Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Golden Monkeys are not only beautiful but rare primate species only found on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes which is shared between Rwanda, Uganda and DR. Congo.
In Uganda, golden monkey tracking is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in South Western Uganda, this exciting activity involves moving on foot into the forest in search of the habituated golden monkey families and allows you to spend one hour in their natural habitat.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in Southwestern Uganda in Kisoro District and is the only protected area in Uganda that harbors the endangered and rare golden monkeys.
Golden monkeys can also be found in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, Virunga national park of DR.Congo, these three parks belong to the Virunga Conservation Area. Another protected where the golden monkeys can be found is Kahuzi Beiga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Golden monkeys are very active and playful primates always jumping from one tree to another, these primates feed on bamboo shoots, branches, ripe fruits and insects.
Golden Monkey Trekking Experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an interest activity offering visitors with an encounter with the playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat that is in the bamboo vegetation.
Golden monkey trekking starts with briefing at the park’s headquarters about the rules and regulations to follow, with experienced guide you will enter into the forests in search for golden monkeys. The trek takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located as they move from one place to another in search of food.
Golden monkeys are small in size and because of this, they do not leave behind clear evidence of their previous day’s location like the mountain gorilla do, therefore during trekking you will lookout for fresh leftovers of bamboo shoots and leaves. Once the golden monkey troop is located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat giving you a chance to take photos, learn about their behaviors, and watch them jump from one tree to another among others.
Cost of golden monkey trekking permit
To participate in golden monkey trekking, you need to have a permit which a document is issued to any tourists above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a golden monkey in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
A golden monkey trekking permit costs
- USD 60 for foreign non-residents
- USD 60 for foreign residents
- UGX 40,000 for East African Citizens
The price of golden monkey trekking permit includes park entrance fees, one hour encounter with the golden monkeys and services of a park guide.
How to book a Golden Monkey Trekking Permit
Golden monkey permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can booked through a tour company, previous visitors could book their permits directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority from their offices or by sending them an email. However it is no longer possible.
Best time to go golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be done any time of the year, however the best time for to do this thrilling activity is during the dry/peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February.
These months are dry season and the hiking trails will be passable and the vegetation cover is thin offering you an opportunity to clearly view the golden monkeys and other wildlife species.
What to carry on a golden monkey trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
To enjoy your experience, you need the right items for the experience and these include
- Insect repellents to protect you from insect bites
- Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm
- Carry long stockings to prevent insects from entering your trousers
- Comfortable and well-fitting hiking boots to help you hiking on slippery trails
- Walking stick to give you support
- Energy snacks such as chocolate and drinking
- Camera and extra batteries to takes photos and record videos with