While exploring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, I had the rare opportunity to observe golden monkeys in their natural habitat. These primates, with their distinct golden fur and lively energy, are one of Uganda’s unique wildlife treasures. Watching them jump and play in the trees was mesmerizing – flashes of gold and rustling leaves filling the air as they swung from branch to branch, completely at ease in the treetops.
Golden monkeys are an endangered species, found only in the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Mountains, which span Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park is one of the few places where these monkeys can still be seen in the wild, as their population has been impacted by deforestation and habitat loss over the years. Conservation efforts have been ongoing to protect these vibrant primates and their ecosystem, making it possible for visitors to witness these agile creatures up close.
Standing in the heart of their habitat, surrounded by their playful calls, I felt grateful for the work being done to preserve this species. It was a true privilege to experience the golden monkeys in a place as rich in biodiversity and history as Mgahinga, and a reminder of the importance of protecting these rare ecosystems for future generations.
