Compare Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

Comparing gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Uganda is a quite challenging frequently asked question. These activities take you into the habitats of the primates. Both gorillas and golden monkeys live in the forested areas of the jungle. In Uganda, golden monkeys live in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On the other hand, gorillas live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In Uganda, only Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is where golden monkeys live with the mountain gorillas. During gorilla trekking in this park, travelers can see the mountain gorillas at the same time as the golden monkeys.

Gorillas are large and powerful primates with large bodies and face similar to that of human beings while golden monkeys are small primates with small faces. Golden monkeys are playful primates living in forested areas while gorillas are large primates living in families of about 6 to 30 members. Mountain gorillas live in the higher altitudes of the park while golden monkeys live in the relatively lower altitudes.

Gorilla trekking is a single session of the day that starts in the morning and a long session that takes about 4 to 8 hours of the day. On the other hand, Golden Monkey trekking has two sessions where one starting at 8:00 am and the other at 2 pm. Gorilla trekking is limited to 8 people per gorilla family while the golden monkey trekking goes up to 12 people per day. Gorilla trekking is quite expensive about 70 dollars to 800 dollars while the golden monkey trek is about 30 dollars to 100 dollars. Mountain gorillas are silver colored on their backs whereas golden monkeys are golden colored on their backs.

Which is more demanding, gorilla trekking or golden monkey trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a more demanding and challenging activity that requires travelers to be physically fit. This activity involves hiking through the dense, steep, and highland areas of the park. Gorilla trek covers a large distance and these primates are usually met in one place like the golden monkey which is one of the playful primates.

Can a traveler track gorillas and golden monkeys on the same day?

Travelers on their Uganda safaris cannot track gorillas and golden monkeys on the same day. Gorilla trekking needs more time about 2 to 8 hours of the day while the golden monkeys take about 4 to 5 hours of the day. Travelers are required to do these activities on different days due to the physical demands of travelers. Also, each activity is done in a different location like the gorilla trekking in the Bwindi impenetrable National Park and the golden monkey in the Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Can I see other wildlife during gorilla and golden monkey ?

Several wildlife species can be seen during the gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Some of this wildlife includes; colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, butterflies, bird species, forest elephants, forest antelopes, and many others.

What is the age restriction for golden monkey and gorilla trekking?

Golden monkey trekking has an age restriction of 12 years while gorilla trekking has an age restriction of 15 years or above. These age restrictions keep changing so travelers are required to get information from the tour operators for them to plan adequately.

Can the disabled do gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking?

The disabled can also do the gorilla and the golden monkey and gorilla trekking. This kind of traveler is always transported on African helicopters which are operated by 6 potters. This kind of activity is quite expensive for this kind of traveler and they enjoy the activity while in the air. The potters are the main means of transport operating the flight for the disabled.

What are the trekking rules for these activities?

The trekking rules of the gorillas and the chimpanzee are similar and travelers need to follow them to ensure successful trekking.

These rules include;

Do not feed the primates.
Do not eat near the primates.
Travelers have to maintain a distance of 7 meters while viewing these primates
Travelers are not allowed to use flashlight cameras.
Travelers are required to be physically fit for the trek.
Travelers are also supposed to put on a face mask before going for the gorilla trekking.

Where else can travelers do gorilla and golden monkey safaris?

These activities can also be done in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the parks include;

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is found in the Virunga region in the western region of Rwanda at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In this park, all the two activities can be done by travelers on different occasions. The park is known for gorilla conservation works which were aimed at fighting poachers under the late Dian Fossey. Also, the park hosts the Karisoke Research Center which many researchers use to understand more about mountain gorillas.

Virunga National Park

This park is located on the eastern side of the democratic republic of Congo. The park was considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The park is home to several mountain gorillas which travelers can encounter during the gorilla trekking. Accessing the park for gorilla trekking is through the Kigali International Airport and then through the Goma town.

What is the best time for golden monkey and gorilla trek tours in Uganda?

Uganda is open for travelers who are planning gorilla and golden monkey tours throughout the year. During the dry season which is the best time June to September and December to February. In this period of the year, the area is more clear and dry for travelers to see the gorillas and golden monkeys. The tracks of the park are more clear and not muddy or slippery. Travelers can also engage in the gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the wet season. During this season, there is less traffic in the park and travelers take enough time to enjoy the activity.