Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda is an incredible experience that allows you to encounter one of the rarest primates in the world.  The Golden monkeys are found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in southwestern Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a thrilling experience as you will grab a chance to watch these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The Golden Monkeys are an endangered primate species and there are 3000 – 4000 individuals left in the world.

These colorful primates are fascinating to watch in the wild! Golden Monkeys live in large groups of up to 100 individuals, usually led by the Alpha male. Trekking these amazing primates is an easier option compared to mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees. Golden Monkeys do not move often and spend considerable time in a single location, unlike mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees. They are vegetarians and usually feed on bamboo leaves, seasonal fruits, flowers, sprouts, leaves, and lichens.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda is an adventurous safari activity that involves travelers hiking in the forest in search of the endangered Golden Monkeys in their natural habitat. This amazing tracking experience offers opportunities for travelers to witness one of the rarest primate species on their tour to Uganda. Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga usually starts early morning at around 8:00 a.m. with a briefing at the park headquarters. You will then be led by a professional ranger guide to the forest to search for these primates.

Golden monkey trekking usually takes place in small groups accompanied by experienced guides. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the golden monkeys on that particular day. The activity is restricted and only those above the age of 12 can participate in it.

Golden Monkey trekking permits

For you to be able to trek golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll need to obtain a permit. Permits can be obtained directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through making bookings with a reputable tour operator like Acacia Safaris Limited. It’s recommended to book your permit in advance, as the number of permits issued each day is limited. The permit costs around USD 60 for foreign non-residents and residents. East African citizens can pay around UGX40,000 for Golden Monkey Trekking Permits.

In addition to regular trekking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also offers habituation experiences. These longer treks allow you to spend more time with the monkeys, observe their behavior, and gain a deeper understanding of their natural habitat. The Golden Monkey habituation permits cost up to USD 100 per permit for foreign non-residents and residents, and UGX100,000 for East African citizens.

Best time to go golden monkey trekking in Uganda

Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda can be done all year round although some months of the year are more recommended than others. The best time to go golden monkey trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which are from December to February and June to September. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the weather is generally pleasant.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The park is accessible by road, and the closest major town is Kisoro. It’s approximately a 9-hour drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Alternatively, you can fly to Kigali, Rwanda, and then drive for around 3-4 hours to reach the park.

Packing list

It’s important to pack appropriate clothing for the trek, including long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, sturdy hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. You should also carry essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a small backpack for water and snacks.

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