The Golden Monkeys of the Virunga Mountains
Shot at 280mm @ f/5.6, 1/250s, ISO 64, EV -0.7
The Virunga Mountains is a series of volcanic peaks situated on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This range of eight major volcanoes reach a height of 4,500m at its highest point. These mountains covered in rainforest are the home of the endangered mountain gorilla. In addition, they are also the home of another, lesser known, endangered species of primates - the golden monkey.
Shot at 400mm @ f/5.6 1/2500s, ISO 320, EV -2
There are only an estimates 2000-3000 individuals remaining of this rather good looking and colourful species of monkey. Habitat loss and recent wars have affected their presence in this highly limited environment of bamboo-rich highlands forests. See the Primate Gallery for more photos of the golden monkeys.
Shot at 400mm @ f/5.6, 1/2000s, ISO 4500, EV -1.3
Locating these rather energetic and active monkeys is hard. Again, as we did on our chimp trek, we enlisted the help of the Ugandan Wildlife Authority whose excellent guides and spotters ensured we could locate the golden monkeys and spend an hour to observe and photograph them in their habitat.
Shot at 240mm @ f/5, 1/1600s, ISO 1250, EV -0.7
To reach the monkeys we trekked from the base station in the Mgahinga National Park on the Ugandan side of the Virunga mountains up to around 2,500m. Although the trek was uphill in the late morning’s increasing heat, it was well worth the effort. These monkeys are a bit special – unlike the many quite drab and not so good-looking monkey species. The golden monkeys are gorgeous. When the light catches the fur, it creates wonderful hues of gold and blue – which is rather spectacular.
Shot at 140mm @ f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 7200, EV -0.7
Photographing these highly mobile and active monkeys was tricky. The bamboo forest was dense and the contrast between dark jungle and strong sunlight a constant challenge. Often, the monkeys were high up in the trees against the bright sky. Add to that their mobility and constant movement through the trees, and it took a degree of patience to capture good images. The fur in the shadow came across a little bland, verging on brown and black’ish. However, the fur truly was transformed when it caught the sunlight, glowing wonderfully blue and orange-brown. That was the time to try to capture an image.
Shot at 280mm @ f/4, 1/640s, ISO 800, EV -1
The trek to see the golden monkeys was another excellent day in the beautiful mountains of south-western Uganda. It is well worth a visit. Many thanks to the UWA for their expertise, friendliness and patience as we photographed these beautiful creatures on the steep slopes of Mgahinga.
Shot at 280mm @ f/5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 1250, EV - 1
Shot at 240mm @ f/4, 1/1600s, ISO 900, EV -1
Shot at 400mm @ f/2.8, 1/800s, ISO 200, EV -1.7