with a sturdy tripod to enable photography of the golden monkey within the respiratory forest understorey.
Monkeys are constantly on the move, so the lens to look for is one with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Vibration Reduction (VR). Wildlife photography often requires fast shutter speeds to freeze movement with often means higher ISO settings for increased light sensitivity. Do not be afraid to increase ISO in order to obtain faster shutter speeds. Most modern SLRs are capable of ISO settings of up to around 1600 before picture quality significantly deteriorates.
Be conscious to distance the sensor and flash from the lens to avoid the deleterious eyeshine effect that is particularly prominent in monkeys. Send the flash to ‘forced off’ mode to negate this possibility. Due to the low light conditions, be sure to carry adequate battery power and memory storage.
With digital photography it is possible to take a higher quantity of pictures to ensure at least a few are decisive moment shots. Finally, do not forget to carry your infrared remote control and lens cleaning equipment to achieve even better picture quality.
